University of Southampton

Astrophysics with Year Abroad (MPhys)

University of SouthamptonHighfield, Southampton

Course overview

This specialist astrophysics course offers an unrivalled opportunity to study astrophysics with a year abroad. You'll spend your fourth year on a research project at the prestigious Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) in Boston, USA. We are the only UK university that partners with Harvard in this way.

This flagship course is offered to the best University of Southampton astrophysics students studying our MPhys Physics with Astronomy degree at the end of year 2. Another feature is a 2-week field trip to Tenerife where you’ll take part in a space mission design project. You’ll also spend a week at an observatory learning to use high-spec telescopes.

As part of your astrophysics degree, you’ll develop an in-depth understanding of: the make-up, dynamics and environment of galaxies the life cycle of stars how radiation is produced and detected in a cosmic setting the space environment and space weather concepts of modern cosmology, including the nature of dark matter You’ll a

Key highlights

  • Fourth-year research project at Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Boston
  • Only UK university partnering with Harvard in this way
  • Two-week Tenerife field trip with a space mission design project
  • Week at an observatory learning to use high-spec telescopes
  • Study galaxies, stellar life cycles, space weather and modern cosmology
  • Explore the nature of dark matter and cosmic radiation detection

Entry requirements

  • A-level: A*AA-AAA — including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A) or AABB-AABC including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A) Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview
  • A-level: AAA — to include including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathemat; with EPQ
  • A-level: AA-A*A — combined with BTEC

Scholarships

  • Biological Sciences Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Business School Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Economic, Social and Political Sciences Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Education School Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Engineering Global Talent Scholarship

    Up to 5 scholarships of £2,000 are available to international students for the first 3 years of study on an undergraduate degree within the School of Engineering.

    Up to £2,000

  • Geography and Environmental Science Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Health Sciences Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Law School Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Ocean and Earth Science Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Physics and Astronomy Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Psychology Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • School of Mathematical Sciences Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship

    Successful applicants will get £10,000 towards their tuition fees.

    Up to £10,000

  • Southampton Chemistry Deans International Scholarship

    If you are awarded this scholarship, you'll get £5,000 towards your tuition fees in your first year of study.

    Up to £5,000

  • Southampton Electronics and Computer Science Global Scholarship

    There are 12 scholarships for £5000 each.

    Up to £5,000

  • Southampton Physics and Astronomy Achievement Scholarship

    The scholarships are renewable for subsequent years of study (subject to continuing academic performance) for up to £20,000 total. There are 10 stipend scholarships of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

Careers this course leads to

  • Astrophysicist
  • Research scientist
  • Space scientist
  • Data scientist
  • Observatory scientist
  • Satellite systems engineer

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,535 per year | International: £28,800 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Southampton, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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