Astrophysics (BSc and MPhys)

UCAS codes

F510 (BSc)
F361 (MPhys)

Degree overview

Astrophysics uses Physics to study celestial bodies and interstellar space. The recent past has been witness to dramatic astronomical discoveries and an unsurpassed gathering of data, both areas in which our staff have world-leading reputations. Consequently, this is a particularly exciting time to be involved with Astrophysics, and we endeavour to ensure that students gain a unique and deep insight into the major scientific controversies of our time.

The Astrophysics degree is intended to give a good knowledge of Physics and to show how this knowledge can be applied to the problems of Astronomy. A single astronomical problem will frequently require the flexible use of nearly all branches of Physics, and the skills developed during this degree are well suited to application in many other areas of research and industry.

Key information & entry requirements

Degree structure & content

Degree Programme Tables are published by the University and provide full details of the structure and content of each degree programme.

Student community

A particularly attractive feature of studying Astrophysics at Edinburgh is that in the intermediate and advanced years you will find you are a member of a relatively small and close-knit group of students who will attend lectures at the Institute for Astronomy, the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh.

The Institute for Astronomy is embedded on a single site with a Government research establishment, the UK Astronomy Technology Centre.   Together, these establishments make up the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh.  These are located on Blackford Hill, about a 15 minute walk from King's Buildings, which offers panoramic views of the city and its castle.

Students benefit enormously from the excellent facilities provided within the Observatory, including one of the best astronomical libraries and a steady flow of visiting astronomers from all over the world.