Physics with Astrophysics MPhys
A*AA at A level, A in Mathematics; graduates earn a median £33,500 three years on.
Typical A level offer
A*AA
A in Mathematics · 100% of entrants came with A levels · 90% stay on after year 1 · Warwick course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
A*AAtypical A level offer; a*aa to include a in mathematics (or further mathematics) and physics.
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. Contextual offer: AAA, for applicants from under-represented backgrounds.
Warwick course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile
- 1A in Mathematics
Who actually got in: 100% with A levels. 15% arrived with 208 or more UCAS tariff points — roughly A*A*A or better. Based on 20 entrants.
UCAS tariff points — a points scale for grades: A* = 56, A = 48, so A*A*A = 160. Entrants’ totals include extra subjects.
Other qualifications4
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| IB | 38 points38 to include 6 in Higher Level Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches only) and 6 in Higher Level Physics. | 6 in Higher Level Mathematics |
| BTEC | —We welcome applications from students taking a BTEC qualification alongside A level Maths and Physics. We may consider a BTEC qualification in a relevant Science or Engineering subject alongside A lev | — |
| Advanced Highers | AA in Advanced Higher Mathematics and Advanced Higher Physics and AAA in HighersAA in Advanced Higher Mathematics and Advanced Higher Physics and AAA in Highers in 3 further subjects. | — |
| Access | 45 Credits at Level 3, including Distinction in 33 Level 3 credits and Merit in We will consider applicants returning to study who are presenting a QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma on a case-by-case basis. Typically, we require 45 Credits at Level 3, including Di | — |
Years 1–4
What do you study?
8compulsory modules in year 1
Compulsory modules this year: natural sciences 56% · mathematics & statistics 29% · engineering & manufacturing 6% · digital & ict skills 4%.
Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.
Warwick course page · optional modules vary by year
Year 1 · 8 core · 110 credits ≈ 1,100 hours
- Astrophysics Laboratory I
What you learn (10)
- plan a laboratory experiment within a given time frame
- operate standard laboratory equipment to carry out an experiment
- record experimental procedures and observations accurately in a notebook
- analyse experimental results to identify trends and relationships
- calculate measurement uncertainty and represent it using error bars on graphs
- evaluate an experimental procedure and propose improvements
- process raw astronomical data using appropriate techniques
- assess the quality and reliability of astronomical data
- operate electronic instrumentation used in astrophysical measurement
- compose a scientific report presenting experimental findings
- Mathematics for Physicists
What you learn (18)
- describe the process of mathematical modelling in physics
- explain how physical models lead to differential equation descriptions
- perform algebraic manipulations of vectors
- explain the concept of a complex number
- manipulate algebraic expressions involving complex numbers
- solve first order ordinary differential equations
- solve second order ordinary differential equations
- explain the concept of convergence of a series
- apply partial differentiation to multivariable functions
- calculate the gradient vector of functions of two or three variables
- evaluate multiple integrals
- calculate the volume of a three-dimensional object using integration
- describe the concepts of line and surface integrals
- evaluate line and surface integrals
- explain the concept of a fourier series
- perform matrix operations including determinants
- calculate eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a matrix
- apply diagonalisation techniques to matrices
- Physics Foundations
What you learn (10)
- apply dimensional analysis to relate physical quantities
- describe characteristics of solid, liquid and gas phases
- apply kinetic theory to explain gas behaviour
- solve problems involving heat transfer and work using thermodynamic laws
- solve problems on travelling and standing waves
- solve problems involving the doppler effect
- apply boundary conditions to determine normal modes
- describe the electromagnetic nature of light
- explain polarization of light
- explain the role of refractive index in light behaviour
- Classical Mechanics & Special Relativity
What you learn (6)
- apply Newton's second law to solve motion problems
- calculate kinetic and potential energy in mechanical systems
- identify equations describing forced and damped oscillations
- solve differential equations of forced and damped oscillators
- explain how coordinates transform between inertial reference frames
- apply the lorentz transformation to solve relativity problems
- Quantum Phenomena
What you learn (12)
- explain experimental evidence supporting wave-particle duality of light
- explain experimental evidence supporting wave-particle duality of matter
- describe the historical development of Schrödinger's equation
- discuss interpretive issues arising from solutions of Schrödinger's equation
- apply the time-independent Schrödinger equation to simple one-dimensional potentials
- classify elementary particles according to their properties
- assign correct quantum numbers to quark and lepton flavours
- explain the link between physical symmetries and conservation laws
