MPhys
Physics with Astrophysics

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Key Information

Campus

Brayford Pool

Typical Offer

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Duration

4-5 years

Validation Status

Subject to Validation

UCAS Code

F302

Academic Year

Course Overview

Our Physics with Astrophysics degree has been developed to equip students with the reasoning and analytical skills to tackle problems with no known answers. Astrophysics provides training in space science, Earth observation, and physics of extreme conditions, and this degree aims to develop students' abilities to think on their feet and to think outside the box. The programme is designed to equip graduates with the skills needed to work in the space industry, skills that are also highly transferable to many other sectors.

The programme includes a combination of compulsory and optional modules covering all components of core physics, as specified by the UK Institute of Physics (IOP). The course offers the opportunity to study fundamental and applied physics with astrophysics alongside rigorous mathematics and computational training. Teaching is informed by research, with the chance for students to work on real-world research projects alongside our academic staff.

Students on this MPhys programme will continue to study for a fourth year at an advanced level, where they can examine topics in greater depth and undertake substantial additional project work.

Why Choose Lincoln

Subject ranked 1st in the UK for student satisfaction*

Additional problem-solving tutorials

Optional field trips

Guest speakers from around the world

Informed by cutting-edge research

Placement Year available

*Complete University Guide 2025 (out of 45 ranking institutions).

Students undertaking practical work

How You Study

The Physics with Astrophysics programme combines theory with practical laboratory work and substantial research training. Throughout the course there are extensive opportunities for students to hone practical skills in preparation for a career in a variety of sectors.

The programme includes a combination of compulsory and optional modules covering all components of core physics, as specified by the UK Institute of Physics (IOP), along with substantial mathematics and computational training.

In addition, the School of Mathematics and Physics runs a tutor system which for the first year students provides one-hour weekly tutor sessions in small groups.

The course is taught through a variety of modes including lectures, problem-solving classes, laboratories, computer-based classes, and workshops.

