5
5th for Physics and Astronomy
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (2023)
5
5th for Physics
The Guardian University Guide (2023)
10
10th for Physics
The Complete University Guide (2023)
Our MPhys Physics with Astrophysics degree develops your understanding of the relationship between the physical laws of the universe and the astrophysical and cosmological domains. The specialist teaching is informed by our world-leading activities in space and planetary science, observational astrophysics and particle cosmology, and culminates in an individual investigative research project and advanced options in year four.
You will obtain a thorough grounding in core physics areas such as Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism in your first year, Quantum Mechanics and Relativity in your second year, and Particle and Atomic Physics in your third year. Furthermore, this scheme also includes lectures on Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology in your second year and Stellar Astrophysics and Big Bang Cosmology in your third year, as well as specialised laboratory work in Astrophysics and Cosmology.
In your third year, you also carry out an investigative Cosmology group project where you tackle a problem of current research.
In your final year, you will complete an extended research project on topics such as binary variable stars, cosmic radio noise, gravitational waves and cosmic inflation, and study subjects such as Cosmology and Advanced Relativity and Gravity. For your project work, you can use our on-site astronomical observatory which contains a 356mm Schmidt-Cassegrain reflecting telescope and other equipment for optical and radio astronomy.
Physics with Astrophysics is a field of study that is truly at the forefront of scientific discovery, innovating what we know about our universe in addition to helping the development of vital technologies such as satellites and solar panels. As a student on this degree programme, you will develop advanced problem-solving skills, programming knowledge, critical thinking abilities and project management experience over the course of your degree. These skills open a wealth of career options from the very pure, such as expanding knowledge through scientific research or very practical like exploring the world of data science and software development. Many of our graduates continue their studies to PhD level and embark on a career in academia. A wealth of additional opportunities exists, such as teaching or careers within the business and finance sectors. Our graduates are well-paid, with the median starting salary of our Physics degrees being £25,500 (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022).
Here are just some of the roles that our BSc and MPhys Physics with Astrophysics students have progressed into upon graduating:
Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, you also graduate with the relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.
A Level AAA
Required Subjects A level Mathematics grade A and A level Physics grade A
IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. For other English language qualifications we accept, please see our English language requirements webpages.
Interviews Applicants may be interviewed before being made an offer.
International Baccalaureate 36 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects including 6 in Mathematics HL and Physics HL
BTEC May be considered alongside A level Mathematics and A level Physics.
We welcome applications from students with a range of alternative UK and international qualifications, including combinations of qualification. Further guidance on admission to the University, including other qualifications that we accept, frequently asked questions and information on applying, can be found on our general admissions webpages.
Contact Admissions Team + 44 (0) 1524 592028 or via ugadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk
Detailed module information for this undergraduate programme will follow shortly. However, if you have any questions please contact the department.
We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2024/25 entry fees have not yet been set.
As a guide, our fees in 2023/24 were:
| UK | International |
|---|---|
| £9,250 | £26,550 |
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small college membership fee which supports the running of college events and activities.
For students starting in 2022 and 2023, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2024 have not yet been set.
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
In addition to travel and accommodation costs, while you are studying abroad, you will need to have a passport and, depending on the country, there may be other costs such as travel documents (e.g. VISA or work permit) and any tests and vaccines that are required at the time of travel. Some countries may require proof of funds.
In addition to possible commuting costs during your placement, you may need to buy clothing that is suitable for your workplace and you may have accommodation costs. Depending on the employer and your job, you may have other costs such as copies of personal documents required by your employer for example.
Details of our scholarships and bursaries for 2024-entry study are not yet available, but you can use our opportunities for 2023-entry applicants as guidance.
Check our current list of scholarships and bursaries.
The Physics Department rewards excellence by providing an academic scholarship of £1,000 for students on our MPhys/MSci Physics courses, and a scholarship of £750 for those on a BSc Physics course. This is open to applicants who place us as their firm choice and achieve A*A* in A level Mathematics and Physics with a strong third A level (or equivalent grades) as well as strong performance in their first-term exams at Lancaster.
When did you know Physics at Lancaster University was the place for you?
When I came for my interview. I was so nervous about it, hoping I’d know enough physics to impress the interviewer. Everyone was so nice, and the campus was so pretty, I knew straight away that this was the university I wanted to go to.
What makes the facilities so great?
How open everything is. I never felt shy to go to one of the many study spaces and work on some questions or go to an academic’s office to ask for some help (or even just for a chat). I think it’s important for students to feel comfortable where they work and the Physics building excels at creating that atmosphere.
What is your favourite aspect of your course?
The fact that there are so many different aspects of my course. There’s Coding and Astrophysics; Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, I like the idea of waking up every day almost doing something completely new but that I still find really fascinating. Also, I really enjoy the collaborative aspects - me and my friends working on the coursework together have created some of my most fond memories of my time here.
What are you going to do after your degree?
I hope to continue in the line of physics, something hands-on that I find equally as exciting as my current course if not more. Physics at Lancaster has shaped me to be able to go on and effectively do whatever I want so the sky’s the limit really.
April Dalby, Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology
Our Particle Lab is a state-of-the-art laboratory that is fully equipped for you to get hands-on practical work in nuclear and particle physics. The lab is kitted out with a range of different particle detectors, using the same technologies that form the basis of modern research in experimental particle physics.
The Super Lab is where we teach some of our core physics lab modules. The lab is fully equipped for performing experiments covering a range of topics including waves, optics, magnetism, radiation, spectroscopy, thermodynamics and electronic circuits.
The Astrophysics Laboratory provides you with an opportunity to obtain hands-on experience with the data and techniques used by researchers in astrophysics and solar and planetary physics.On the roof just outside of the Astro Lab is an observatory known as "The Dome", which is home to a pier-mounted Celestron CGE1400 XLT 14" Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope.
Our Ultra-Low Temperature (ULT) Lab is home to some of the coldest temperatures on the planet! Here, you can study the behaviour of superfluids (such as liquid helium) and apply them to physical phenomena ranging from particle physics to cosmology.
Our Department is also home to a number of Iso Lab pods, each designed for studying quantum systems in controlled conditions where noise, vibration, and electromagnetic disturbances have been minimised to create "ultra-clean" environments for sensitive experiments
Our Physics Department has an array of communal spaces available for you to collaborate and socialise together in. We even have a board games cupboard available for you to use in your down time!
Take a look at what we have to offer with our video tour of our Physics Department.
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Undergraduate Open Days
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Undergraduate Open DaysThe information on this site relates primarily to 2024/2025 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.
The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.
More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.
We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.
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