BSc Hons Astrophysics with Year Abroad

Studying BSc (Hons) Astrophysics with Year Abroad at Queen Mary University of London means you’ll get hands-on with the universe—literally. You’ll develop practical skills in labs, work with real telescopes, and use advanced digital tools, all while learning from leading researchers. Your year abroad will give you a global perspective and access to new research environments, making you stand out in the field.

Here’s how you’ll gain real-world experience and use top facilities at Queen Mary:

• Access to the School’s rooftop Astronomical Observatory: Equipped with upgraded telescopes (including remote access), so you can conduct observational astronomy and research projects right in London.

• State-of-the-art teaching and research labs: Including the Optics Laboratory, Detector Testing Laboratory, X-Ray Diffraction Facility, and more, where you’ll develop experimental and analytical skills.

• Hands-on lab work and programming modules: These teach you how to analyse data, simulate astrophysical systems, and use the same methods as professional astronomers.

• A compulsory independent research project in your final year: Supervised by a member of the Astronomy Unit, letting you explore a cutting-edge topic in astrophysics—like exoplanets, black holes, or cosmology—using real mission data from collaborations such as JWST, ALMA, and the Parker Solar Probe.

• Group projects and peer-led study sessions: These build teamwork and communication skills, mirroring real research environments.

• Use of high-performance computing facilities: For data analysis, simulations, and working with large astronomical datasets.

• A year abroad at one of Queen Mary’s partner universities: In destinations like the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and more, where you’ll experience new research cultures and expand your academic network.

• Access to specialist resources: Including the Royal Astronomical Society Library, the British Library, and dedicated study spaces within the School.

• Support from academic advisers, technical staff, and a vibrant student community: Plus digital resources for research and collaboration.

Graduate Outcomes: Graduates of Queen Mary University of London’s BSc (Hons) Astrophysics with Year Abroad (4 Years On Campus) are highly employable, moving into roles such as astrophysicist, data analyst, research scientist, scientific programmer, and science educator. Many alumni also pursue MSc studies in astrophysics, astronomy, or related fields, supported by Queen Mary’s strong research culture and international collaborations.

Here’s how Queen Mary specifically supports your future:

• Career Services & Experiential Learning: The program combines rigorous physics and mathematics training with specialist astrophysics modules, including cosmology, galaxies, stars, planetary systems, and the large-scale structure of the universe. You’ll develop practical skills in laboratory work, programming, and data analysis, applying astronomical methods to real data. The year abroad is spent at one of Queen Mary’s 250+ global partner institutions, offering international experience and exposure to different research environments. In your final year, you’ll complete an independent research project on a cutting-edge astrophysics topic, supervised by active researchers in the field.

• Industry Partnerships & Research: Queen Mary’s Astronomy Unit is a UK leader, with staff involved in international projects such as NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the discovery of exoplanets. The university’s global partnerships span over 250 institutions, providing students with opportunities for research collaborations, placements, and networking across academia, government, and industry. These connections give you access to real-world data, advanced facilities, and a global professional network.

• Employment Stats & Salary: Astrophysics graduates in London are in demand for their analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills, with many entering highly skilled jobs in science, engineering, IT, finance, and education. According to national data, physics graduates earn starting salaries significantly above the UK average, and 15 months after graduation, a high proportion are in graduate-level employment or further study.

• Accreditation: The BSc Astrophysics with Year Abroad 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, as well as high-level numeracy, IT, coding, and communication abilities. The curriculum and international experience prepare you for roles in academia, industry, and beyond.

Further Academic Progression: After your BSc (Hons) Astrophysics with Year Abroad 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 global partnerships, research environment, and faculty mentorship.