- describe methods used to study elementary particles experimentally
- characterise sources of natural radioactivity
- characterise cosmic ray phenomena
- characterise solar and atmospheric neutrino phenomena
- Electricity and Magnetism
What you learn (14)
- state Gauss's law for electric and magnetic fields
- state Ampere's law for magnetic fields
- calculate electric fields for simple charge distributions using Gauss's law
- calculate the force on a charged particle in an electric field
- calculate the force on a charged particle in a magnetic field
- analyse the motion of charged particles under combined electric and magnetic fields
- state Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction
- describe inductance using Faraday's law
- describe motional electromotive force using Faraday's law
- apply Kirchhoff's laws to analyse circuit currents and voltages
- apply Maxwell loop analysis to determine circuit currents
- use complex impedance to determine current-voltage characteristics of AC circuits
- explain how electric fields interact with materials
- explain how magnetic fields interact with materials
- Astronomy
What you learn (6)
- apply astronomical coordinate systems to locate objects in the sky
- calculate flux and magnitude values for astronomical objects
- identify the main types of object that make up the universe
- describe the physical characteristics of planets, stars, black holes and galaxies
- describe methods used to measure stellar and galactic distances
- describe methods used to determine the mass of stars and galaxies
- Physics Programming Workshop
What you learn (7)
- write python programs to solve given tasks
- formulate simple maths and physics problems in computational terms
- solve differential equation, linear algebra and integration problems using python
- apply scientific and graphical libraries to analyse data
- perform statistical calculations using python
- apply good software design principles to code
- present scientific results in graphical form
Year 2 · 5 core · 90 credits ≈ 900 hours
- Quantum Mechanics and its Applications
What you learn (10)
- explain the origin of quantum numbers n, l, m and s
- relate quantum numbers to the structure of the periodic table
- explain the role of hermitian operators in quantum mechanics
- interpret eigenvalue equations in a quantum mechanical context
- explain the correspondence principle linking classical and quantum physics
- derive the electronic states of a hydrogen atom using quantum mechanics
- describe the free-electron model of metallic behaviour
- explain the concept of energy bands in solids
- apply band theory to explain properties of metals and semiconductors
- apply quantum theory to explain behaviour of elementary particles and nuclei
- Mathematical Methods for Physicists
What you learn (10)
- evaluate multiple integrals over regions and volumes
- calculate the arc length of a curve
- explain Gauss's theorem for vector fields
- explain Stokes' theorem for vector fields
- define a partial differential equation
- solve the wave equation using separation of variables
- solve the diffusion equation using separation of variables
- derive the Fourier transform representation of a simple function
- describe diffraction and interference phenomena
- solve problems involving Fraunhofer diffraction
- Stars and the Solar System
What you learn (12)
- describe how radiation processes shape stellar spectra
- explain physical principles governing stellar internal structure
- explain physical principles governing stellar evolution
- describe the orbital motion of Solar System objects
- explain the physical causes of Solar System object motion
- compare interior and surface properties of Solar System bodies
- compare atmospheric properties of Solar System bodies
- explain proposed origins of differences between Solar System bodies
- describe patterns of solar and stellar activity
- explain the impact of stellar activity on planetary atmospheres
- outline physical processes thought to drive star formation
- outline physical processes thought to drive planet formation
- Astrophysics Laboratory II and Skills
What you learn (10)
- operate standard laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, telescopes and spectrometers
- interpret technical manuals to operate specialised laboratory instruments
- conduct a structured scientific investigation using appropriate methods
- evaluate experimental findings against theoretical predictions and published data
- search scientific literature and databases for information on a physics topic
- synthesise information gathered from diverse scientific sources
- use computers to acquire and analyse experimental data
- present scientific ideas clearly in spoken and written form
- plan and manage time effectively when conducting experiments
- collaborate effectively within a group to complete laboratory tasks
- Statistical Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory and Optics
What you learn (14)
- explain the ergodic hypothesis in statistical mechanics
- define thermal equilibrium across different statistical ensembles
- define the partition function of a statistical system
- calculate thermodynamic averages using the partition function
- apply Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein distributions to quantum systems
- describe the conceptual structure of statistical mechanics
- explain the relationship between statistical mechanics and classical thermodynamics
