Astrophysics MSc

• Research Skills in Astrophysics: provides the basic astrophysical background and introduces students to the research skills needed for a career in astrophysics.

Students choose six optional modules from the following:

• Advanced Data Analysis: develops an understanding of basic concepts and offers practical experience with the techniques of quantitative data analysis.
• Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics: introduces the concepts of fluid dynamics and describes their application while providing students with the opportunity to develop the numerical skills required for a computational approach.
• Contemporary Astrophysics: provides an annual survey of the latest, most interesting, developments in astronomy and astrophysics at the research level.
• Extragalactic Astronomy: introduces the basic elements of extragalactic astronomy, including the morphological, structural and spectral properties of elliptical, spiral, quiescent and star-forming galaxies.
• General Relativity: provides an introduction and applications to the theory of general relativity, covering its historic evolution, fundamental principles, advanced mathematics, derived predictions and experimental tests.
• Gravitational Dynamics and Accretion Physics: explores the basics of gravitational dynamics and accretion physics and their application to systems such as circumstellar discs, stellar clusters to galaxies and clusters of galaxies.
• Magnetofluids and Space Plasmas: covers the fundamental nature of magnetic field and plasma interaction to many problems in astrophysics, solar and terrestrial physics as well as efforts to harness fusion power using tokamaks.
• Monte Carlo Radiation Transport Techniques: introduces the theory and practice behind Monte Carlo radiation transport codes for use in physics, astrophysics, atmospheric physics, and medical physics.
• Observational Techniques in Astrophysics: provides a complete overview of the practical part of research in observational astronomy.
• The Physics of Nebulae and Stars 1: introduces the physics of astrophysical plasmas, as found in stars and interstellar space, where interactions between matter and radiation play a dominant role.
• Stellar Physics: develops the physics of stellar interiors and atmospheres from the basic equations of stellar structure and radiative transfer concepts developed in Nebulae and Stars 1.

Optional modules are subject to change each year, and some may only allow limited numbers of students (see the University's position on curriculum development).

Dissertation research project

During the final 3.5 months of the course, students undertake a research project culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation. Students select a project from a list of those available and are supervised by a member of the academic staff.

The project aims to develop students' skills in searching the appropriate literature, astrophysical theory or experimental and observational design, the evaluation and interpretation of data, and the presentation of a report.

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MSc.