Level: Undergraduate
Subject: Physics and Astronomy
Year of entry: 2026
F510
BSc (Hons)
3 years, 4 years
Full-time
King's Buildings campus
September 2026
Available
Available
No
Available
Astrophysics introduces you to the basics of physics and demonstrates how this knowledge can be applied to the physics of astronomy.
Recently there have been dramatic astronomical discoveries and gathering of large amounts of data. Therefore, this is a very exciting time to study astrophysics.
We try to provide a unique and deep insight into the major scientific controversies of our time.
This programme is usually studied over 4 years. However, some students may be eligible to enter in the second year and complete the programme in 3 years.
View the tuition fees for one academic year of BSc (Hons) Astrophysics.
You should expect to buy the necessary textbooks for some compulsory and option components of your programme.
You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.
We estimate that a single student can potentially spend £1,023 to £2,043 on living costs each month, depending on your accommodation.
This estimate covers the costs of:
You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section.
You will study compulsory courses in physics and mathematics.
Physics 1A presents the pillars of physics upon which subsequent material is based.
This will develop your problem-solving and study skills. The course is innovative in its use of technology and offers an interactive learning experience.
Physics 1B introduces you to a wide range of physics topics and how these impact our understanding of the universe, including:
This also includes an introduction to university laboratory work.
You will study Mathematics for Physics 1 and 2. These courses include mathematical and problem-solving skills in the context of algebra and calculus, with an increasing emphasis on physical applications.
You will also have the option of studying one of the following:
You can also select courses from other academic areas.
The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.
You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.
Find Year 1 courses (2025-2026 academic year)You will study modern physics and physics of fields and matter.
Supporting mathematics courses will cover:
You will also be introduced to practical physics, including:
If you start in Year 2, you will also take additional introductory courses in classical physics and mathematics.
You can also choose one or two courses from other academic areas.
The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.
You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.
Find Year 2 courses (2025-2026 academic year)You will be introduced to practical astronomy with the Observational Astronomy course.
You will also study:
We also offer:
The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.
You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.
Find Year 3 courses (2025-2026 academic year)You will study compulsory courses covering:
In the honours years, the programme comprises a range of specialist courses.
You will have a choice of option courses including:
You will also take part in the Telescope Group Project. You will work in small groups to carry out a project based around the Institute for Astronomy's 20-inch telescope.
The datasets obtained will be combined with data from the literature in order to derive a fundamental measurement.
You will be given a choice of different projects and will plan, carry out, and analyse the observations and literature data.
The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.
You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.
Find Year 4 courses (2025-2026 academic year)You will have the opportunity to study abroad in Year 3 of this degree at one of our partner universities.
If international travel restrictions allow, you may be able to choose where you study from our selection of international partners.
A study abroad experience will allow you to immerse yourself in a different culture, enrich your learning and enhance your future job opportunities.
You will be taught by specialists in the field through a combination of:
We take advantage of the latest teaching technology and these methods help to develop your problem-solving skills.
From Year 3, you will also complete group projects and research projects under the supervision of one of the School’s academic or research staff members.
Assessment includes a combination of:
Practical and computing courses have laboratory write-ups and checkpoint assessments.
Other courses are assessed by:
Exams take place in December and May.
You will be fully supported throughout your time in the School of Physics and Astronomy.
All students in the School of Physics and Astronomy have a named Student Adviser offering advice on well-being and study support issues.
You will also benefit from mentoring by a member of academic staff who will oversee your progress and advise on your academic options.
The Maths Buddies Scheme is a peer support scheme that allows new students to get help from more experienced students. It runs weekly study sessions focusing on support for maths questions and problems.
In addition, the School of Physics and Astronomy has year representatives for every year of each of our programmes, who act as a link between students and staff. The role of the representative is to ensure that students' views on academic matters are heard.
Teaching is based at the University's King's Buildings campus.
The King's Buildings campus is around 15 minutes from central Edinburgh by bus.
The location of your optional courses will depend on what courses you choose.
During your first three years, you will have access to:
From Year 2, you will also have access to the Computational Physics Laboratory.
Our teaching laboratories cover all disciplines of experimental physics.
You can take a closer look at the School of Physics and Astronomy and explore our facilities and campus on the University's Virtual Visit site.
Take a virtual tour of the School of Physics and Astronomy
Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP).
Many employers recognise that physics graduates have advanced problem-solving skills and the ability to think logically and critically about complex situations.
Graduates have opportunities in a diverse range of careers using skills gained from this degree, such as:
Our recent graduates have gone on into employment with a wide variety of organisations, including:
Physicists are sought after by many sectors, including:
Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals.
The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies.
With the Careers Service, you can:
A number of our graduates go on to further study, for example:
Read the testimonials of our former students, and find out where their physics degree took them.
You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.
Apply for only one Physics degree as we are only able to consider one application to this subject area. You will have the opportunity to switch between degrees in later years provided the required courses have been passed.
As part of your application, you will need:
If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.
As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.
This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.
To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 14 January 2026, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.
After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:
As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS.
If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme.
Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process.
An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student.
We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact.
We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 16 August in the year of your entry to the University.
If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.
Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.
The Physics and Astronomy Society is open to all students who are interested in physics and astronomy. They host a variety of events, from observing nights and observatory tours to academic talks.
Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life.
Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities to daily life, including:
You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.
The support services we offer include:
Contact us through our enquiry team if you have any questions about this programme.
Find out when our next open days will be taking place
Open days, events and visitsThis information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.
It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.
Some programmes do not have Discover Uni data available.
20%of students were satisfied overall with their course.
Data for courses in Astrophysics at University of Edinburgh
40%of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.
Data for Astrophysics (Full time) at University of Edinburgh, over two years
80%in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.
Data for courses in Astronomy at University of Edinburgh
20%of students were satisfied overall with their course.
Data for courses in Astrophysics at University of Edinburgh
40%of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.
Data for Astrophysics (Full time) at University of Edinburgh, over two years
80%in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.
Data for courses in Astronomy at University of Edinburgh