Modules

              † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

              Calculus 2025-26MTH1002MLevel 42025-26This module focuses on the concepts of the derivative and the Riemann integral, which are indispensable in modern sciences. Two approaches are used: both intuitive-geometric, and mathematically rigorous, based on the definition of continuous limits. Important results are the Mean Value Theorem, leading to the representation of some functions as power series (the Taylor series), and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus which establishes the relationship between differentiation and integration. Further calculus tools are explored, such as the general properties of the derivative and the Riemann integral, as well as the techniques of integration. In this module, students may deal with many "popular" functions used throughout mathematics.CoreComputer Algebra and Technical Computing 2025-26MTH1006MLevel 42025-26This module presents an introduction to computer packages for analytic formulas manipulation (computer algebra) and technical computing. Students will also have the opportunity to develop skills including; utilising a logbook as a factual record and as reflective self-assessment to support their learning.CoreElectricity, Magnetism, Thermal and Quantum Physics 2025-26PHY1003MLevel 42025-26This module covers basic notions of modern physics. In electricity and magnetism these include Coulomb’s law, electrostatic vector and potential fields, magnetic fields, motion of charges and currents in electromagnetic fields, and the basics of electric circuits. In thermal these include the zeroth, and first and second laws of thermodynamics applied to different model situations. The quantum physics part introduces notions such as the wave-particle duality, the concept of wavefunction, energy quantization, and simple models of the atom.CoreGeometrical Optics, Waves and Mechanics 2025-26PHY1002MLevel 42025-26This module introduces established theories describing optical, acoustic, and mechanical phenomena. The optics part includes Fermat’s principle of light propagation, Snell’s laws of reflection and refraction, thin lenses, and Huygens’s principle. The mechanics part includes the basic mathematical tools to describe the motion of objects (kinematics) and the laws of Newton (dynamics) underpinning these observed motions. The wave part of the module includes a discussion of propagating waves, the Doppler effect, phase and group velocities, and standing waves.CoreIntroduction to Modern Astronomy 2025-26PHY1006Level 42025-26This module aims to introduce fundamental concepts in modern astronomy from planets up to the universe as a whole.CoreLaboratory 1 2025-26PHY1004MLevel 42025-26This module will provide students with the opportunity to learn practical skills needed for physical laboratory experiments. The module provides a structured introduction to laboratory skills development with particular emphasis on measurement uncertainty. This module explores measurement and estimation followed by techniques in data analysis and presentation of data. Students will also have the opportunity to develop practical skills in a set of experiments which examples may include: basic electronic circuits, pendulum, Hooke's law, heat capacity, lenses.CoreLinear Algebra 2025-26MTH1004MLevel 42025-26This module describes vector spaces and matrices. Matrices are regarded as representations of linear mappings between vector spaces. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors are introduced, which lead to diagonalisation and reduction to other canonical forms. Special types of mappings and matrices (orthogonal, symmetric) are also introduced.CoreProfessional Skills and Group Study 2025-26MTH1007MLevel 42025-26This module provides students the opportunity to learn a variety of transferable skills: to communicate scientific ideas via a variety of media, to work in groups, to manage and plan projects, to keep record of work. Students have the opportunity to develop an understanding of general and specialized databases, their uses and searches. Group study can develop Students' skills in team-working around investigating a topic from literature. Students have the opportunity to take on administrative roles within the team and work towards common aims and objectives.CoreDifferential Equations 2026-27MTH2004MLevel 52026-27Calculus techniques already provide solutions of simple first-order differential equations. Solution of second-order differential equations can sometimes be achieved by certain manipulations. Students may learn about existence and geometric interpretations of solutions, even when calculus techniques do not yield solutions in a simple form. This is a part of the existence theory of ordinary differential equations and leads to fundamental techniques of the asymptotic and qualitative study of their solutions, including the important question of stability. Fourier series and Fourier transform are introduced. This module provides an introduction to the classical second-order linear partial differential equations and techniques for their solution. The basic concepts and methods are introduced for typical partial differential equations representing the three classes: parabolic, elliptic, and hyperbolic.CoreElectrodynamics 2026-27PHY2002MLevel 52026-27This modules covers the first established classical theory of fields, namely the theory of electromagnetic fields. After introducing the necessary mathematical tools such as curl, divergence, and gradient, the module discusses the macroscopic and microscopic Maxwell’s equations of electromagnetism as well as their solutions for some model problems in vacuum and in some materials. Topics covered include Gauss’s law, Maxwell’s law of induction, Faraday’s law, time-dependent electromagnetic fields, electromagnetic waves, and dielectric and magnetic materials.CoreGroup Project 2026-27MTH2005MLevel 52026-27This module aims to provide students with the experience of working as part of a team on a project. Students will have the opportunity to produce a set of deliverables relevant to their programme of study. Final deliverables will be negotiated between the group and their supervisor, the module coordinator will be responsible for ensuring that each project covers the learning outcomes of the module. Groups are expected to manage their own processes, and to hold regular meetings both with and without their supervisor. Groups will be allocated by the module coordinator and other members of staff. The process of development of the topic under study and the interaction and management of group members underpins the assessment of skills in the module.CoreIndustrial and Econo-Physics 2026-27PHY2003MLevel 52026-27This module describes how modern physics is used in everyday industrial practice. Examples used in this module will be aligned with the interests of the university's industrial partners and collaborators. The module also introduces how theoretical apparatus developed initially in physics finds its application in the field of economy.CoreIndustrial and Financial Mathematics 2026-27MTH2006MLevel 52026-27Students have the opportunity to learn how mathematics is applied to modern industrial problems, and how the mathematical apparatus finds applications in the financial sector.CoreLagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics 2026-27MTH2007MLevel 52026-27This module is concerned with a modern formulation of mechanics called Lagranian mechanics whereby the actually observed motion of