BSc Physics with Astrophysics

Programme overview

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements are available on the Course Search entry

Programme specification

From studying planets around other stars to the most distant galaxies, astrophysics explores the wonders of the universe and our place in it. This field is constantly evolving, with new inventions and discoveries happening every day, which is why it’s still such a highly sought-after and relevant discipline.

Studying physics with astrophysics at Leeds will give you the chance to delve deep into the fundamental laws that govern the universe and learn leading techniques in observation and simulation by active researchers who’re using them to uncover new mysteries in the cosmos. During your final year, you’ll also have the chance to collaborate with our astrophysicists on current research projects.

Throughout your degree, you’ll have access to specialised facilities right here on campus, including the School’s observatory on the roof of the Sir William Henry Bragg Building. Here, you’ll have chance to get hands-on training in using optical telescopes and modern detectors, preparing you for working in industry.

Our close industry links and innovative research activity ensure this course reflects the latest advancements and applications in physics and astrophysics. You'll graduate with the specialist knowledge, skills and experience necessary to launch a successful career in this highly valued profession, with a wide range of career options available to you.

Year 1

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
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Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
PHAS1000	First Year Physics Assessment	100	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP
PHAS1010	Mechanics, Relativity and Astrophysics	0	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP
PHAS1020	Thermodynamics	0	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP
PHAS1030	Electronics, Solid State and Introduction to Quantum Physics	0	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP
PHAS1040	Vibrations, Waves and Optics	0	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP
PHAS1050	Coding and Experimental Physics	0	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP

Optional Modules

Candidates can study up to 20 credits from the following optional modules:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
MEDP1002	Introduction to Medical Physics	10	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS1500	Introduction to Nanotechnology	10	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS1510	Planets and the Search for Life	10	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS1700	Artificial Intelligence for Scientists	10	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Discovery Modules

Candidates can study up to 20 credits of Discovery modules, ensuring that they study for 120 credits in total.
Candidates who have chosen 10 credits of optional modules must take a 10 further credits of Discovery modules.

Year 2

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
PHAS2000	2nd year Physics Assessment	80	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP
PHAS2010	Quantum Mechanics	0	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP
PHAS2020	Statistical Mechanics and Computation	0	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP
PHAS2030	Condensed Matter Physics	0	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP
PHAS2040	Electromagnetism	0	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP
PHAS2200	Astrophysics and Experimental Skills	40	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP

Year 3

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules (80 credits):

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
PHAS3000	Project	40	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
PHAS3100	Star and Planet Formation	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS3110	Cosmology	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

- Students intending to do a BSc Year Abroad in Year 3 may be required to study an appropriate language as a supernumerary module.

Optional Modules

Candidates will be required to study 40 credits from the following lists of optional modules:

Candidates must choose at least 10 credits in each semester.

Candidates can choose to study up to 40 credits from List A:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
PHAS3200	Advanced Optics with Photonics	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS3300	Quantum Matter	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS3310	Magnetism and Ferroic Materials	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHAS3400	Advanced Quantum Physics	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS3410	Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHAS3420	Advanced Mechanics	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS3500	The Physics of the Molecules of Life	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS3510	Molecular Simulation with Machine Learning: Theory and Practice	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Candidates can choose 20 credits from List B:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
PHAS3600	Physics in Schools	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
PHAS3610	Group Innovation Project	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Candidates can choose to study up to 20 credits from List C:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
CAPE3331	Nuclear Operations	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
MEDP3512	Magnetic Resonance Imaging	10	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MEDP3514	Ultrasound Imaging	10	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MEDP3531	Medical X-ray imaging	10	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MEDP3532	X-ray Computed Tomography	10	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHIL3852	Philosophy of Modern Physics	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
SOEE3151	Dynamics of Weather Systems	10	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
SOEE3410	Atmosphere and Ocean Climate Change Processes	10	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
SOEE3535	Atmospheric Physics	10	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
SOEE3610	Oceanography in the Earth System	10	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Last updated: 20/05/2026 15:08:51

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