Our Physics with Astrophysics Foundation Entry degree course is a one-year preparation for a degree programme that will equip you to work as a professional physicist or astrophysicist.
Foundation entry degrees are beneficial if you missed out on the grades to enter the standard programme. You’ll take an additional year of study at the beginning of the undergraduate course.
This course brings together aspects of two of our degrees to offer a programme that’s full of possibilities. It covers a comprehensive range of topics, from quantum physics to the structure of the universe. As such, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge of the laws of physics, stars and galaxies, together with mathematical skills and practical laboratory experience – all on a course that is accredited by the Institute of Physics.
It’s a popular route if you want to keep your options open, as it not only provides a solid base you can build on with further study but also comes with the chance to switch your focus to one of our other physics-based courses. You could even take the sandwich year option by adding a year’s study abroad or working on a placement as part of your degree.
Completion of the Foundation Entry Year gives you the option to progress onto any of our BSc (Hons)/ MPhys Physics or Astrophysics degrees.
Why study with us
- During your Foundation Entry Year, you’ll study alongside peers from related courses, as you gain a broad introduction to the fundamentals of classical and quantum physics.
- You’ll also develop the mathematical ability to express those ideas, and the laboratory experience to perform real physics experiments.
- In the 2022 National Student Survey, 92% of Physics and Astrophysics respondents were overall satisfied with their course, with a 90% rating for the teaching on the course.
What you’ll do
- During our BSc (Hons) / MPhys Physics or Astrophysics degree courses you’ll have access to the University’s Alston Observatory, one of the largest teaching observatories in the UK, to make real astronomical observations.
- You’ll be taught by members of the Jeremiah Horrocks Institute, a diverse and international community of scientists committed to excellence in teaching and research.
- You can choose to take a sandwich year between your second and third year, whether studying abroad or gaining valuable skills and experience on a work placement.
Module overview
Compulsory modules
• APC801: Foundations of Applied Physics
• APC802: Motion, Forces and Force Fields
• APC803: The Road to Quantum Mechanics
• MAC811: Pure Mathematics and Statistics
• MAC833: Mathematical Methods
Year 1
Compulsory modules
• AA1003: Astrophysics 1- The Structure of the Universe
• AP1043: Electromagnetic Radiation and Quantum Theory
•
AP1842: Mechanics
• AP1852: Applied Physics and Linear Systems
• AP1860: Practical Physics 1- Programming and Experimental Physics
• MA1831: Functions, Vectors and Calculus
Year 2
Compulsory modules
• AA2001: Astrophysics 2
•
AP2043: Electromagnetism and Waves
• AP2858: Thermal and Quantum Physics
• AP2859: Special Relativity and Solid State Physics
•
AP2860: Practical Physics2 - Computing and Experimental Physics
• MA2831: Ordinary Differential Equations
Year 3
Compulsory modules
•
AA3010: Formation, Structure and Evolution of Stars
• AA3853: Cosmology and Galaxies
• AP3860: Practical Physics 3- Experimental Physics and Problem Solving
Optional modules
•
AP3840: Condensed Matter and Surface Physics
•
AP3842: Nuclear and Particle Physics
•
AP3844: Atomic Physics and Advanced Quantum Mechanics
• AP3845: Electrodynamics, Plasma and Solar Physics
•
AP3950: Physics/Astronomy Project
• MA3831: Partial Differential Equations and Integral Transforms
Year 4
Compulsory modules
• AP4553: MPhys (Hons) Project
Optional modules
•
AA4846: Galaxies 2
•
AA4847: Plasma and Solar Physics 2
•
AA4848: General Relativity
• AA4849: Planet Formation
• AP4614: Physics for Energy
• AP4852: Advanced Laboratory
• AP4870: Magnetism
•
AP4872: Lasers and Modern Optics
Course delivery
This course is taught face-to-face at one of our UK campuses.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
Future careers
Our Physics with Astrophysics Foundation Entry course can lead to a range of successful careers in industry, government research institutes, overseas laboratories and observatories.
Physics, Astronomy, and Astrophysics graduates are amongst the most employable in the world, particularly in technical and business sectors, where analytical and mathematical skills are at a premium.
You could also work in financial institutions, teach or become a scientific journalist.
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