an object is viewed as one among many potentially conceivable motions. The selection process of the actual motion satisfies the so-called Principle of Minimum Action. The corresponding formalism allows to tackle very intricate mechanical problems and has many technical advantages with regards to changes of variables. A ‘dual’ theory called Hamiltonian mechanics can also be formalized with its own advantages to address problems in mechanics. These two theories constitute the foundation on which quantum mechanics, statistical and quantum field theories are based. The module delivery includes the Minimum Action Principle, Euler-Lagrange equations, Noether’s theorem, Hamilton’s equations, and Poisson bracketsCoreScientific Computing 2026-27MTH2008MLevel 52026-27Students will have the opportunity to utilise computers for the numerical solution and simulation of models of physical and mathematical systems, including the use of computer procedural programming languages to solve computational problems. Numerical algorithms will be introduced to exemplify key concepts in computational programming, with the emphasis on understanding the nature of the algorithm and the features and limitations of its computational implementation. In creating programs, the emphasis will be on using effective programming techniques and on efficient debugging, testing and validation methods. Students may also develop skills at using a logbook as a factual record and as reflective self-assessment to support their learning.CoreStatistical and Quantum Physics I 2026-27PHY2007Level 52026-27This module introduces two pillars of modern physics: statistical mechanics and quantum physics. Both theories involve the combination of probability theory and physical concepts. The module will aim to equip students with the tools of probability theory necessary to engage with these two theories. It will then delve into a presentation of classical equilibrium statistical mechanics and the basic principles of quantum physics.CoreThe Solar System and Exoplanets 2026-27PHY2008Level 52026-27This module aims to challenge our understanding of the Solar System in the context of the fast paced field of exoplanets. The module aims to equip students with methods to analyse exoplanet observations in modern astronomy.CorePhysics Year in Industry 2026-27PHY2009Level 52026-27The Placement Year aims to give students a continuous experience of full-time work within an organisation. Work placements should enable students to experience first hand the daily workings of an organisation while setting that experience in the broader context of their studies.OptionalAdvanced Topics of Physics and Physics Seminar 2027-28PHY3001MLevel 62027-28The module will cover several advanced topics of modern physics. The choice of the topics will be governed by the current research interests of academic staff and/or visiting scientists. Students may also participate in physics research seminars.CoreAstrophysics Project 2027-28PHY3008Level 62027-28This module provides students with an opportunity to independently plan an astrophysics project, and carry it through to completion. It offers an open-ended project aligned with the research directions of academic staff. The project is conducted in a research group of the School, University, or an external collaborating establishment.CoreCosmology and General Relativity 2027-28PHY3009Level 62027-28The aim of the this module is to use appropriate cosmological models to understand the Universe from early to current and late epochs,CoreGalactic and Extragalactic Astronomy 2027-28PHY3011Level 62027-28This module aims to outline how observations have helped underpin our understanding of galactic and extragalactic physics.CoreNumerical Methods 2027-28MTH3007MLevel 62027-28The module aims to equip students with knowledge of various numerical methods for solving applied mathematics problems, their algorithms and implementation in programming languages.CoreStars and Stellar Evolution 2027-28PHY3012Level 62027-28This module brings together different branches physics to understand the formation and evolution of stars and stellar remnants, like black holes, neutron stars, and white dwarf stars. The theory of stellar evolution is complimented by observations at various stages of a star's life cycle.CoreFluid Dynamics 2027-28MTH3002MLevel 62027-28This module gives a mathematical foundation of ideal and viscous fluid dynamics and their application to describing various flows in nature and technology. Students are taught methods of analysing and solving equations of fluid dynamics using analytic and most modern computational tools.OptionalMethods of Mathematical Physics 2027-28MTH3006MLevel 62027-28The module aims to equip students with methods to analyse and solve various mathematical equations found in physics and technology.OptionalPhysics Pedagogy 2027-28PHY3002MLevel 62027-28This module is designed to provide students with an insight into the teaching of science at secondary school level and does this by combining university lectures with an experience of a placement in a secondary school science department. The module is particularly aimed at those considering a career in science teaching and provides students with an opportunity to engage with cutting edge science education research and will examine how this research impacts directly on classroom practice. Students will have the opportunity to gain an insight into some of the key ideas in science pedagogy and how these are implemented in the school science lessons and will develop an understanding about the barriers to learning science that many students experience.OptionalStatistical and Quantum Physics II 2027-28PHY3013Level 62027-28OptionalAstrophysics Masters Project 2028-29PHY9019Level 72028-29In this module, students have the opportunity to undertake a substantial project under the supervision of a research-active member of staff. Projects can be undertaken at an external collaborating establishment. Students are expected to conduct independent research in modern astrophysics, working in a research group of the school, the university or in an external collaborating establishment.CoreExploration of the Solar System 2028-29PHY9021Level 72028-29CoreAdvanced Instrumentation 2028-29PHY9001MLevel 72028-29The aim of this module is to enhance students’ experimental skills with a range of advanced experimental problems. The module may be conducted at university laboratory facilities or at an external collaborating establishment.OptionalFinancial Kinetics 2028-29MTH9001MLevel 72028-29This module brings together the main ideas and methods of the mathematical theory of financial markets. In addition, the methods of practical calculations of volatilities of traded assets from historical data are discussed. The influence of randomness of the interest rate and volatilities on price of options is studied.OptionalNano-Physics 2028-29PHY9003MLevel 72028-29This module covers several sub-disciplines of nano-physics from solid state physics till soft matter physics and their interface. Students have the opportunity to gain insights into theoretical and experimental aspects of nano-physics, one of most rapidly developing field of modern physics.OptionalPhysics Modelling 2028-29PHY9020Level 72028-29The module introduces modern computational techniques over a range of physics modelling.OptionalTheoretical Physics Laboratory 2028-29PHY9005MLevel 72028-29The aim of this module is to enhance students’ theoretical skills with a range of advanced theoretical physics problems.Optional

