Physics with Astrophysics, MSci (Hons)

Course summary

About Physics at the University of NottinghamWe have a proud history of learning and innovation. Research undertaken within the School of Physics and Astronomy, by Professor Sir Peter Mansfield, was recognised with a 2003 Nobel Prize for the invention of Magnetic Resonance Imaging body scanners. This technology has already helped more than half a billion people worldwide. More recently, our use of quantum technologies to understand how the brain works is changing the way that neurological conditions are detected and treated.Our research activities cover cutting-edge topics ranging from probing quantum mechanics at ultralow temperatures to understanding the largest structures in the Universe.Our courses offer a wide range of optional modules, so you can explore new areas of physics and specialise in the ones that interest you the most, and learn from experts in those fields. What’s more, there is flexibility to transfer between most physics courses after the first year.Some of our teaching staff share their love of physics with budding scientists worldwide through the popular Sixty Symbols YouTube channel. Our unique, student centred MSci course offers innovative teaching methods, with few to no exams in the final year.Employers of our graduates include Accenture, EDF Energy, Jaguar Land Rover, and various NHS Trusts. Roles include Trainee Clinical Scientist, Medical Physicist, Systems Engineer, Data Analyst and Software Development Engineer. Many of our students go on to further study at PhD level in the UK and overseas. Physics with Astrophysics MSciTailored modules such as Cosmology and Extreme Astrophysics will give you a specialist understanding of astronomy. Conduct astronomical research by gathering data from our rooftop facilities and telescopes. Project work may involve analysing data from international facilities such as the Hubble Space Telescope or supercomputing cosmological simulations.The fourth year consists of student-centred learning. You will focus on fewer but more specialised areas and complete a year-long research project. Under the guidance of our expert staff you will benefit from a range of learning styles. These include group work, projects, delivering seminars and independent learning.

The first year will teach you the core elements of physics. Here you will be taught the key mathematical and computational skills for your degree. The Frontiers in Physics module will introduce you to astronomy. In the second year, you will study the same core modules as MSci Physics. Specialist astronomy modules, The Structure of Stars and The Structure of Galaxies, will replace two of the options. Year three adopts the same core physics as MSci Physics. Two of the modules are replaced with Extreme Astrophysics and Cosmology. This still leaves plenty of flexibility for you to choose other optional modules such as Theoretical Particle Physics. You will also work on a year-long astronomical research project. In the final year, you will work on a range of activities, projects and presentations. You will also carry out a major research project, working on a cutting-edge problem in astronomy.