Physics and Astrophysics BSc (Hons)
University of Birmingham
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.2) View reviews

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Different course options
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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

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Location

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

3 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Main Site

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 Years

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

University of Birmingham

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-26

Duration

3 Years

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

University of Birmingham

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP

Duration

3 Years

SELECT

Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

University of Birmingham

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 Years

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Physics & Astronomy
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A level
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Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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England
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Course info

If you are fascinated by astronomy and have the drive to solve the mysteries of the universe through scientific study, mathematics, computing and experimental work, then this Physics and Astrophysics BSc degree has been created for you.Our Physics and Astrophysics BSc programme is for those who are fascinated by astronomy, and are looking for an in-depth treatment that also gives a good grounding in physics. You will have access to excellent astronomy facilities during your degree, such as our ...Read more

If you are fascinated by astronomy and have the drive to solve the mysteries of the universe through scientific study, mathematics, computing and experimental work, then this Physics and Astrophysics BSc degree has been created for you.Our Physics and Astrophysics BSc programme is for those who are fascinated by astronomy, and are looking for an in-depth treatment that also gives a good grounding in physics. You will have access to excellent astronomy facilities during your degree, such as our special Astro laboratory which provides astronomical data from observatories around the world. We also have a purpose-built Observatory, which you could use during your project work. All of which make Birmingham a great place for studying Astrophysics. There are many opportunities to undertake project work during your degree. This will be as part of your lab work in the first two years, including including specialised astronomy labs. A project develops a wide range of skills including planning and report writing. Group studies in your final year is a major project which is undertaken in groups of 10-20 students. The task requires the group to work as a team and enables you to solve a problem of much greater magnitude than could be attempted by an individual. The team work skills learnt here are invaluable in success in a future career. You will be taught by academics who are global experts in their field, you'll gain a broad understanding of the essential concepts of physics, ranging from entropy to quantum mechanics and beyond. The transferable skills you’ll also learn will make you very employable; including problem solving, computing and giving presentations.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
44/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
5th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
13th
Physics
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 96 = 4% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
4%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
91%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Physics graduate salary at this uni
£27,000
UK Physics graduate salary
£26,000
What students say
T
Toby
01 Mar 24

All my lectures are excellent; super knowlegable and very approachable. There are also so many amazing societies to join which has been a big part of my enjoyment in first year...Read more

P
Peter
30 Jan 24

Lecturing staff are great and have well staffed teams for student support. The campus is well maintained and a beautiful..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

A*AA - AAAA Grades / Points required

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

32 Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

A level Mathematics and A level Physics grades A*A (or AA as part of the four A level offer). You must also pass the practical element of any reformed science A levels which include Biology, Chemistry and Physics taught from 2015. General Studies accepted as 4th A level in AAAA entry criteria.

Accepted in place of A levels with the following grade equivalencies: D2 = A*; D3 = A; M2 = B. Combinations of A levels and Principle subjects are accepted. NB required subjects must be offered (see A level Section)

7,6,6 at Higher Level, including Mathematics and Physics, with a minimum of 32 points overall. 7 must be in Mathematics or Physics.

BTEC only considered when combined with other qualifications.

Accepted in place of a non-required A level with the equivalent grade.

Popular A-level subjects

Physics

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

Mathematics
97%
Physics
93%
Further Mathematics
53%
Chemistry
49%
Biology
10%
HESA

Tuition fees

Students living in

England

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from England

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Scotland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Wales

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Northern Ireland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Channel Islands

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

UCAS/IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Astrophysics reviews

Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Physics (General)
T
Toby
01 Mar 24
Physics and Astrophysics MSci (Hons)
All my lectures are excellent; super knowlegable and very approachable. There are also so many amazing societies to join which has been a big part of my enjoyment in first year....
Read more
P
Peter
30 Jan 24
Physics and Astrophysics MSci (Hons)
Lecturing staff are great and have well staffed teams for student support. The campus is well maintained and a beautiful...
Read more
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How Astrophysics students rated:

Student rating
( 4.6) 8 reviews
5 star
63%
4 stars
37%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 1,531 reviews
5 star
37%
4 stars
52%
3 stars
10%
2 stars
1%
1 star
0%
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Uni info

University of Birmingham
Academic and Student Division Birmingham B15 2TT United Kingdom
Nearest train station: University   0.2 miles away
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