              What You Need to Know

              We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

              How you are assessed

              The course is assessed through a variety of means, including coursework, examinations, written reports, and oral presentations.

              Research-informed Teaching

              Teaching on this course is conducted by academic members of staff who are active researchers in their fields. This research informs teaching at all levels of the programme. Staff conduct cutting-edge research in fundamental and applied mathematics and physics, ranging from pure mathematics to applied nano-science at the interface between biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences collaborates with top research institutions in Germany, Japan, Norway, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, and the USA.

              Visiting Speakers

              The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences regularly welcomes guest speakers from around the world. Recent visitors to the University of Lincoln have included former vice president of the Royal Astronomical Society Professor Don Kurtz, mathematician and author Professor Marcus du Sautoy OBE, and operations research specialist Ruth Kaufman OBE.

              Field Trip

              Students on this course can take part in an optional field trip. Destinations may vary, but have previously included the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory at La Palma in the Canary Islands. The Roque de los Muchachos Observatory is home to an impressive collection of astronomical facilities, including the world’s largest optical single aperture telescope. Optional field trips may incur additional costs, and these may vary depending on the location of the trip.

              A view of the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory

              Placements

              Students on this course are encouraged to obtain and undertake work placements independently in the UK or overseas during their studies, providing hands-on experience in industry. These can range from a few weeks to a full year if students choose the sandwich year option. Placements may be conducted with external research institutions (which can be overseas). The option is subject to availability and selection criteria set by the industry or external institution. A Placement Year Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. Students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs.

              What Can I Do with a Physics with Astrophysics Degree?

              A Physics with Astrophysics degree is designed to equip graduates with the skills needed to work in the space industry. Physics with Astrophysics graduates are also well placed for careers in research and development, process control, finance, software development and regulatory roles in organisations around the world. Some may go on to perform roles in education or further study at postgraduate level. Additionally, transferable skills related to communication, problem-solving, and decision-making, which students are expected to develop throughout their studies, are valuable in many spheres of employment.

              Entry Requirements 2025-26

              United Kingdom

              112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels to include 40 points in Maths and Physics.

              BTEC and T Level qualifications will be considered provided a grade B is obtained in A Level Maths and Physics.

              Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points, including 40 points from 15 credits in Maths and 15 credits in Physics.

              International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall to include a Higher Level 5 in Maths and Physics.

              GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English and Maths. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.


              The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc..

              We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
              ___________________________________________________

              Non UK Qualifications:

              If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.

              https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/

              If you are an overseas student, you may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate in order to enrol on this course.

              https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme

              EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page:

              https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

              If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

              https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

              International

              For applicants who do not meet our standard entry requirements, our Science Foundation Year can provide an alternative route of entry onto our full degree programmes:
              https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/course/sfysfyub/

              If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk

              Contextual Offers

              At Lincoln, we recognise that not everybody has had the same advice and support to help them get to higher education. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education, ensuring that we have fair access for all students regardless of background and personal experiences. For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit our Offer Guide pages. If you are applying to a course that has any subject specific requirements, these will still need to be achieved as part of the standard entry criteria.

              Fees and Scholarships

              Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

              Course Fees

              For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

              Find out More by Visiting Us

              The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.

              Three students walking together on campus in the sunshine

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              The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.