Course summary

Put your astrophysics knowledge into practice on a work placement and build up more experience for your CV. Placement opportunities include telescope facilities in the Canary Islands and Thailand. Gaze at the stars from the roof of the faculty building, or our observatory in the Canary Islands, as you study the very matter of our universe and the laws that govern it. The University of Sheffield Physics and Astrophysics BSc 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 three 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 return to the University to 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.

• Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) - our courses meet the educational requirement for you to become a Chartered Physicist.

• 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.