- express Maxwell's equations in integral and differential forms
- manipulate Maxwell's equations to solve electromagnetic problems
- derive boundary conditions at interfaces between linear isotropic materials
- derive plane-wave solutions of Maxwell's equations in dielectric media
- derive plane-wave solutions of Maxwell's equations in ohmic conductors
- describe how light interacts with optical materials
- explain fundamental principles of geometrical optics
Year 3 · 7 core, 1 optional · 90 credits ≈ 900 hours
- Quantum Physics of Atoms
What you learn (8)
- apply time-independent perturbation theory to quantum systems
- apply time-dependent perturbation theory to quantum systems
- apply variational methods to estimate quantum energy states
- explain the concept of electron spin in atomic structure
- explain how the pauli exclusion principle governs electron configuration
- explain the origin of atomic spectral lines
- explain how electron configuration determines the structure of the periodic table
- describe the phenomenon of resonance in two-level quantum systems
- Electrodynamics
What you learn (8)
- apply the vector potential to electromagnetic problems
- express Maxwell's equations in Lorentz invariant form
- rewrite Maxwell's equations using four-vector notation
- solve electrodynamics problems using four-vector methods
- describe the physical mechanisms of electromagnetic radiation and scattering
- describe propagation of electromagnetic waves in free space
- describe propagation of electromagnetic waves in waveguides
- calculate electromagnetic fields from given source distributions using Maxwell's equations
- Galaxies and Cosmology
What you learn (10)
- describe the structure of the milky way galaxy
- classify galaxy types within the wider galaxy population
- explain the physics underlying observational techniques used to study galaxies
- discuss unresolved questions concerning galactic nuclei
- evaluate the contribution of dark matter to galaxy behaviour
- evaluate the role of interstellar dust in galactic observations
- explain how observational data constrain cosmological models
- explain how model universes evolve over time
- relate energy density components to the evolution of model universes
- discuss discrepancies between cosmological theory and observational evidence
- Black Holes, White Dwarfs and Neutron Stars
What you learn (7)
- identify key processes generating electromagnetic radiation in astrophysical objects
- identify key processes generating gravitational waves in astrophysical objects
- calculate physical parameters of astrophysical systems from observational data
- describe how black holes form and evolve in isolated and binary systems
- describe how neutron stars form and evolve in isolated and binary systems
- describe how white dwarfs form and evolve in isolated and binary systems
- describe techniques used to detect and observe gravitational waves
- Mathematical Methods for Physicists III
What you learn (7)
- formulate minimisation problems with and without constraints
- derive the Euler-Lagrange equations for a given functional
- solve simple Euler-Lagrange equations to find extremal functions
- identify whether a complex function is analytic
- classify the singularities of a complex function
- derive Cauchy's theorem using vector calculus identities
- apply residue calculus to evaluate definite integrals
- Astrophysics Group Project
What you learn (6)
- divide project tasks fairly among group members
- assess the scope of a complex group task
- develop competence in an advanced astrophysics topic beyond taught material
- compose a written report combining individual and group findings
- integrate contributions from multiple authors into a coherent document
- discuss how individual investigation results relate to group members' findings
- Astrophysics Laboratory III
What you learn (7)
- collaborate with peers to carry out an experimental investigation
- document and present findings from an ongoing experimental study
- plan the initial stages of an experimental physics project
- collect experimental data using computer-based instrumentation
- process acquired data using computational tools
- apply theoretical models to represent complex physical systems
- use simulations to analyse behaviour of physical systems
1 optional module
- Condensed Matter Physics
What you learn (8)
- describe quantum mechanical behaviour of condensed matter systems
- describe statistical mechanical behaviour of condensed matter systems
- apply quantum mechanical models to calculate properties of solids
- apply statistical mechanical models to calculate properties of solids
- relate microscopic structure to macroscopic material properties
- explain the physical origin of magnetic phenomena in materials
- explain the physical origin of electrical conductivity in materials
- describe experimental techniques for measuring magnetic and conductive properties
Year 4 · 1 core, 7 optional · 45 credits ≈ 450 hours
- Astrophysics Project
What you learn (5)
- conduct an original research investigation in astrophysics
- apply physics research methods to generate findings
- compose a scientific report describing research findings
- present research findings on a poster for an audience
- defend research conclusions through oral questioning
7 optional modules
- General Relativity
What you learn (5)
- explain how the metric tensor encodes spacetime geometry in relativity
- explain how the metric determines particle motion through spacetime
