Course modalities offered

Queen Mary University of London
Astrophysics MSc
Queen Mary University of London

Course modalities offered
  • On campus - Mile End
  • Sep 1, 2022 Part-time - 2 years
  • On campus - Mile End
  • Sep 1, 2022 Full-time - 1 years

Key Course Facts

Course Description

The MSc in Astrophysics provides a detailed overview of the fundamentals of the subject as well as an up-to-date account of recent developments in research and is available to study full time (one year) or part time (two years). The large range of taught modules, reflecting the breadth of research interests within the School, enable you to develop your learning along any number of specialist routes. Lectures cover such diverse topics as the origin of the universe, dark matter, dark energy, galaxies, radiation mechanisms in astrophysics, the life and death of stars, black holes, extrasolar planets, the solar system, space and solar plasma astrophysics, and research methods. Training in research methods, substantial independent project work and access to the expertise and culture of the department are excellent preparation for PhD study. The knowledge and skills you will gain are however equally useful in boosting future prospects or current performance in another career path (e.g. teaching). The part-time option and flexible teaching structure make this programme especially suitable if you are looking to pursue your interest in the subject alongside other commitments. Some students each year study for an MSc as a significant part of a career break/career change or for personal interest. The School of Physics and Astronomy also offers a 9 month Postgraduate Certificate in Astronomy and Astrophysics and an Astrophysics pathway to the longer Euromaster's MSc.

Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews for 34 graduates of Astrophysics MSc at Queen Mary University of London for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Astrophysics.

Overall student satisfaction
79 /100
34 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

chart data
Source: National Student Survey NSS 2021
All Astrophysics courses of Queen Mary University of London
The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates of Astrophysics MSc at Queen Mary University of London

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Astrophysics MSc at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £27500 £25000 £30500
25-75 percentile range £22000 - £30000 £19500 - £30500 £23000 - £39500
Source: HESA - Graduate Outcomes Survey Sep 29, 2021
All Astrophysics courses of Queen Mary University of London


Salary of all UK Graduates of Astrophysics

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £27461 £28395 £32495
25-75 percentile range £23766 - £31635 £21885 - £35927 £25248 - £43316
Source: Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) by UK Department for Education Aug 2, 2021
All Astrophysics courses of UK

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

chart data
Source: HESA - Graduate Outcomes Survey Sep 29, 2021
All Astrophysics courses of Queen Mary University of London

Current jobs

Job in line with future plans

Utilise skills from studies

Work is meaningful

Source: HESA - Graduate Outcomes Survey Sep 29, 2021

Required skill level of job after 15 months

% Skilled jobs

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Astrophysics MSc at Queen Mary University of London

20% Information Technology Professionals
15% Teaching Professionals
10% Administrative occupations
10% Managers, directors and senior officials
5% Teaching and Childcare Associate Professionals
5% Finance Professionals
5% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
5% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
5% Protective service occupations
5% Artistic, literary and media occupations
Source: Unistats by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Sep 29, 2021

Grading & Study Time

Assessment Methods

Study Time Distribution



Please refer to our website

Grading Distribution

Students of the course received the following grades

chart data
Source: Unistats by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) 2016

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

chart data
Source: Unistats by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Sep 29, 2021
All Astrophysics courses of Queen Mary University of London

Please see: www.qmul.ac.uk/international-students

Please see: www.qmul.ac.uk/scholarships
Do you not fulfill the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements?
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still be able to join Astrophysics, MSc.

Students wishing to take the MSc Astrophysics should normally at least a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in a subject with substantial Physics, Mathematics and/or Astronomy content. Students who do not qualify may wish to take the Postgraduate Certificate in Astronomy and Astrophysics (the first year of the MSc Astrophysics programme) which normally requires a degree (or equivalent) in a subject with a substantial Physics, Mathematics and/or Astronomy content. Students who do sufficiently well in the Postgraduate Certificate examinations may be allowed to change their registration to the part time MSc Astrophysics and move into its second year.

Costs

Average student cost of living in London

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

Source: Own research based on surveys and university data

University Rankings

Positions of Queen Mary University of London in top UK and global rankings.

chart data

Rankings of Queen Mary University of London in related subject specific rankings.

Natural Sciences

    • #58 
    • #131 
    Physical Sciences
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Subject
    [Published 06 June, 2020]
    • #16 
    • #151 
    Physical Sciences
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 26 October, 2022]
    • #80 
    • #257 
    Physical Sciences
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Subject
    [Published 06 June, 2020]
    • #83 
    • #287 
    Physical Sciences
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Subject
    [Published 06 June, 2020]
    • #32 
    • #42 
    Physics
    The Guardian UK University League Tables by Subject
    [Published ]
    • #16 
    • #201 
    Physics
    ARWU by subject - Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 26 May, 2021]
    • #27 
    • #36 
    Physics & Astronomy
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 13 June, 2022]
    • #13 
    • #151 
    Physics & Astronomy
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 20 April, 2022]

See all university rankings of Queen Mary University of London

What students say about studying Astrophysics in the UK?

  • A (Weekend) Day in My Life as an Astrophysics Graduate Student
  • What is Astrophysics | Why Astrophysics | Physics Concepts Explanation
  • Week in the Life of an Astrophysics Major | Jaycie Bishop
  • Day in the Life of an Astrophysics University Student (During Exams)
  • A Day in the life of Astrophysicists
  • what it's really like as an astrophysics major

About Queen Mary University of London

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) was founded in 1989 in the Mile End district of London. This Russell Group University offers state-of-the-art facilities, including their Advanced Molecular Imaging Services, and the Genome Centre for DNA research at Barts and the London School of Medicine, among numerous others for a wide variety of subject matters. QMUL is without a doubt an excellent option for any student wishing to pursue a career path in scientific research, and is recognised worldwide as such.

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Where is this programme taught

Queen Mary University of London - Mile End campus
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Mile End
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