MPhys Astrophysics with a Year Abroad

Studying MPhys Astrophysics with a Year Abroad at the University of Southampton is a truly unique and immersive experience—perfect if you want to gain advanced research skills and stand out in the field of astrophysics. This program is the only one in the UK that lets you spend your fourth year conducting research at the world-renowned Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics (CfA) in Boston, USA. You’ll be learning from leading experts and working on real-world projects that could shape the future of astronomy.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical, hands-on experience and use Southampton’s outstanding facilities:

• Research year at Harvard CfA: Spend your fourth year at the Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics, working on an independent research project with access to cutting-edge data and resources—an opportunity exclusive to Southampton students.

• Tenerife observatory field trip: Take part in a two-week field trip to Tenerife, including an intensive space mission design project and a week using research-grade telescopes for real astronomical observations.

• Renovated teaching laboratories: Complete laboratory courses in Southampton’s modern facilities, including specialist dark labs, photonics labs with laser tables, and astrodomes on the roof equipped with telescopes for sky observations and experiments.

• Advanced digital tools and software: Use high-level software for data analysis, astronomical imaging, and simulation throughout your degree, building technical skills vital for research and industry.

• Collaborative group projects: Join team-based research projects, especially in your third year, managing your own experiments and learning project planning, time management, and scientific communication.

• Active student Astronomy Society: Participate in the student-led Astronomy Society, which organises weekly sky observations, social events, and astronomy-related trips, helping you build community and hands-on experience.

• Research talks and seminars: Attend regular seminars and guest lectures, gaining insight into current developments and connecting with cutting-edge research.

• Mentorship and summer placements: Work with research-active staff, many of whom offer mentored summer research placements in their labs for early hands-on experience.

• Access to Highfield Campus resources: Benefit from Southampton’s state-of-the-art facilities, including computer suites, digital tools, and the university library, supporting your research and academic success.

University of Southampton’s MPhys Astrophysics with a Year Abroad equips students with advanced research skills, international experience, and deep scientific knowledge. Graduates are highly employable, moving into roles such as astrophysicist, research scientist, data analyst, scientific programmer, space industry specialist, and science communicator. Many alumni also pursue PhDs in astrophysics or physics, or careers in sectors such as finance, technology, engineering, and education.

Here’s how Southampton specifically supports your future:

• Career Services & Experiential Learning: This flagship program uniquely offers a year abroad at the prestigious Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics (CfA) in Boston, where you will undertake a major research project under the supervision of a CfA researcher, often resulting in a publishable thesis. You’ll also participate in a two-week field trip to Tenerife for a space mission design project and spend a week at an observatory using high-spec telescopes. Throughout your degree, you’ll develop core physics and advanced astronomy skills, engage in mini-projects, and gain hands-on experience with Southampton’s on-site observatory and telescopes. The university’s Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team provides support through work experience schemes, CV and interview workshops, networking events, and careers fairs attended by top employers. Southampton is ranked in the UK top 20 for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022).

• Employment Stats & Salary: Physics and astronomy graduates from Southampton typically enjoy strong employment prospects. Median earnings for physics graduates are £26,000 one year after graduation, £33,000 after three years, and £35,000 after five years. Many graduates progress to PhD study, especially those aiming for research careers in astronomy.

• Industry Partnerships & Research: The program is the only UK undergraduate course partnered with the Harvard-Smithsonian CfA, the world’s largest centre for the study of the universe. Southampton’s Department of Physics & Astronomy is research-active and internationally recognised, providing students with opportunities to work alongside leading academics and participate in cutting-edge research projects. Students also benefit from Southampton’s strong links with industry and access to a vibrant entrepreneurship culture through the Futureworlds start-up hub.

• Accreditation: The MPhys Astrophysics with a Year Abroad is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP), ensuring professional recognition and a pathway to Chartered Physicist status.

• Graduate Outcomes: Students graduate with advanced analytical, computational, and research skills, as well as expertise in astronomical data analysis, scientific programming, and scientific communication. The curriculum covers the make-up and evolution of galaxies, stellar life cycles, cosmology, black holes, neutron stars, and space weather, preparing graduates for both immediate employment and further academic study.

Further Academic Progression: After your MPhys Astrophysics with a Year Abroad at Southampton, you can pursue a PhD in astrophysics, physics, or related fields, or enter professional roles in research, industry, education, or science communication—supported by the program’s rigorous scientific training, international research experience, and strong employer reputation.