- apply the Schwarzschild metric to solve relativistic problems
- describe the physical characteristics of black holes
- describe current methods used to detect gravitational waves
- Planets, Exoplanets and Life
What you learn (6)
- describe the internal structure of Solar System planets
- describe the atmospheric composition of Solar System planets
- explain experimental techniques used to detect exoplanets
- explain current theoretical models describing exoplanets
- discuss unresolved questions in exoplanet research
- evaluate the likelihood of discovering extra-terrestrial life
- Quantum Computation and Simulation
What you learn (6)
- describe fundamental concepts of quantum computation
- explain how quantum computation differs from classical computation
- explain the operation of key quantum algorithms
- apply quantum algorithms to simple computational problems
- formulate a research question in quantum computation
- plan an independent research project in quantum simulation
- Advanced Quantum Theory
What you learn (10)
- explain the physical significance of relativistic wave equations
- analyse the transformation properties of relativistic wave equations
- explain how relativistic quantum mechanics accounts for electron spin
- explain the origin of the electron gyromagnetic ratio
- explain the fine structure of the hydrogen atom using relativistic theory
- define quantum fields and their mathematical properties
- apply mathematical operations to manipulate quantum fields
- describe the structure of many-particle quantum states
- define the density matrix formalism
- apply the density matrix to analyse quantum systems
- Solar and Space Physics
What you learn (6)
- describe the internal structure and layers of the Sun
- identify key features and phenomena of the solar surface and atmosphere
- describe the physical mechanisms driving solar activity
- describe solar dynamic processes using magnetohydrodynamic theory
- explain the formation and properties of the solar wind
- explain how the solar wind interacts with planetary environments
- High Performance Computing and Machine Learning
What you learn (9)
- identify inefficiencies in serial scientific code
- correct inefficient sections of scientific code
- develop a parallel program using shared-memory techniques for physics problems
- develop a parallel program using message-passing techniques for physics problems
- build a basic GPU-accelerated program
- select a suitable programming paradigm for a computational task
- diagnose performance bottlenecks in parallel programs
- diagnose parallelisation errors in parallel programs
- design machine learning models for complex scientific data
- The Distant Universe
What you learn (3)
- describe the sequence of events from the Big Bang to structure formation
- relate observational data to theoretical models of structure formation
- evaluate observational evidence for stars and galaxies in the distant universe
“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.
After graduating
Where does it lead?
£33,500median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£28k
Median£34k
Upper quarter£44k
Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 120 graduates.
Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 12, 14, 22
Half of graduates earned between £27,500 and £44,000. Five years on, the median is £42,000. 78% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 85% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 110% left | 90% | 35 |
| In work or study, 15 months on22% studying | 78% | 105 |
| Professional or managerial job | 85% | 50 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £34,000 | 35 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £33,500 | 120 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £42,000 | 150 |
Money
What does it cost?
£10,050a year for UK students, 2027/28 entry
Tuition fee loan — paid straight to the university; repayments start the April after you leave, at 9% of income above the threshold. UK fees are capped by government and rise with inflation; placement and study-abroad years are usually charged at a lower rate.
Warwick fees page · source
About £40,200 in fees over 4 years, covered by a tuition fee loan you repay only when earning above the threshold.
National Student Survey 2025-26
What do students say?
81%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 82% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 30 students answered
Highest: 100% agreed on question 19; lowest: 44% on question 24.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 94% |
| Question 2 | 84% |
| Question 3 | 88% |
| Question 4 | 84% |
| Question 5 | 88% |
| Question 6 | 81% |
| Question 7 | 84% |
| Question 8 | 84% |
| Question 9 | 81% |
| Question 10 | 72% |
| Question 11 | 78% |
| Question 12 | 78% |
| Question 13 | 75% |
| Question 14 | 75% |
| Question 15 | 97% |
| Question 16 | 84% |
| Question 17 | 88% |
| Question 18 | 85% |
| Question 19 | 100% |
| Question 20 | 80% |
| Question 21 | 91% |
| Question 22 | 91% |
| Question 23 | 72% |
| Question 24 | 44% |
| Question 25 | 63% |
| Question 26 | 81% |
Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.
Modules, entry requirements and fees are facts read from University of Warwick’s course page on 2026-09-19 and may change; the university’s page is authoritative. Descriptions are not reproduced. Outcome figures are from the Discover Uni dataset. University of Warwick is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.