Astrophysics MSc/PG Dip

Students develop insights into the techniques used in current astrophysics projects, and gain in-depth experience of a particular specialised research area, through project work, as a member of a research team. The programme provides the professional skills necessary to play a meaningful role in industrial or academic life.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of a choice of six optional modules (90 credits), a research essay (30 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time nine months, part-time two years) is offered.

Students choose four of the following:

• Planetary Atmospheres
• Solar Physics
• High-energy Astrophysics
• Stellar Atmospheres and Stellar Winds
• Galaxy and Cluster Dynamics
• Cosmology
• Mathematics for General Relativity
• Space Plasma and Magnetospheric Physics

Students choose two of the following:

• Physics MSc core modules
• Space and Climate Science MSc core modules
• Medical Physics MSc core modules
• Intercollegiate fourth year modules
• Physics and Astrophysics MSc fourth-year modules
• Plastic and Molecular (Opto)electronics

Students submit a critical research essay of approximately 8,000 words and undertake an in-depth research project which culminates in a formal report and oral presentation.

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical, laboratory and computer-based classes. Student performance is assessed through coursework and written examination. The research project is assessed by literature survey, oral presentation and the dissertation.