Entry requirements
A level
Minimum number of A Levels required: 3 Subject specific requirements: Mathematics and Physics Average A Level offer: AAB
UCAS Tariff
As this is a collaborative programme with the University of Liverpool you can find the latest entry requirements for this course at: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/astrophysics-mphys/entry-requirements/
About this course
This degree course in Astrophysics is delivered by world-leading academics with access to specialist facilities at both LJMU 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.
Modules
Please see guidance on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
Level 4
•Newtonian Dynamics
•Material Universe
•Computer skills
•Mathematics
•Practical Physics
•Wave Phenomena
•Modern Physics
•Introduction to Astronomy
Level 5
•Electromagnetism
•Condensed Matter
•Computing Skills
•Mathematics
•Practical Astrophysics
•Quantum and Atomic Physics
•Nuclear and Particle Physics
Level 6
•Stellar Astrophysics
•Galaxies
•Quantum Mechanics
•Nuclear Physics
•Advanced Observational Astrophysics
•Relativity and Cosmology
•Particle Physics
•Accelerators and Radioisotopes in Medicine
•Condensed Matter Physics
•Advanced Electromagnetism
•Surface Physics
•Physics of Life
•Materials Physics
•Physics of Energy Sources
•Semiconductor Applications
•Practical Astronomy
•Stellar Dynamics
•Physics of the Radiative Universe
Level 7
•The Interstellar Medium
•Communication of Astrophysical Ideas I
•Research Project
•Computational Astrophysics
•Condensed Matter Physics
•Materials Physics
•Semiconductor Applications
•Statistical and Low Temperature Physics
•Advanced Quantum Physics
•Accelerator Physics
•Advanced Stellar Physics
•Stellar Dynamics
•Physics of the Radiative Universe
•Magnetic Structure and Function
•Nanoscale Physics
•Advanced Electromagnetism
•Surface Physics
•Physics of Life
•Radiation Therapy Applications
•Physics of Energy Sources
•Advanced Nuclear Physics
•Advanced Particle Physics
•Chaos Theory
•Relativity
Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal Academic Framework review, so may be subject to change. Students will be required to undertake modules that the University designates as core and will have a choice of designated option modules. Additionally, option modules may be offered subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Please see the programme specification document for further details on this course.
Assessment methods
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and project work.
Most modules are assessed by a two or three hour exam in January or May in addition to coursework assessments which might be homework, class tests, mini-project work or key skills exercises. Practical modules are assessed entirely by coursework. If you undertake a major project, it will be assessed by two independent examiners and you will be expected to give a presentation to fellow students and staff assessors. The final degree result is based on the last three years of this four-year programme.
The Uni
Liverpool John Moores University
Faculty of Engineering and Technology
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Astronomy
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This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
What do graduate employment figures really tell you?Not a lot of people study astronomy as a first degree, and if you want to be one of the small number of people who start work as an astronomer - often overseas - every year, you will need a doctorate — so at least a third of graduates go into further study. Astronomy graduates, however, are versatile, going into all parts of the jobs market - their good technical, data and maths skills taking them into IT and business especially. However, if you want to find out more specifically about the prospects for your chosen subject, it might be a good idea to go on open days and talk to tutors about what previous graduates from your chosen subject went on to do.
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