BSc Hons Physics with Astronomy

Here’s how students on the BSc (Hons) Physics with Astronomy (with placement year) at the University of Surrey gain practical skills and real-world experience, using outstanding facilities and research-led teaching:

They’ll start with well‑structured hands-on laboratory work and programming from Year 1. As you progress, you’ll engage with observational astronomy using campus telescopes, computation on powerful clusters, and experimental nuclear physics in modern radiation labs. Importantly, the optional Professional Training Year lets you spend a full academic year in industry—working on real projects, building connections with leading employers, and applying what you’ve learned under expert guidance.

Here’s how that translates into concrete experiences and resources:

• Teaching and outreach telescopes + high-performance computing clusters
  You’ll use University‑owned astronomy telescopes for observation projects and complete simulations or data analysis using the central Eureka (2,200+ CPU cores) and Kara (1,100+ cores) high-performance GPU clusters.

• Specialist radiation and nuclear physics laboratories
  Use newly refurbished labs (invested at £2.7m) for experiments in nuclear and particle physics using shielded gamma‑ray detectors and environmental radioactivity measurement tools.

• Professional Training Year (placement year)
  You can apply to a paid placement year, supported by Surrey’s Professional Training Office and personal tutors—placement hosts have included Airbus Defence & Space, IBM UK, National Physical Laboratory, Tesla Engineering, BAE Systems, and TOPTICA Photonics.

• Research placements and innovation grants
  All students can apply for 8–10 week SEPnet summer placements, and internal grants to fund research visits, conference attendance, or enterprise projects.

• Final-year individual research project
  In your third year (after placement), you design and conduct an independent astrophysics or physics research project under academic supervision—often contributing to real publications.

• Software & digital tools
  Programming (Python) is integrated from Year 1—including modules for computational skills and simulations. You’ll use data-analysis toolkits and modelling environments essential in astrophysics research.

• Group projects & communication training
  Through modules with collaborative lab reports, group problem solving, and presentations, you’ll sharpen teamwork and scientific communication abilities.

• Engagement with Surrey’s Astrophysics Group
  Academic staff in astrophysics work on galaxy evolution, gravitational waves, black holes and dark matter. You’ll be learning in a truly research-led department.

• Physics facilities across disciplines
  The Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences offers labs for photonics, soft matter, quantum physics, microscopes/spectrometers, ellipsometry and more—accessible during advanced practical coursework.

These experiential elements ensure you graduate with more than theoretical knowledge—you’ll have practical lab skills, programming competence, independent research experience, placement-world exposure, and strong employability.

Graduates of University of Surrey’s BSc (Hons) Physics with Astronomy (with optional placement year) are highly employable, and often pursue careers such as astrophysicist, research scientist, data analyst, systems engineer, software developer, finance or tech consultant, educator, or academic. Graduates also progress to postgraduate pathways including MPhys and PhD.

Here’s how Surrey specifically supports your future:

• Career Services & Experiential Learning
  A paid Professional Training placement year (PTY) is available for BSc students, giving real-world industry experience at organisations like BAE Systems, Airbus, National Physical Laboratory, Tesla Engineering, IBM UK or the NHS.

• Placement support is provided by a dedicated Professional Training Office, with application support starting in Year 2. If not placed, students proceed in the standard three-year track.

• Surrey embeds core employability modules from Year 1, such as Scientific Investigation Skills, communication, teamwork and CV/interview coaching, alongside broader careers guidance and alumni support for three years post-graduation.

Industry Partnerships & Research

• Surrey students access hands‑on experience with teaching and outreach telescopes, high-performance GPU clusters and simulation labs, as part of an astronomy and physics curriculum.

• Opportunities include paid 8–10 week summer research placements via the South East Physics Network (SEPnet) and internal ‘research and innovation’ or enterprise grants to fund research, conferences, or business ideas.

• The department features state‑of‑the‑art facilities such as a £2.7 m radiation lab, quantum biology centre, ion beam centre, and student observatory, enabling advanced experimental work.

Accreditation
Physics with Astronomy BSc is fully accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP), satisfying educational requirements for Chartered Physicist status.

Graduate Outcomes
According to HESA Graduate Outcomes 2024, 96% of physics and astronomy undergraduates go on to employment or further study, with an average starting salary of £37k.

Further Academic Progression

• Students can opt to continue onto an MPhys integrated Master's with a research placement year, conducting advanced projects in renowned research groups, possibly internationally.
• The strong emphasis on undergraduate research and innovation supports applications to postgraduate study and research careers.