BSc (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics
University of Lincoln
Key Information
Campus location
Lincoln, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 - 4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
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Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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Introduction
Our Physics with Astrophysics degree has been developed to equip students with the reasoning and analytical skills to tackle problems with no known answers. Astrophysics provides training in space science, Earth observation, and physics of extreme conditions, and this degree aims to develop student's abilities to think on their feet and to think outside the box. The programme is designed to equip graduates with the skills needed to work in the space industry, skills that are also highly transferable to many other sectors.
The programme includes a combination of compulsory and optional modules covering all components of core physics, as specified by the UK Institute of Physics (IOP). The course offers the opportunity to study fundamental and applied physics with astrophysics alongside rigorous mathematics and computational training. Teaching is informed by research, with the chance for students to work on real-world research projects alongside our academic staff.
How You Study
The Physics with Astrophysics programme combines theory with practical laboratory work and substantial research training. Throughout the course, there are extensive opportunities for students to hone practical skills in preparation for a career in a variety of sectors.
The programme includes a combination of compulsory and optional modules covering all components of core physics, as specified by the UK Institute of Physics (IOP), along with substantial mathematics and computational training.
In addition, the School of Mathematics and Physics runs a tutor system which for first-year students provides one-hour weekly tutor sessions in small groups.
The course is taught through a variety of modes including lectures, problem-solving classes, laboratories, computer-based classes, and workshops.
How You Are Assessed
The course is assessed through a variety of means, including coursework, examinations, written reports, and oral presentations.
Features
Research Informed
Teaching on this course is conducted by academic members of staff who are active researchers in their fields. This research informs teaching at all levels of the programme. The School collaborates with top research institutions in Germany, Japan, Norway, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, and the USA.
Visiting Speakers
The School of Mathematics and Physics regularly welcomes guest speakers from around the world. Our previous visitors include former vice president of the Royal Astronomical Society Professor Don Kurtz, mathematician and author Professor Marcus du Sautoy OBE, and Lord Martin Rees OM FRS, the Astronomer Royal. Astronomy
Field Trip
A field trip to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory at La Palma in the Canary Islands is an optional part of the programme (subject to availability). The Roque de los Muchachos Observatory is home to an impressive collection of astronomical facilities, including the world’s largest optical single-aperture telescope (10.4m), the Gran Telescopio Canarias. This trip is expected to be fully funded by the School, subject to final approval.
Placements
Students in this course are encouraged to obtain and undertake work placements independently in the UK or overseas during their studies, providing hands-on experience in the industry. These can range from a few weeks to a full year if students choose the sandwich year option. Placements may be conducted with external research institutions (which can be overseas). The option is subject to availability and selection criteria set by the industry or external institution. When undertaking optional placements, students will be required to cover their transport, accommodation, and general living costs.
Fees and Scholarships
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships.
Entry Requirements
United Kingdom
- A Level: BBB, to include a grade B from both A Level Maths and Physics (120 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications).
- Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 120 UCAS Tariff points, including 40 points from 15 credits in Maths and 15 credits in Physics
- International Baccalaureate: 30 points overall, with Higher Level Grade 5 in Maths and Physics.
- BTEC qualifications may be considered with a grade B in A Level Maths and Physics.
- A combination of qualifications may include A Levels, BTEC, and EPQ.
- Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English, Maths and Science. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
International
Non-UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element.
Career Opportunities
A Physics with Astrophysics degree is designed to equip graduates with the skills needed to work in the space industry. Physics with Astrophysics graduates are also well-placed for careers in research and development, process control, finance, software development and regulatory roles in organisations around the world. Some may go on to perform roles in education or further study at the postgraduate level. Additionally, transferable skills related to communication, problem-solving, and decision-making, which students are expected to develop throughout their studies, are valuable in many spheres of employment.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships.
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Curriculum
How You Study
The Physics with Astrophysics programme combines theory with practical laboratory work and substantial research training. Throughout the course, there are extensive opportunities for students to hone practical skills in preparation for a career in a variety of sectors.
The programme includes a combination of compulsory and optional modules covering all components of core physics, as specified by the UK Institute of Physics (IOP), along with substantial mathematics and computational training.
In addition, the School of Mathematics and Physics runs a tutor system which for first-year students provides one-hour weekly tutor sessions in small groups.
The course is taught through a variety of modes including lectures, problem-solving classes, laboratories, computer-based classes, and workshops.
First Year
- Calculus (Core)
- Computer Algebra and Technical Computing (Core)
- Electricity, Magnetism, Thermal and Quantum Physics (Core)
- Geometrical Optics, Waves and Mechanics (Core)
- Introduction to Modern Astronomy (Core)
- Laboratory 1 (Core)
- Linear Algebra (Core)
- Professional Skills and Group Study (Core)
Second Year
- Differential Equations (Core)
- Electrodynamics (Core)
- Group Project (Core)
- Industrial and Financial Mathematics (Core)
- Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics (Core)
- Scientific Computing (Core)
- Statistical and Quantum Physics I (Core)
- The Solar System and Exoplanets (Core)
- Physics Year in Industry (Option)†
Third Year
- Advanced Topics of Physics and Physics Seminar (Core)
- Astrophysics Project (Core)
- Cosmology and General Relativity (Core)
- Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy (Core)
- Numerical Methods (Core)
- Stars and Stellar Evolution (Core)
- Fluid Dynamics (Option)†
- Methods of Mathematical Physics (Option)†
- Physics Pedagogy (Option)†
- Statistical and Quantum Physics II (Option)†
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
How You Are Assessed
The course is assessed through a variety of means, including coursework, examinations, written reports, and oral presentations.
Program Outcome
How You Study
The Physics with Astrophysics programe combines theory with practical laboratory work and substantial research training. Throughout the course there are extensive opportunities for students to hone practical skills in preparation for a career in a variety of sectors.
The programe includes a combination of compulsory and optional modules covering all components of core physics, as specified by the UK Institute of Physics (IOP), along with substantial mathematics and computational training.
In addition, the School of Mathematics and Physics runs a tutor system which for the first year students provides one-hour weekly tutor sessions in small groups.
The course is taught through a variety of modes including lectures, problem-solving classes, laboratories, computer-based classes, and workshops.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
A Physics with Astrophysics degree is designed to equip graduates with the skills needed to work in the space industry. Physics with Astrophysics graduates are also well placed for careers in research and development, process control, finance, software development and regulatory roles in organisations around the world. Some may go on to perform roles in education or further study at postgraduate level. Additionally, transferable skills related to communication, problem-solving, and decision-making, which students are expected to develop throughout their studies, are valuable in many spheres of employment.