Astrophysics (BSc)
    Duration4 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 49,492 / year(s)
    Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026

    Astrophysics (BSc)

    About

    Introducing BSc Astrophysics

    Astrophysics introduces you to the basics of physics and demonstrates how this knowledge can be applied to the physics of astronomy. Recent astronomical discoveries have made it an increasingly popular area of study.

    The School of Physics and Astronomy has close links with the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh, one of the UK's major centres of astronomical research.

    The Institute for Astronomy (IfA), one of the School's research institutes, is based at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh.

    Recently there have been dramatic astronomical discoveries and gathering of large amounts of data. Therefore, this is a very exciting time to study astrophysics.

    We try to provide a unique and deep insight into the major scientific controversies of our time.

    Studying astrophysics at the University of Edinburgh

    What do our students think?

    Disciplines

    Physics and Astronomy

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Standard entry requirement

    The standard entry requirement is:

    • SQA Highers: AAAA (achievement by end of S5 preferred). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
    • A Levels: AAA - ABB in one set of exams.
    • IB: 37 points with 666 at HL - 32 points with 655 at HL.

    Minimum entry requirement

    The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

    • SQA Highers: AABB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
    • A Levels: ABB.
    • IB: 32 points with 655 at HL.

    More information for widening access applicants

    Required subjects

    The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

    • SQA: Highers: Mathematics at A and Physics at B. Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics. Advanced Higher Mathematics is recommended. National 5s: English at C.
    • A Levels: Mathematics at A and Physics at B. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
    • IB: HL: Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 6 and Physics at 5. SL: English at 5.

    Find out more about entry requirements

    International applicants

    We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

    Entry requirements by country

    Mature applicants

    We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

    Mature applicant qualifications

    English Requirements

    • IELTSMin 6.5

    English Program Requirements

    Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies..

    SQA, GCSE and IB

    For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

    • SQA National 5 at C
    • GCSE at C or 4
    • Level 2 Certificate at C
    • IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

    English language tests

    We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

    • IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
    • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
    • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 162 in each component.
    • Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
    • PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 54 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
    • Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 5 in each component.*

    We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

    Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT, or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.

    English language requirements

    (*Revised 24 May 2024 to change PTE Academic requirement from total 62 with at least 54 in each component, and to clarify that we do not accept PTE Academic online. Revised 29 August 2024 to add Oxford ELLT requirements.)

    Career

    Many employers recognise that physics graduates have advanced problem-solving skills and the ability to think logically and critically about complex situations.

    Graduates have opportunities in a diverse range of careers using skills gained from this degree, such as:

    • a high level of mathematical ability

    • IT proficiency

    • communication skills

    Where our graduates work

    Our recent graduates have gone on into employment with a wide variety of industries and organisations, including:

    • The European Space Agency
    • BBC
    • IBM

    Physicists are sought after by many sectors, including:

    • engineering
    • manufacturing
    • energy
    • finance
    • medicine
    • the space industries

    Further opportunities for study

    A number of our graduates go on to further study, for example:

    • PhD research
    • a masters degree in a science or engineering subject
    • a postgraduate diploma in education

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    49,492 / year(s)

    Astrophysics (BSc)

    The University of Edinburgh

    The University of Edinburgh

    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Edinburgh