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,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.
| Location | Fees |
|---|---|
| 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 |
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
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
See the modules you will study by year by going to the ‘visit our course page’ link at the bottom of the page.
Showing 120 reviews
Two stars: Could be better
1 year ago
Not really a social being
1 year ago
Accommodation is quite expensive in this region and the need for a guarantor adds another expense.
1 year ago
As an international student, i have had a pleasant experience with the staff members especially with the academic advisor team
1 year ago
Ancient and not really modern
1 year ago
The modules on my course have been carefully chosen to reflect the current movement and actualities within the financial industry
1 year ago
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.
Select an option to see a detailed breakdown
Teaching on my course
87%
low
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
Learning opportunities
81%
low
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
Assessment and feedback
64%
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
Academic support
88%
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
Organisation and management
78%
med
How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?
79%
med
How well organised is your course?
76%
med
Learning resources
85%
low
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
Student voice
70%
low
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
Other NSS questions
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
See who's studying at University of Sussex. These students are taking Astrophysics or another course from the same subject area.
| Most popular A-levels studied | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Grade | |||||
| Mathematics | C | |||||
| Physics | C | |||||
| Chemistry | D | |||||
| French | A | |||||
| Further Mathematics | A | |||||
Facts and figures about University of Sussex graduates who took Astrophysics - or another course in the same subject area.
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 from University of Sussex graduates who took Astrophysics - or another course in the same subject area.
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.
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
Students are talking about University of Sussex on The Student Room.
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