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University of Glasgow: Astrophysics
| Institution | University of Glasgow View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | School of Physics and Astronomy |
| Web | glasgow.ac.uk |
| Telephone | 0141 330 4515 |
| Study type | Taught |
MSc
Summary
The Masters in Astrophysics gives you an understanding of the principles and methods of modern astrophysics at a level appropriate for a professional physicist.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME
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The School plays a world-leading role in the design and operation of the worldwide network of laser interferometers that have detected gravitational waves.
-
The School of Physics and Astronomy is highly active in research and knowledge transfer projects with industry. Our Masters students have regular opportunities to engage with our industrial collaborators through informal visits, guest lectures and workshops.
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This programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics. Accredited MSc programmes automatically meet the master’s level education requirement for Chartered Physicist (CPhys) status. To fully meet the educational requirements for CPhys graduates must also possess an IOP accredited undergraduate degree or equivalent.
-
The School has a major role in the award winning NASA RHESSI X-ray mission studying solar flares and in several other forthcoming international space missions such as ESA’s Solar Orbiter.
-
You will also benefit from our membership of the Scottish Universities Physics Alliance. The alliance brings together internationally leading physics research across Scotland to form the largest physics grouping in the UK.
-
You will gain the theoretical, observational and computational skills necessary to analyse and solve advanced astrophysics problems, providing you with an excellent foundation for a career of scientific leadership in academia or industry.
-
You will develop transferable skills that will improve your career prospects, such as project management, team-working, advanced data analysis, problem-solving, critical evaluation of scientific literature, advanced laboratory and computing skills, and how to effectively communicate with different audiences.
-
You will benefit from direct contact with our group of international experts who will teach you cutting-edge physics and supervise your projects.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Modes of delivery of the MSc in Astrophysics include lectures, seminars and tutorials and allow students the opportunity to take part in lab, project and team work.
The programme draws upon a wide range of advanced Masters-level courses. You will have the flexibility to tailor your choice of optional courses and project work to a variety of specific research topics and their applications in the area of astrophysics.
Core Courses Include: Research Skills Gravitational Wave Detection Advanced Data Analysis For Physics And Astronomy The Sun's Atmosphere MSc Project
Optional Courses Include: Particle Physics Dynamics, Electrodynamics & Relativity Electromagnetic Theory 2 Groups And Symmetries Quantum and Atom Optics Statistical Mechanics
CAREER PROSPECTS Career opportunities include academic research, based in universities, research institutes, observatories and laboratory facilities; industrial research in a wide range of fields including energy and the environmental sector, IT and semiconductors, optics and lasers, materials science, telecommunications, engineering; banking and commerce; higher education.
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics or Maths, with modules in each of Dynamics and Electromagnetism and Thermodynamics and Relativity and Quantum Mechanics and Introductory Astrophysics at an average grade of pass. We may also accept degrees in Meteorology, Physics combined with Chemistry/Engineering, or related subject with significant Physics content at 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent). A 2.2 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Astrophysics followed by substantial relevant experience may be considered on an individual basis. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
Summary
The Masters in Astrophysics gives you an understanding of the principles and methods of modern astrophysics at a level appropriate for a professional physicist.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME
-
This programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics. Accredited MSc programmes automatically meet the master’s level education requirement for Chartered Physicist (CPhys) status. To fully meet the educational requirements for CPhys graduates must also possess an IOP accredited undergraduate degree or equivalent.
-
The School plays a world-leading role in the design and operation of the worldwide network of laser interferometers that have detected gravitational waves.
-
The School has a major role in the award winning NASA RHESSI X-ray mission studying solar flares and in several other forthcoming international space missions such as ESA’s Solar Orbiter.
-
The School of Physics and Astronomy is highly active in research and knowledge transfer projects with industry. Our Masters students have regular opportunities to engage with our industrial collaborators through informal visits, guest lectures and workshops.
-
You will also benefit from our membership of the Scottish Universities Physics Alliance. The alliance brings together internationally leading physics research across Scotland to form the largest physics grouping in the UK.
-
You will gain the theoretical, observational and computational skills necessary to analyse and solve advanced astrophysics problems, providing you with an excellent foundation for a career of scientific leadership in academia or industry.
-
You will develop transferable skills that will improve your career prospects, such as project management, team-working, advanced data analysis, problem-solving, critical evaluation of scientific literature, advanced laboratory and computing skills, and how to effectively communicate with different audiences.
-
You will benefit from direct contact with our group of international experts who will teach you cutting-edge physics and supervise your projects.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Modes of delivery of the MSc in Astrophysics include lectures, seminars and tutorials and allow students the opportunity to take part in lab, project and team work.
The programme draws upon a wide range of advanced Masters-level courses. You will have the flexibility to tailor your choice of optional courses and project work to a variety of specific research topics and their applications in the area of astrophysics. Please note: some courses are only offered on alternate years (indicated in brackets after the course).
Core Courses Include: ADVANCED DATA ANALYSIS FOR PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY GENERAL RELATIVITY AND GRAVITATION GRAVITATIONAL WAVE DETECTION PLASMA THEORY AND DIAGNOSTICS
PULSARS AND SUPERNOVAE RESEARCH SKILLS STATISTICAL ASTRONOMY THE SUN'S ATMOSPHERE MSC PROJECT
Optional Courses Include: QUANTUM AND ATOM OPTICS COSMOLOGY DYNAMICS, ELECTRODYNAMICS & RELATIVITY ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY 2 EXPLORING PLANETARY SYSTEMS GALAXIES HELIOPHYSICS AND STELLAR ATMOSPHERES INSTRUMENTS FOR OPTICAL AND RADIO ASTRONOMY
STATISTICAL MECHANICS STELLAR STRUCTURE AND EVOLUTION
CAREER PROSPECTS Career opportunities include academic research, based in universities, research institutes, observatories and laboratory facilities; industrial research in a wide range of fields including energy and the environmental sector, IT and semiconductors, optics and lasers, materials science, telecommunications, engineering; banking and commerce; higher education.
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A 2.1 Honours degree in Physics or a related subject International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of pre-Masters courses. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
The University of Glasgow is one of the UK’s most prestigious seats of learning, and the fourth oldest university in the English speaking world. Established in 1451 and recognised for its world-changing research and teaching, our people have always been at the forefront of innovation, including eight Nobel Laureates, two UK Prime Ministers, three First Ministers of Scotland, 10 Fellows of the Royal Society and 11 Fellows of the British Academy. Our past achievements inspire our current world changers.
Rankings
The University:
- is ranked 79th in the world: QS World University Rankings 2025
- is …
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