MSci Hons Astrophysics with Year Abroad

If you’re ready to immerse yourself in cutting-edge astrophysics and gain global research experience, the MSci (Hons) Astrophysics with Year Abroad at Queen Mary University of London is an exceptional choice. This five-year program is designed for ambitious students who want to master both core physics and advanced astrophysics, while spending a year at one of QMUL’s international partner universities in destinations like the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and more.

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

• Hands-on laboratory work: In state-of-the-art teaching labs and general physics laboratories, you will build experimental and analytical skills from your first year.

• Direct access to the rooftop Astronomical Observatory: Equipped with upgraded telescopes (including remote access), for observational astronomy and research projects.

• Use of high-performance computing facilities: Including QMUL’s local supercomputer and the national DiRAC facility, for advanced data analysis, astrophysical simulations, and handling mission data from collaborations like JWST, ALMA, LIGO, and the Parker Solar Probe.

• A year abroad at a partner institution: Where you’ll expand your perspective, experience new research environments, and connect with international experts in astrophysics.

• Final-year and master’s-level research projects: In areas such as cosmology, exoplanets, gravitational waves, planetary systems, black holes, and more, supervised by internationally recognised researchers in the Astronomy Unit.

• Group projects, peer-led study sessions, and collaborative assignments: These mirror real research teams and foster communication and teamwork.

• Opportunities for summer research placements and professional experience: An optional study abroad at additional partner institutions.

• Elective modules in advanced topics: Such as Advanced Cosmology, Astrophysical Plasmas, Extrasolar Planets and Astrophysical Disks, Relativity and Gravitation, and Radiative Transfer and Astrochemistry.

• Access to specialist resources: Including the Royal Astronomical Society Library, the British Library, and the University of London Library at Senate House.

• Support from academic advisers, technical staff, and a vibrant student community: Plus dedicated study spaces and digital resources.

Graduate Outcomes: Graduates of Queen Mary University of London’s MSci (Hons) Astrophysics with Year Abroad are highly employable, moving into roles such as astrophysicist, research scientist, data analyst, scientific programmer, and science educator. Many alumni also pursue PhDs 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: This Institute of Physics (IoP) accredited integrated master’s programme provides a rigorous foundation in core physics and advanced astrophysics, with the added benefit of a year abroad at one of QMUL’s global partner institutions (including options in Australia, Canada, the USA, Asia, and more). You’ll study planetary systems, stars, galaxies, and the universe, and develop high-level mathematical, computational, and research skills. The programme features increasing module choice in later years, and the final year includes a substantial research project on a cutting-edge topic, supervised by world-class academic staff. The year abroad offers international experience, exposure to different research environments, and the chance to build a global professional network.

• Industry Partnerships & Research: The QMUL Astronomy Unit is an international leader in astrophysics research, with staff involved in major projects such as NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, the James Webb Space Telescope, exoplanet discovery (e.g., Proxima b), astrobiology, cosmology, and the use of machine learning in space science. Students benefit from research-led teaching and have the opportunity to engage with real-world data and participate in internationally collaborative projects. The fourth-year intercollegiate structure allows you to take specialist modules at UCL, King’s College London, and Royal Holloway, expanding your academic and professional network.

• Accreditation: The MSci Astrophysics with Year Abroad is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IoP), meeting professional standards for further study and employment in physics and astrophysics.

• Graduate Outcomes: Students graduate with advanced analytical, programming, and research skills, as well as experience in independent and group project work. The curriculum covers advanced cosmology, astrophysical plasmas, extrasolar planets, relativity and gravitation, radiative transfer, and astrochemistry, preparing you for both immediate employment and further academic or professional training.

Further Academic Progression: After your MSci Astrophysics with Year Abroad at Queen Mary, you can pursue a PhD in astrophysics, astronomy, or related fields at QMUL 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.