Physics with Astro-Physics
Physics is the most fundamental of the natural sciences, concerned with understanding the deepest structures and laws that govern the universe, from the behaviour of subatomic particles to the large-scale structure of space and time. Astrophysics extends that inquiry outward, asking how the laws of physics operate at cosmic scales, explaining the formation of stars, galaxies, black holes, and the universe itself. For students who find both the rigour of physics and the grandeur of astronomical questions compelling, combining the two at undergraduate masters level is one of the most intellectually ambitious paths available.
At Queen's University Belfast, this four-year full-time MSci degree gives you a thorough grounding in modern physics while also allowing you to explore the astrophysics modules that connect physical principles to the workings of the universe. You will study the core areas of physics, including classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and special relativity, building the deep theoretical and mathematical foundations that the discipline requires. The astrophysics component then takes those foundations and applies them to questions about stellar structure and evolution, galaxies, cosmology, and the physics of extreme environments.
This is not astronomy as popular science; it is the quantitative, mathematically rigorous study of the universe through the methods of physics.
QUB's Astrophysics Research Centre is internationally recognised for its work, and the research-led teaching environment means you will encounter current scientific questions and methods throughout your degree.
Graduates go on to careers in astrophysics and physics research, often continuing to doctoral study in observational astronomy, theoretical cosmology, or related fields. Others move into careers in data science, defence, finance, telecommunications, and technology, where the analytical and computational skills developed through a physics degree are highly valued.