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University of Hertfordshire

Hatfield , England ,United Kingdom

MSc Astrophysics

The programme offers three award routes that you can choose to study:  

MSc Astrophysics 
MSc Astrophysics with Placement Year
MSc Astrophysics Advanced Research 
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 and supernovae. You’ll also have the opportunity to study extra-galactic topics, including active galaxies at high redshift, cosmological theory and the evolution of the universe. You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake a placement year, or a year-long advanced research project through the different course pathways.

Campus Information

de Havilland Campus (Hatfield)

The £120-million de Havilland campus, which was built by Carillion, opened in September 2003 and is situated within 15 minutes walk of College Lane, and is built on a former British Aerospace site.This campus also houses its own Learning Resource Centre, a combined library and computer centre.[Hertfordshire Sports Village which includes a gym, swimming pool, squash courts is also on this site. The large Weston Auditiorium is present on the de Havilland campus, adjacent to the Learn Resource Centre. The auditorium has a capacity of 450 and can host talks both by university lectures for students and for guest lecturers for guests and students, music and films events and dance events.The campus also contains 11 halls of residence;

Intakes

  • Jan
  • Sep

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Application Process

More Information Required
10 Days
Possible Interview Call from Institution
10 Days
Provisional/Unconditional Offer
20 Days
Visa Process
15 Days

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Access over 5,500 employers on our online network, Handshake

93.5% of Herts UK graduates* are employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation

Highest growth of all East of England university graduate start-ups over the last five years

We’re here to help turbocharge your career, from the minute you arrive to the completion of your studies and beyond - with support available for up to four years after you graduate. Whether you’re seeking a part-time job during your studies, exploring career options, or preparing to start your own business, we offer a wealth of resources, training and networking opportunities that will give you the confidence you need to make your mark on the world.

Our Flare enterprise competition allows our students to also enjoy supplementing their studies with exclusive extracurricular benefits which give them that extra spark to help land jobs, launch businesses and capture dreams.

PSW Opportunity

  • 2 Years PSW is applicable after completing a minimum duration of 9 months course (like- Undergraduate, Postgraduate Level)
  • 3 Years PSW is applicable after completing PhD level courses.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Entry requirements

  • A pass in A-Level Mathematics or equivalent; and
  • typically a minimum of 2:2 honours degree in mathematics, physics, astrophysics or other relevant first degree and whose programme would have made extensive use of applied mathematics to design and explain engineering and/or scientific concepts will give access to the Near STEM route; OR
  • typically a minimum of 2:2 honours degree in chemistry, biotechnology, biochemistry, food science, computer science based or similar first degrees where statistical analysis was a dominant feature of their analytical studies will give access to the Far STEM route
  • exceptionally, a number of applicants with other relevant professional qualifications who have the necessary academic achievements and experience will be considered under APEL (accreditation of prior experiential learning) or APCL (accreditation of prior certified learning).
  • Prospective students may be required to attend an interview typically in order to review their subject background.

Pre-masters

  • Completion of a Bachelor degree with 40% or above
  • IELTS 5.5 with no less than 5.5 in any band

Postgraduate taught

  • Completion of a Bachelor degree in a relevant subject area with 55-65% or above depending on course
  • IELTS 6.0 or 6.5 (depends on course) with no less than 5.5 in any band - some courses require higher
  • Standard XII English with 70% will also be accepted