Key information
- Duration:
- 4 years full time
- Typical A-level offer:
- AAA
View full entry requirements - UCAS code:
- F501
- Start date:
- September 2025
- 7th in the UK for our research environment in Physics in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)
- Top 20 in the UK for Physics (Guardian University Guide 2025)
This integrated Masters course is perfect if you want to develop your skills in physics to gain a deeper understanding of the Universe. It’s particularly relevant if you’re interested in a career in research or industry.
You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside faculty who are at the forefront of astrophysics. Their work involves observing the electromagnetic signals from distant sources outside the Milky Way, all the way back to the light echo from the Big Bang. They do this using the largest available x-ray, optical, infrared, microwave and radio telescopes. Their collaborations include the James Webb Space Telescope, ESA’s Euclid mission, the Simons Observatory and the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument.
This world-leading research directly influences your teaching. You’ll join a friendly close-knit community. Class sizes are small and our lectures operate an open-door policy, so you’ll always find help if you need it. You’ll have the opportunity to study a wide range of topics including:
- stellar and planetary physics
- galactic astrophysics
- cosmology
- general relativity.
From sustainability to economics and modern languages, you take electives from other subjects to open your mind to other disciplines and tailor your degree to your interests. In your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to work on a year-long project that will take you to the frontiers of modern research. You can choose from an array of projects.
Transferable skills gained include programming with Python, statistical analysis and advanced research skills. When you graduate, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to pursue a range of careers in academic research, data science, finance and programming.
Accreditation
- Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist. Find out more
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
The degree has inspired me to be a researcher one day. We are pushed to think independently, to come up with additional analysis in the lab. This can be quite challenging but also really rewarding. ”Elvira Castello
Astrophysics MPhys
Silver
The student experience and student outcomes are typically very high quality.
This rating was awarded in 2023, for four years.
(Teaching Excellence Framework 2023)
Find out more about our approach to teaching and supporting you to thrive
Our staff
I try to understand how the first stars and galaxies formed in the early universe. To do this I use both observations, mostly taken from the Hubble Space Telescope, and super-computer simulations.”Dr Stephen Wilkins
Senior Lecturer in Astronomy
Prof Stephen Wilkins
Professor of Astronomy and Public Understanding of Science
Careers
We are a core part of the SEPnet (South East Physics Network) consortium, which gives us links to universities and industries across the region.
On your course, you’ll develop versatile and transferable skills. This prepares you for finding jobs in industry or academia. Many of our graduates go on to postgraduate research and PhD study. Others find graduate jobs in a diverse range of fields, including:
-
aerospace
-
consulting
-
geophysics
-
teaching
-
the scientific Civil Service.
Graduate destinations
Recent Physics and Astronomy graduates have started their careers as:
- SAP applications consultant at Capgemini
- geophysicist at CGG
- graduate diagnostic physicist at Diamond Light Source.
Some of our graduates have also gone on to study for a postgraduate qualification (for example a PhD, MSc or PGCE).
(Department of Physics and Astronomy careers database)
Working while you study
Our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work
Design your future at Sussex
Taking the next step in your career can feel daunting, but we’ll help you to explore, connect and flourish throughout your studies and beyond.
As a Sussex student, you’ll learn how to tackle real-world challenges and have access to tailored programmes of careers support:
- our Career Lab helps you to explore your options, build key skills and connect with employers. Take part in internships, community consultancy projects and insight visits, where you can learn about life at organisations including Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Gatwick Airport and the Knepp Rewilding Project
- one-to-one coaching with your Faculty Careers Consultant can enable you to identify your career goals, write an effective CV and prepare for future interviews
- entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab can empower you to turn your concepts into reality.
Explore how our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can support you
Winner
Supporting Student and Graduate Employability Award
AGCAS Awards for Excellence 2024
Winner
Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award
National Enterprise Educator Awards 2024
A-level - contextual offer
BBB - including grade B in Mathematics
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels - contextual offer
Grades BC in A-levels plus Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate.