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Master of Physics - MPhys

Astrophysics

University of Sussex

(3.8)
138 reviews

Entry requirements

Here's what you will need to get a place on the Astrophysics course at University of Sussex.

Select a qualification to see required grades

A level

A,A,A

A-levels must include Mathematics and Physics. You should have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Tuition fees

LocationFees
England£9,535 per year
Scotland£9,535 per year
Wales£9,535 per year
Northern Ireland£9,535 per year
Channel Islands£9,535 per year
Republic of Ireland£9,535 per year
EU£27,300 per year
International£27,300 per year

Course summary

What this course is about

UCAS code: F501

Here's what University of Sussex says about its Astrophysics course.

7th in the UK for our research environment in Physics in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)

About the course

This integrated Masters course is perfect if you want to develop your skills in physics to gain a deeper understanding of the Universe. It’s particularly relevant if you’re interested in a career in research or industry.

You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside faculty who are at the forefront of astrophysics. Their work involves observing the electromagnetic signals from distant sources outside the Milky Way, all the way back to the light echo from the Big Bang. They do this using the largest available x-ray, optical, infrared, microwave and radio telescopes. Their collaborations include NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, ESA’s Euclid mission and the Dark Energy Survey.

This world-leading research directly influences your teaching. You’ll join a friendly close-knit community. Class sizes are small and our lectures operate an open-door policy, so you’ll always find help if you need it. You’ll have the opportunity to study a wide range of topics including:

  • introduction to astronomy

  • galactic astrophysics

  • cosmology

  • general relativity.

From sustainability to economics and modern languages, you take electives from other subjects to open your mind to other disciplines and tailor your degree to your interests. In your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to work on a year-long project that will take you to the frontiers of modern research. You can choose from an array of projects.

Transferable skills gained include Python programming, statistical analysis and advanced research skills. When you graduate, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to pursue a range of careers in academic research, data science, finance and programming.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.

Location

Study on our beautiful, green campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just minutes from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton & Hove. We’re near to Gatwick airport and just over an hour from London.

About the University of Sussex

Our courses, research, culture and campus aim to stimulate, excite and challenge. From scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead. And today, in every part of society and across the world, you'll find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution.

Source: University of Sussex

Course details

Qualification

Master of Physics - MPhys

Department

Physics and Astronomy

Location

Main Site | Brighton

Duration

4 Years

Study mode

Full-time

Subjects

• Astrophysics

Start date

September 2026

Application deadline

14 January 2026

The modules you will study

See the modules you will study by year by going to the ‘visit our course page’ link at the bottom of the page.

University of Sussex reviews

(3.8)
Based on 138 reviews from University of Sussex's students and alumni
5 star
26%
4 star
38%
3 star
27%
2 star
6%
1 star
4%
All reviews

Showing 120 reviews

1st year student

Two stars: Could be better

(2)

1 year ago

1st year student

Not really a social being

(3)

1 year ago

1st year student

Accommodation is quite expensive in this region and the need for a guarantor adds another expense.

(3)

1 year ago

1st year student

As an international student, i have had a pleasant experience with the staff members especially with the academic advisor team

(4)

1 year ago

1st year student

Ancient and not really modern

(2)

1 year ago

1st year student

The modules on my course have been carefully chosen to reflect the current movement and actualities within the financial industry

(3)

1 year ago

National Student Survey (NSS) scores

The NSS is an annual survey where final-year students are asked to rate different aspects of their course and university experience.

Here you can see ratings from University of Sussex students who took the Astrophysics course - or another course in the same subject area.

Physics and astronomy

Select an option to see a detailed breakdown

How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?

88%

med

How good are teaching staff at explaining things?

94%

med

How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?

68%

low

How often is the course intellectually stimulating?

97%

med

To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?

88%

med

How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?

85%

med

How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?

88%

med

To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?

74%

low

To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?

71%

low

How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?

65%

low

How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?

71%

low

How often does feedback help you to improve your work?

55%

low

How often have you received assessment feedback on time?

79%

med

How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?

55%

low

How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?

88%

low

How well have teaching staff supported your learning?

88%

med

How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?

79%

med

How well organised is your course?

76%

med

How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?

73%

low

How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?

91%

med

How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?

91%

med

How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?

45%

low

To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?

94%

med

To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?

70%

low

How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?

59%

low

During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?

93%

high

How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?

87%

med

Student information

See who's studying at University of Sussex. These students are taking Astrophysics or another course from the same subject area.

Astronomy
Mode of study
Full-time100%
Gender ratio
Female39%Male61%
Where students come from
International9%UK91%
Number of students75
Most popular A-levels studied
SubjectGrade
MathematicsC
PhysicsC
ChemistryD
FrenchA
Further MathematicsA
Source: HESA

Graduate prospects

What graduates do next

Facts and figures about University of Sussex graduates who took Astrophysics - or another course in the same subject area.

Physics and astronomy

Graduate statistics

60%

In a job where degree was essential or beneficial

90%

In work, study or other activity

60%

Say it fits with future plans

40%

Are utilising studies

Top job areas

25%

Information Technology Professionals

10%

Administrative occupations

10%

Business, Research and Administrative Professionals

10%

Elementary occupations

Graduate statistics percentages are determined 15 months after a student graduates

Earnings after graduation

Earnings from University of Sussex graduates who took Astrophysics - or another course in the same subject area.

Physics and astronomy

Earnings

£27.7k

First year after graduation

£32.5k

Third year after graduation

£45.3k

Fifth year after graduation

Shown here are the median earnings of graduates at one, three and five years after they completed a course related to Astrophysics.

Source: LEO

Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree

Discussions

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