Course summary

Put your astrophysics knowledge into practice on a work placement. Placement opportunities include telescope facilities in the Canary Islands and Thailand. After your placement, you’ll join the astrophysics research team here in Sheffield and run your own project. Expand beyond the limits of other masters degrees with a year-long research project, and over 50% of your time dedicated to exploring the matter and laws of our universe. The University of Sheffield Physics and Astrophysics MPhys has more astrophysics content than other physics departments. Along with essential physics modules, 50% of your time here will be dedicated to studying everything from the formation of our solar system, to stars and galaxies and the evolution of our universe. You’ll also develop the skills for a career in research, whether you want to help map our universe as an astrophysicist or apply your scientific knowledge to solve problems in industry. Because we shape you into fully rounded scientists, from your first year you’ll learn through practical work – including the use of our two telescopes on the roof of the faculty building. You’ll explore essential physics in even more depth in your second year, and continue to specialise in astrophysics with modules on the structure and evolution of stars and galaxies. And because curiosity is what makes great astrophysicists, we’ll encourage you to dive into optional modules throughout – exploring topics like dark matter and nuclear astrophysics alongside core modules on cosmology. Year four is where you take what you’ve learned into the real world. Placement opportunities include the Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes in the Canary Islands and the Thai National Observatory, as well as a range of placements here in the UK. Finally, you’ll complete a year-long research project, where you’ll get to work with leading researchers to investigate a real scientific question. Alongside your scientific expertise, you’ll also gain time management, project planning and analysis skills – setting you up for a career in research, or in the industry of your choice. Why study this course?

• Unique La Palma field trip - we are the only university that offers a field trip to La Palma. MPhys students can spend a week experiencing life at a working observatory: working at altitude, visiting some of the largest optical telescopes in the world, and using our own 0.5m diameter telescope at the summit.

• No. 1 physics department in the UK - 100% of our research and impact was rated world-leading or internationally excellent by REF 2021.

• The latest equipment - you’ll study in our newly refurbished teaching laboratories, and access loads of specialist technologies – including two telescopes on the roof of our building.

• Incredible research opportunities - as well as the year-long research project, students can access incredible research opportunities, including a summer research placement, work placements and field trips thanks to our links with organisations like CERN and the observatories on La Palma in the Canary Islands.

• Follow your ambition - you have the options to complete a research project, industrial group project, Quantum Information Lab, or Physics Education and Outreach project – giving you hands-on experience wherever your career aspirations lie.