Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology, BSc (Hons), University of Portsmouth

the United Kingdom

Study options for this course

The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
BSc (Hons)	Full-time, Sandwich	3 - 4 years	September	-	-

About Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology, BSc (Hons) - at University of Portsmouth

Overview

95% of the universe exists in a form we still don't understand. Explore stars, galaxies, black holes and gravitational waves – joining an international community looking for answers.

On this Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology degree course, you’ll deepen your understanding of the fundamental laws of physics, and apply this knowledge to the structure and behaviour of some of the largest and smallest elements of existence.

You'll be taught by and study alongside researchers from the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation (ICG) who play leading roles in major international projects, such as the European Space Agency Euclid satellite. You’ll graduate with mathematical and computational knowledge sought after by employers in many industries, from aerospace to finance.

BSc or MPhys?

You can study this course as a 3-year Bachelor's degree (BSc) or a 4-year integrated Master's degree (MPhys). The MPhys allows you to achieve a Master’s level degree with just one extra year of undergraduate study, further enhancing your career prospects.

Course highlights

See physics theory in practice through visits and final year project to aerospace companies such as BAE Systems, Airbus Defence, QinetiQ and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL)
Access Hampshire Astronomical Group facilities at Clanfield Observatory, including various telescopes such as a 24-inch reflector, to observe the stars and galaxies and collect project data
Study alongside researchers from the University's physics research teams (and contribute to their work in your final project), whose research was ranked 6th in the UK for quality
Use advanced technical equipment with the help of expert technical staff, including x-ray diffraction, x-ray fluorescence, electron and atomic force microscopes, various types of spectroscopy and the SCIAMA supercomputer
Develop the professional skills and standards you need as a practicing physicist, through a major research project in your final year
Access large datasets produced by international-level sky surveys, including the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, when you take the MPhys degree course.

Careers and opportunities

The UK government has an ambitious plan to double investment in the space economy by 2030 which means there's now high demand for skilled people to meet this growth. In fact, the sector is currently recruiting more graduates that before, and giving further training internally.

Physics and astronomy graduates are earning an average of £33,500 5 years after graduation, and you've got the potential to reach a salary in the range of £40,000 to £75,000 as a senior professional, professor or researcher.

What jobs can you do with a physics, astrophysics and cosmology degree?

You could apply your skills and knowledge in areas such as:

cosmology
astrophysics
astronomy and theoretical physics
space systems and aerospace industry
education
scientific journalism
medical physics
finance
data analysis

After the course you could also continue your studies to a PhD or other postgraduate qualification. Discover our world-leading physics research and Arthur's journey to a PhD in Astrophysics and Cosmology.

Placement year (optional)

To give you the best chance of securing a great job when you graduate, we can help you identify placements, internships and voluntary opportunities that will complement your studies.

After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry. In your placement year, you can also set up a business on your own or in a group. We'll give you all the support you need to find a placement that prepares you for your career, and we'll continue to mentor you throughout your placement.

You could also choose to set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.

Potential roles

Previous students have taken placement roles such as:

flight physics intern
medical and health physicists
data engineer
physics engineer in defence sector
industrial placement estimating
Vulcan laser beam diagnostics physicist
advanced laser technology and applications development scientist

Potential destinations

They've completed placements at organisations including:

MBDA Systems
BAE Systems
Airbus
Reaction Engines Ltd
STFC
QinetiQ

You may be able to do a summer placement through the South East Physics Network (SEPnet) Bursary Scheme. This 8-week placement includes a £2,500 bursary.