Physics with Astrophysics

Physics with astrophysics takes you from the fundamental laws that govern matter and energy at the smallest scales out to the grandest questions about the structure and history of the universe itself. Astrophysics deals with physics at the largest scales: the formation of stars and galaxies, the lifecycle of stellar objects from protostars to supernovae, the nature of black holes and neutron stars, the physics of quasars and pulsars, and the cosmological questions about the origin, structure, and fate of the universe. It is a discipline that requires the full toolkit of physics, and studying it alongside the fundamentals of the subject gives you both the breadth and the depth the field demands.

At Leicester you will cover the full range of physics fundamentals, including mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and statistical physics, alongside astrophysics topics that engage with the objects and phenomena of the cosmos. You will develop the mathematical and computational skills that both theoretical and observational astrophysics require, and you will engage with the methods that astronomers use to gather and interpret data from telescopes, satellites, and detectors across the electromagnetic spectrum. The three-year full-time programme includes a sandwich placement year and a year abroad with work placement, giving you professional experience in a physics or astronomy research context and the chance to engage with astrophysics internationally.

Graduates go on to careers in research, space agencies, defence, data analysis, technology, scientific instrumentation, and a wide range of sectors that value quantitative analytical skills. Many continue to postgraduate research in astrophysics, physics, or related fields. The analytical, mathematical, and computational skills of a physics with astrophysics degree are also valued by employers across finance, consulting, and technology.