BSc Hons Astrophysics

If you want to study the universe using real telescopes and the latest research tools, Queen Mary University of London’s BSc (Hons) Astrophysics is an outstanding choice. You’ll be part of a vibrant department with a £12 million investment in facilities, learning alongside leading researchers and gaining hands-on experience from your very first year.

You’ll develop practical skills through a blend of laboratory work, astronomical observations, research projects, and digital analysis. The program is structured to give you a strong foundation in both core physics and specialised astrophysics, with plenty of opportunities to tailor your studies and get involved in real research.

Here’s how experiential learning comes to life in this program:

• Access to the Observatory: On the roof of the G.O. Jones building, equipped with upgraded telescopes (including remote access capability) for undergraduate teaching and research in astronomy and astrophysics.

• Modern teaching laboratories: Featuring advanced physics equipment such as X-ray sources, spectral emission tubes, radioactive sources and detectors, and open-source electronics hardware for practical modules and project work.

• Opportunities to use professional research labs: For final-year projects, including facilities for materials physics, wet chemistry, lasers, X-ray diffraction/crystallography, and muon physics.

• Participation in a compulsory independent research project: In astrophysics in your final year, supervised by a member of the Astronomy Unit, where you’ll investigate a real scientific question and develop your investigative and communication skills.

• Summer research placements: With the Astronomy Unit, where you can join active research groups in areas like cosmology, exoplanets, and space plasmas, contributing to real projects and connecting with other student researchers.

• Use of high-performance computing resources: And access to mission data from collaborations such as ALMA, LIGO, JWST, and the Parker Solar Probe.

• Group work, peer-assisted study sessions, and social events: In the Physics Museum, a dedicated space for collaboration, study, and connecting with staff and fellow students.

• Access to specialist and university libraries: Including the Royal Astronomical Society Library and the British Library, for research and study support.

Graduates of Queen Mary University of London’s BSc (Hons) Astrophysics are highly employable, moving into roles such as astrophysicist, data analyst, research scientist, scientific programmer, science educator, and positions in sectors including space, technology, finance, and education. Many alumni also pursue MSc studies in astrophysics, astronomy, or related fields, supported by the university’s strong research culture and international collaborations.

Here’s how Queen Mary specifically supports your future:

• Career Services & Experiential Learning: The program combines rigorous core physics with specialist astrophysics modules, covering cosmology, galaxies, stars, planetary systems, and the evolution and properties of astrophysical systems. You’ll develop practical skills in laboratory work, programming, and data analysis, and apply astronomical methods to real data. In your final year, you’ll complete an independent research project under the supervision of an active astrophysics researcher, developing investigative, analytical, and communication skills. The university’s Careers and Enterprise team offers tailored support, networking events, and employer connections.

• Industry Partnerships & Research: The Astronomy Unit at Queen Mary is one of the UK’s largest and most active, working on international collaborations with facilities such as ALMA, the James Webb Space Telescope, and LIGO. Staff are involved in high-profile research and regularly support research fellowship applications (including Royal Society and ERC grants). The university maintains global partnerships with over 250 institutions, enabling student and research exchange, and collaborates with industry through knowledge transfer, sponsored PhDs, and innovation projects. Students benefit from world-class facilities, including advanced computing, molecular imaging, and observational resources.

• Accreditation: The BSc (Hons) Astrophysics is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IoP), ensuring the degree meets professional standards and is recognised for further professional qualifications and postgraduate study.

• Graduate Outcomes: Students graduate with advanced analytical, computational, and research skills, and the ability to analyse astronomical data and model physical systems. These skills are valued by employers across technical, scientific, and analytical roles in both academia and industry.

Further Academic Progression: After your BSc (Hons) Astrophysics at Queen Mary, you can pursue an MSc in astrophysics, astronomy, or related fields at Queen Mary or other leading universities. The program also prepares you for professional roles in research, industry, education, or science communication, supported by Queen Mary’s strong research environment, faculty mentorship, and extensive industry and global partnerships.