BSc Hons Physics with Astronomy

If you’re passionate about exploring the universe through real, hands-on science, the BSc (Hons) Physics with Astronomy at the University of Liverpool is the perfect launchpad for your ambitions. This program is taught jointly by world-leading academics from both the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, giving you access to an impressive range of facilities, expertise, and experiential learning opportunities.

Here’s how Liverpool brings astrophysics to life for you:

• Access to the purpose-built Astrophysics Teaching Laboratory and several observatories: Including the city-centre observatory with a 12-inch computer-controlled telescope, for hands-on astronomical measurement and detector technology training.

• Use of the Liverpool Telescope: One of the world’s largest robotic telescopes, located in La Palma, Canary Islands, is especially for your final-year project and advanced observational work.

• A week-long field trip to the Teide Observatory in Tenerife: At the end of your second year, you’ll experience professional observatory work and develop your practical skills alongside experts.

• Opportunities to undertake a project at the Astrophysics Research Institute: As an alternative to the Tenerife trip, focusing on research and data analysis.

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

• Access to specialist digital tools and software: For astronomical data analysis, simulations, and research throughout your studies.

• Eligibility to join the Institute of Physics: And work towards Chartered Physicist status upon graduation, thanks to full IOP accreditation.

• The option to transfer to the four-year MPhys or another physics program: After your first year, offering flexibility as your interests develop.

• Encouragement and support to pursue internships and global experiences: Including summer internships, a year in industry, or options for a Year Abroad or Year in China to expand your global perspective and employability.

Graduate Outcomes: Graduates of the University of Liverpool’s BSc (Hons) Physics with Astronomy are highly employable, moving into roles such as research scientist, data analyst, scientific programmer, space industry specialist, and science educator. Many alumni also pursue further study in astrophysics, physics, engineering, or related fields, or work in sectors including research, finance, technology, and education.

Here’s how Liverpool specifically supports your future:

• Career Services & Experiential Learning: The program is taught jointly by world-leading academics from the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, giving you access to specialist facilities at both institutions. You’ll benefit from a week-long field trip to the Teide Observatory in Tenerife at the end of your second year, where you’ll gain hands-on experience with professional observatories. In your final year, you have access to the Liverpool Telescope in the Canary Islands—the world’s largest robotically controlled telescope—for your research project. The department encourages students to gain work experience through summer internships or a year in industry, with dedicated support for finding placements.

• Industry Partnerships & Research: The program provides access to state-of-the-art astrophysics teaching laboratories, the city-centre observatory with a 12-inch computer-controlled telescope, and the Liverpool Telescope in La Palma. You’ll use advanced detector technology and develop skills in astronomical measurement and data analysis. The degree is supported by strong research links between Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, and students can undertake projects at the Astrophysics Research Institute or with international partners such as Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in China.

• Employment Stats & Salary: Physics graduates from Liverpool are in demand for their numeracy, analytical, computing, teamwork, and communication skills. The degree prepares you for careers in research, industry, computing, business, finance, telecommunications, microelectronics, renewable energy, nuclear power, geophysics, medical physics, and more.

• Accreditation: The BSc (Hons) Physics with Astronomy is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP), fully meeting the educational requirements for Chartered Physicist status.

• Graduate Outcomes: Students graduate with advanced scientific, computational, and research skills, as well as practical experience using world-class telescopes and observatories. The curriculum covers the formation and evolution of stars, planetary systems, nucleosynthesis, supernovae, galaxies, and the universe, preparing you for both immediate employment and further academic or professional training.

Further Academic Progression: After your BSc (Hons) Physics with Astronomy at Liverpool, you can pursue a master’s in astrophysics, physics, or related fields, or enter professional roles in research, industry, education, or science communication, supported by the program’s rigorous training, international research links, and access to unique facilities.