MPhys Astrophysics
    Duration4 year(s)
    Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026

    MPhys Astrophysics

    About

    Why study Astrophysics at Liverpool John Moores University?

    • Taught by world-leading academics from both LJMU and the University of Liverpool
    • Level 5 field trip to a Tenerife observatory
    • Eligibility to join the Institute of Physics to obtain Chartered Physicist status on graduation
    • Friendly department with an open door policy and active physics society
    • Eligibility for generous University of Liverpool attainment scholarships and University of Liverpool bursaries on application

    About your course

    The MPhys Astrophysics is delivered collaboratively by acclaimed experts from Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool.

    If you are excited by the thought of studying one of the most challenging and fundamental of sciences in one of the best physics departments in the UK, the MPhys Astrophysics degree provides an excellent grounding for a career as a research physicist or astronomer.

    You will be taught by world-leading academics and benefit from specialist facilities at both universities, including a purpose-built astrophysics teaching laboratory. You will also have access to a number of observatories so you can perfect your skills in astronomical measurement and experience using state-of-the-art detector technology. In the second year you can spend a week at the Tedie Observatory on Tenerife or alternatively undertake a week-long project at the Astrophysics Research Institute.

    In your final year you have access to the largest robotically controlled telescope in the world LJMU's own two-metre aperture Liverpool Telescope, which is sited on La Palma in the Canary Islands. You will also have the chance to use our own city-centre observatory equipped with a 12-inch computer-controlled telescope.

    In Level 4, you will cover core physical and mathematical techniques and the main strands of physics but there is the flexibility to specialise as the course progresses. If, at the end of Level 4, you decide that astrophysics isn't for you, you have the option to transfer to another of our physics programmes.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Qualification requirements

    GCSEs and equivalents

    Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:

    • Key Skills Level 2 in English/ Maths
    • NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
    • Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
    • Higher Diploma in Maths/ English
    • Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths/ English
    • Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
    • Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number

    A levels

    • Minimum number of A Levels required: 3
    • Subject specific requirements: Mathematics and Physics
    • Average A Level offer: AAB

    BTECs

    • National Certificate (RQF): Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
    • National Extended Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
    • National Diploma (RQF): Not applicable
    • National Extended Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

    English Program Requirements

    Career

    Employability

    A Physics degree is the gateway to a whole range of careers including fundamental research, industrial research and development, teaching and the worlds of computing, business and finance. You will enjoy varied career opportunities both in the UK and overseas.

    As an Astrophysics graduate, you will leave LJMU with skills in problem solving, numeracy, analysis, practical experimentation, computing, teamwork and communication all of which are attractive to potential employers. Your degree will open the gateway to careers in research, development and teaching as well as computing, business and finance.

    LJMU graduates have gone on to secure employment in pure research, telecommunications, microelectronics, renewable energy, nuclear power and instrumentation, cryogenics, astronomy, geophysics, medical physics, materials science, information technology, commerce and management.

    Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service

    A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.

    Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU's in-house recruitment service, and we also offer fully funded Discovery Internships.

    One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones and we offer a year-round programme of events, including themed careers and employability workshops, employer events and recruitment fairs. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.

    A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU's Careers, Employability and Start-up Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.

    Fee Information

    MPhys Astrophysics

    Liverpool John Moores University

    Liverpool John Moores University

    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Liverpool