Faculty of Science and Technology

What will you study?

This degree will develop your understanding of the relationship between the physical laws of the universe and the astrophysical and cosmological domains. In addition to a thorough grounding in Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism in your first year, your degree scheme includes lectures on Astronomy, Introductory Astrophysics and Introductory Cosmology in your second year.

Stellar Astrophysics, Big Bang Cosmology, Astrophysics and Cosmology Laboratory are all third year modules and on the final year of the four-year MPhys degree scheme, you will complete your extended research project and study subjects such as Current Cosmology and Advanced Relativity and Gravity.

Laboratory work for this scheme includes topics in core Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology. For your project work, you can use our on-site astronomical observatory which contains a 356mm Schmidt-Cassegrain reflecting telescope and other equipment for optical and radio astronomy.

Where could it take you?

As a Lancaster Physics graduate, you will have a wide range of possible career options. Our graduates often go into careers where Physics is a requirement for example, as meteorologists, geophysicists, astronomers or medical physicists. Others develop careers in teaching, research or industry, where they carry on using their Physics knowledge.

Others make the most of the transferable skills they have acquired and take up employment in the financial service industries, the military, the police and management.

A substantial number of our graduates stay on to undertake research degrees at Lancaster and elsewhere. For example, recent graduates are now studying Physics, Theoretical Cosmology, Gravitational Physics, Particle Physics, Experimental and Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics, Ultralow Temperature Physics, Biomedical Physics, Accelerator Physics and Mathematical Physics to PhD level.

Typical entry requirements

For courses starting in 2013:

A-level: AAA. All degrees require Physics and Maths at A-level.

General Studies: Accepted as one of 4 A-levels

Preference: A-levels

Key skills: Not included in offer

Scottish Highers: AAABB or equivalent, with Advanced Highers in Physics and Maths.

Irish Leaving Cert: Offers will be made on the basis of 5 or 6 Higher Level subjects. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information

International Baccalaureate: 36 pts overall with 16 pts from three HL subjects including Maths and Physics.

BTEC: DDD including all available Maths and Physics modules at distinction level.

New UK 'Diploma' & Cambridge Pre-U: Contact us for information

IELTS: 6.0

Financial Support

Lancaster University's priority is to support every student to make the most of their life and education. In addition to government maintenance loans, grants and national scholarships, Lancaster University offers a range of financial support for full time UK Undergraduate students from lower-income backgrounds. Many students each year will be entitled to bursaries or scholarships to help them with the cost of fees and/or living expenses.

The Lancaster Scholarship package is designed to reward the hard work and natural ability of full-time UK students applying to study with us regardless of their household income. Students achieving A*, A, A in their A-level examinations (or equivalent academic qualifications) will receive a £1,000 per year Lancaster Scholarship during their undergraduate studies if they place us as their firm choice institution. Continuation of the Lancaster Scholarship is subject to satisfactory academic progression.

Our combined £5,000 bursary package will help students from England whose household incomes are less than £25,000 per year with fees and living costs.

Students from England eligible for our £5,000 bursary package will also be awarded a £3,000 Lancaster Scholarship if they achieve A*, A, A in their A-level examinations (or equivalent academic qualifications). This totals £8,000 of support for students during their studies.

For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our fees and funding page.