BSc Hons Astrophysics

If you’re passionate about understanding the universe—from exoplanets to galaxy clusters—the Astrophysics BSc (Hons) at the University of St Andrews offers a rigorous and research-led education. You'll study within the School of Physics and Astronomy, ranked first in the UK in REF 2021 for physics research quality, and benefit from hands-on learning using the UK’s largest operational optical telescope.

You’ll develop core physics, mathematical, computational, and observational skills through a mix of lectures, labs, telescope work, programming modules, and personal research.

Experiential learning Highlights in this programme:

• Observatory training from Year 1 with the James Gregory Telescope (JGT):
  From first year you start with small refractors (Meade ETX80 and brass refractors), progressing to Meade 10″ and 16″ telescopes from Year 2. By the Honours years, you have access to the JGT—a 0.94 m research-grade Schmidt‑Cassegrain telescope, the largest operational optical telescope in the UK—for direct imaging, variability monitoring, and exoplanet transit observation.

• Research-led final-year project:
  In your fourth year you'll undertake the Astrophysics Project (BSc)—a 30‑credit project linked to current research within the School. Options include observational, computational, or theoretical topics, sometimes contributing to published work.

• Interaction with active research groups and data use:
  The Astronomy Group at St Andrews teaches undergraduates and involves them in ongoing research, including use of large datasets from major telescope missions. Coursework and projects regularly draw on live astronomy data.

• Modular teaching with flexible choices:
  The flexible University-wide module system lets you choose optional courses across disciplines in early years, with core physics and astrophysics modules mandated in Honours years. Many students comment on the unique academic freedom and ability to switch subjects if desired 

• Communication and transferrable skills training:
  The Transferable Skills for Physicists module (Year 3) focuses on teamwork, oral and written communication, problem solving, and professional research practice

Graduates of the University of St Andrews’ BSc (Hons) Astrophysics are highly employable, and often go into careers such as astrophysicist, research scientist, data analyst, scientific programmer, science educator, or further academic study in physics/astrophysics. The degree equips students with core physics, mathematics, computational modeling, and data analysis skills applicable across sectors like finance, technology, energy, and research.

Here’s how St Andrews specifically supports your future:

Career Services & Experiential Learning:

• Around half the degree is devoted to core physics and mathematics, with the other half focused on astrophysics, computational skills, and big‑data analysis—ideal for roles in industry or further study.
• Students get opportunities to code with real-world data from space missions and use observational facilities.
• The University‑wide St Andrews optional Abroad programme allows you to study overseas. While there’s no mandatory placement year, the curricular and extracurricular options provide international experience.

Industry Partnerships & Research:

• The School of Physics and Astronomy is internationally recognised for research in astrophysics (including exoplanets, star/galaxy formation, cosmology) and part of national & international research networks such as SUPA.
• Students use the Gregory telescope, the largest operational optical telescope in the UK, plus a network of robotic telescopes via partnerships like Las Cumbres Observatory, providing hands‑on observing experience.
• Teaching is research‑led, with staff involved in high‑impact projects, offering insight into current science and potential collaborations.

Accreditation:
All Physics and Astrophysics degrees at St Andrews—including the BSc (Hons) Astrophysics—are accredited by the Institute of Physics (UK & Ireland), meeting professional standards.

Graduate Outcomes:

• Graduates emerge with advanced analytical, computational, mathematical, and research skills, developed through rigorous modules and a 30‑credit Astrophysics project in year 4.
• Many alumni pursue further study or careers in research, data science, finance, energy, industry, and education. The versatility of skill development is widely valued.

Further Academic Progression:

• The programme supports continuation to postgraduate study—such as a master’s or PhD in astrophysics, physics, or related fields—through structured research project work and strong academic mentoring.
• Options are available to pursue a five‑year Integrated Masters (MPhys) with the possibility of accelerated entry, finishing in four years.