Physics with Astrophysics with research placement

Physics with astrophysics is a degree that combines the foundational training of a physics education with a focus on one of its most dramatic and intellectually compelling applications: the study of the universe beyond the Earth. Astrophysics draws on classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum theory, thermodynamics, and nuclear and particle physics to understand the life cycles of stars, the structure of galaxies, the behaviour of extreme objects like neutron stars and black holes, and the large-scale evolution of the cosmos. A degree with a research placement extends this academic training with direct experience of how scientific research is actually conducted.

At the University of Bath, this four-year, full-time BSc includes a research placement, which gives you the experience of working in a genuine research environment, whether in a university laboratory, a research institute, or an industry setting with a significant research dimension. In the final year you will study advanced topics in physics and astrophysics, including quantum field theory, phase transitions and critical phenomena, the physics of advanced materials, and the latest developments in photonics. The research placement is a significant element of the degree, providing both practical experience and a deeper understanding of how knowledge in physics and astrophysics is produced.

The typical entry tariff is 184 UCAS points.

Graduates from physics with astrophysics programmes with research experience are well placed for doctoral study in physics, astrophysics, or related fields, and for research roles in industry. The quantitative and analytical skills the degree develops are also highly valued in finance, data science, technology, and any sector where mathematical modelling and problem-solving matter. The research placement makes graduates particularly competitive in applications for doctoral programmes and industrial research positions.

Postgraduate study in astrophysics, cosmology, data science, or quantum physics is a natural next step.