MSc Astrophysics with Advanced Research

Entry requirements and key information

Employability

About the course

The MSc Astrophysics with Advanced Research is a two year degree worth 240 credits (120 ECTs), and emulates the structure of taught Masters degrees run in Europe and elsewhere outside the UK.

You’ll develop a thorough grounding in fundamental physics while exploring cutting edge topics about the Universe, its constituents and structure, and humanity’s place within it.

You’ll be trained in observational astrophysics and in the use of theory by carrying out a major research project supervised by a leading expert. Throughout the course, you’ll develop specialised skills in physics research enquiry and problem-solving, critical thinking, scientific writing, communication and presentation, and programming and software application.

The course gives you the unique opportunity to study a wide variety of astrophysical phenomena across many scales enabling you to explore all corners of the Universe. You’ll study galactic topics, including:

• extra-solar planets
• the life cycle of stars
• gamma-ray bursters
• supernovae.

You’ll also have the opportunity to study extra-galactic topics, including:

• active galaxies at high redshift
• cosmological theory
• the evolution of the universe.

You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake a placement year through the different course pathways.

Why choose this course?

Research is at the forefront of the course and is embedded in your student experience from research-informed teaching, to opportunities for direct involvement with ongoing research projects. Your advanced research project has scope to yield a profound impact as your project work progresses understanding in the field.

You’ll be taken on an exciting learning journey led by staff from the University of Hertfordshire Centre for Astrophysics Research. You’ll benefit from their internationally renowned knowledge and experience from the work they carry out across a range of cutting-edge research topics in both galactic and extragalactic astrophysics.

Find out more about the Centre for Astrophysics Research.

The course benefits from a large practical component enabling you to put your knowledge and research into practice. As a student on the course, you’ll have unique access to the University’s own Bayfordbury Observatory. The Observatory is home to:

• eight individual domes
• a fully equipped computer building
• five 40cm Meade telescopes (equipped with CCD detectors)
• a solar telescope
• a video telescope
• four radio telescopes on-site which also facilitates a three-element radio interferometer.

The facilities are automated (with weather sensitive control) so observing can be done either remotely (via queue observing) or directly through on-site student visits.

Find out more about Bayfordbury Observatory.

The University of Hertfordshire was ranked 2nd in the East of England (after Cambridge) for Physics and Astronomy (2023 Complete University Guide).

What will I study?

As part of the course, you’ll undertake six compulsory modules focused on the latest cutting-edge research. You’ll study an exciting blend of topics, including:

• galactic and extragalactic astrophysics
• astrophysical techniques and concepts
• fundamental theory
• analysis methods.

The structure of the course enables you to take your research and career in the direction which suits you. You’re able to tailor your degree to your own interests and undertake an additional four optional modules from specialist areas of astrophysics, space science, fundamental theory, and optical physics.

The final year of the course includes a major astrophysics research project supervised by a leading expert in your chosen field. Project teaching comprises of individual supervision and guidance to support your development as a researcher. You’ll also carry out an in-depth exploration of the scientific literature and present seminars on key astrophysics topics linked to your project.

Student experience

Fees 2022

UK Students

Full time

• £9750 for 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 inclusive

EU Students

Full time

• £16000 for 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 inclusive

International Students

Full time

• £16000 for 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 inclusive

*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

 

Deadlines

15 January