Astrophysics

University of Sheffield

United Kingdom, Sheffield

University RankQS Ranking

105

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University of Sheffield

United Kingdom , Sheffield

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 30,625 / year(s)

Next Intake September-2026

Astrophysics

About

Course description

Our Astrophysics MSc explains the formation and evolution of stars, galaxies and the Universe itself. You’ll be trained on how to perform your own astronomical observations using our 0.5m telescope, which is located on La Palma in the Canary Islands and can be remotely operated from Sheffield.

You’ll deepen your understanding of the Universe with optional modules covering topics such as particle physics, dark matter, general relativity and astrobiology.

The biggest part of your Astrophysics MSc will be your research project. Topics for your research project could include galaxies, quasars, supernovae, massive stars, white and brown dwarfs, star formation, star clusters, planet formation and the evolution of the solar system.

Examples of recent research projects include:

What triggers supermassive black hole growth?
Panspermia in star clusters
Are there planets around white dwarf binaries?
Destroying protoplanetary disks

Field trip

On our Astrophysics MSc you’ll have the opportunity to go on a subsidised field trip to the international observatory on La Palma in the Canary Islands. The island is home to a number of world-leading telescopes, which our astrophysicists use, and is an ideal environment for astronomy, being both close to the equator and 2,400m above sea level.

Disciplines

Faculty of Science

Department of Physics and Astronomy

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in Physics or any degree where Physics is a named component, with relevant modules.

Module requirements

You should have studied at least four modules from the following list:

Electromagnetism
Mechanics
Optics
Quantum Mechanics
Solid State Physics
Statistical Physics or Statistical Mechanics

We also consider a wide range of international qualifications:

Entry requirements for international students

We assess each application on the basis of the applicant’s preparation and achievement as a whole. We may accept applicants whose qualifications don’t meet the published entry criteria but have other experience relevant to the course.

The lists of required degree subjects and modules are indicative only. Sometimes we may accept subjects or modules that aren’t listed, and sometimes we may not accept subjects or modules that are listed, depending on the content studied.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent

Other English language qualifications we accept

Pathway programme for international students

If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a pre-masters programme in Science and Engineering at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.

English Program Requirements

IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent.

Other English language qualifications we accept

Pathway programme for international students

If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a pre-masters programme in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.

Career

Your career

Our Astrophysics MSc graduates have the numerical, problem solving and data science skills that employers value in a variety of careers, such as computer programming, software engineering, data science, and researching and developing new products and services. University of Sheffield physics graduates have been employed by BT, EDF Energy, HSBC, IBM, Manchester United FC, Nissan, the NHS and the Civil Service.

You’ll cover advanced topics and gain extensive research training, which is also great preparation for a PhD and a career in astrophysics research. Our graduates have gone to work for organisations such as the UK and European Space Agencies, the European Southern Observatory, and many of the world's top 100 universities.