MPhys Honours Astrophysics

If you want to immerse yourself in the science of the universe and gain advanced research skills, the Astrophysics MPhys at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is an exceptional choice. This four-year, on-campus program is designed to prepare you for a career in scientific research or high-level industry roles, with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, real research, and access to world-class facilities.

Experiential learning is at the core of your degree at UCLan. Here’s how you’ll develop practical skills and use specialist tools throughout your studies:

• Direct access to the Alston Observatory: One of the UK’s largest and best-equipped teaching observatories, featuring a 70 cm-diameter robotic telescope recently upgraded with a £200,000 investment, plus more than 20 high-spec telescopes for real astronomical observations and research projects.

• Specialist laboratory facilities: For nuclear physics, mechanics, optics, quantum physics, laser physics, spectroscopy, and astrophysics, equipped with advanced instruments for experimental work.

• State-of-the-art digital environment: For practical analysis, interpretation, and modelling of astronomical data, using the same industry-standard software and computational techniques employed by professional astrophysicists and research staff in UCLan’s Centre for Astrophysics.

• Small class sizes: Ensure you benefit from close contact with expert staff, many of whom are active researchers in the Jeremiah Horrocks Institute with national and international reputations in areas like galactic and extragalactic astrophysics, stellar astrophysics, and solar physics.

• Observatory experiments, laboratory work, and problem classes: Embedded in your modules from the start, including hands-on experience with electronics, AC/DC circuits, programming, and data analysis.

• Opportunities to participate in funded internships and international projects: Including a year abroad at a partner institution or an approved international research project, thanks to UCLan’s collaborations with global leaders like NASA and the Southern African Large Telescope.

• Group projects, science communication assignments, and collaborative workshops: These build your teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation skills.

• Assessment through a mix of exams, assignments, logbooks, reports, and presentations: Ensuring you graduate with both practical and academic strengths.

Graduates of the University of Central Lancashire’s MPhys (Hons) Astrophysics are highly employable, moving into roles such as research scientist, astronomer, data analyst, scientific programmer, space industry specialist, and science educator. Many alumni also pursue PhDs or advanced research positions in astrophysics, physics, or related fields, or work in sectors including research, government, finance, technology, and education.

Here’s how UCLan specifically supports your future:

• Career Services & Experiential Learning: The MPhys Astrophysics program provides extensive hands-on experience through access to the Alston Observatory—one of the UK’s best-equipped teaching observatories, recently enhanced with a £200,000 investment and featuring what is likely the most powerful modern optical telescope in the country. All students use the observatory’s 20+ telescopes from their first year. You’ll also have access to specialist labs for nuclear physics, mechanics, optics, quantum physics, laser physics, spectroscopy, and astrophysics. In your third year, you can undertake a Physics/Astronomy Project or a UAS Teaching Placement, and the program offers the opportunity to spend a year abroad at a partner institution or with an approved research project, further broadening your practical and international experience.

• Industry Partnerships & Research: UCLan collaborates with world leaders in the field, including NASA and the Southern African Large Telescope, and is a leading member of the UK Southern African Large Telescope Consortium. Students benefit from a vibrant research culture, research-informed teaching, and the chance to join funded internships—some of which have led to publications in scientific journals and presentations at international conferences. The university also hosts the UK hub for data from the Solar Dynamics Observatory and is home to the Jeremiah Horrocks Institute for Mathematics, Physics, and Astronomy, which pursues research into the physics of stars, galaxies, and the universe.

• Employment Stats & Salary: Physics and astrophysics graduates from UCLan are in high demand for their analytical, mathematical, and computational skills, with alumni working at high-profile organizations such as BAE and NASA. The degree prepares you for roles in industry, government research institutes, overseas observatories, financial institutions, scientific journalism, and more. Physics graduates are among the most employable in the world, especially in technical and business sectors where these skills are highly prized.

• Accreditation: The MPhys Astrophysics is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP), the professional body for physics in the UK and Ireland. Completion of the course allows graduates to progress towards Chartered Physicist (CPhys) status, providing industry-wide recognition of your qualification.

• Graduate Outcomes: You’ll graduate with advanced analytical, mathematical, and computational skills, as well as hands-on experience in observational and theoretical astrophysics. The curriculum covers core areas such as observational techniques, modern physics, electronics, advanced calculus, electromagnetism, quantum physics, thermal physics, and differential equations, preparing you for both immediate employment and further academic or professional training.

Further Academic Progression: After your MPhys (Hons) Astrophysics at UCLan, you can pursue a PhD in astrophysics, physics, or related subjects at UCLan or other leading universities. The program also prepares you for professional roles in research, industry, education, or science communication, supported by UCLan’s strong research culture, faculty mentorship, and extensive industry and global partnerships.