MSc (Research) Astronomy & Astrophysics  MSc (Research) Astronomy & Astrophysics University of Manchester ../webroot/files/Institutions/cover_photo/1564115975University-of-Manchester1.jpg

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Manchester is one of the largest and most active schools of physics in the UK.  We have a long tradition of excellence in both teaching and research, and have interests in most areas of contemporary research.

The Department has a strong presence in a number of Manchester-based centres for multidisciplinary research:  The National Graphene Institute, the Photon Science Institute; the Manchester Centre for Non-Linear Dynamics; the Dalton Nuclear Institute; and the Mesoscience and Nanotechnology Centre.  In addition, the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire is a part of the department.

Strong research activity exists in a broad range of physics topics funded by the Research Councils including EPSRC, STFC, BBSRC, the EU and industry.  All the research groups offer well-equipped laboratories and computing facilities and are involved in a wide range of collaborative projects with industry and other academic departments in the UK and overseas.  For more information please visit our research page: http://www.jodrellbank.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/

You can also download our  Postgraduate Project Booklet 2019/20  (PDF document, 2.5Mb) which contains details of research projects available within the school.

The postgraduate research environment is well funded and world-class  s demonstrated by our ranking in REF2014.  Supervision is provided by academic staff, who are leaders in their fields, with independent pastoral back-up.  Transferable skills training is available and there are some school teaching opportunities.

Academic entry qualification overview

The standard academic entry requirement for a Masters research programme will be a Lower Second UK Honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant science or engineering discipline.

English language

IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in each sub-test

TOEFL iBT overall score of 90 with no less than 22 in each sub-test

Some English language test results are only valid for two years. Your English language test report must be valid on the start date of your course.

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

A research project is undertaken under the supervision of a staff member throughout the year together with lectures.  Full time is spent working on the project unless attending lectures.  A dissertation will be submitted at the year-end.  We provide a range of skills training which is particularly focussed on the needs of physics research. 

Note: Although the course requires 1 year full time study, students should expect the process of examination of the dissertation may take several months. MSc degrees are usually awarded several months after the end of the programme.