Study options
- Starting in
- September 2025
- Location
- Mile End
- Fees
- Home: £12,850
Overseas: £29,950
EU/EEA/Swiss students
What you'll study
Our Astrophysics MSc will give you a comprehensive understanding of the field, while also keeping you up-to-date with the very latest developments in astrophysics research.
The programme will cover diverse topics, such as the origin of the universe, dark matter, dark energy, galaxies, radiation mechanisms, the life and death of stars, black holes, extrasolar planets, space and solar plasma astrophysics, and the solar system.
You’ll join a thriving, friendly research community, with a busy schedule of research seminars, colloquia, meetings and workshops (as well as regular social events), so you can make the most of the specialist research skills you’ll develop on this course.
Our academics work on high-profile international collaborations, using facilities such as the ALMA observatory, James Webb Space Telescope, the Parker Solar Probe and the gravitational wave detector LIGO. In addition to observations and instrumentation, we also have leading experts on theoretical and computational astrophysics and cosmology. You’ll be able to call on their expertise when you work on your research project.
The flexible structure of this programme and its part-time option make this MSc especially suitable if you want to study and have other commitments. Each year, we welcome students studying for an MSc as part of a career break or change, or simply out of personal interest, so you’ll be among peers who share your passion for astrophysics.
Structure
- Two compulsory taught modules
- Choose from 10 elective taught modules
- MSc Astrophysics Research Project
Compulsory/Core modules
The MSc project involves a critical review of a chosen topic in modern astrophysics, and may include some original research. Students write a dissertation summarising current research in that chosen field and the extent of their own investigations.
"Research in astrophysics builds on a vast body of literature and archived data. This module is an introduction to research methods which exploit existing information sources in astrophysics. The module serves as preparation for the research project which forms a major part of the MSc programme. In this module students will learn how to review and evaluate with critical insight, the current state of research of a chosen area in astrophysics. They will receive training in writing academic reports in an appropriate style, and will learn how to convey research material in a presentation. Additional topics will be included so that students are prepared for project work at an advanced level. These can include specific exercises in using astronomical data archives, scientific word processing, mathematical skills, using mathematical and data analysis packages, project planning, etc."
Elective modules
"A plasma is an ionized gas where the magnetic and electric field play a key role in binding the material together. Plasmas are present in almost every astrophysical environment, from the surface of pulsars to the Earth's ionosphere. This module explores the unique properties of plasmas, such as particle gyration and magnetic reconnection. The emphasis is on the plasmas found in the Solar System, from the solar corona and solar wind to the outer reaches of the heliosphere and the interstellar medium. Fundamental astrophysical processes are explored, such as the formation of supersonic winds, magnetic energy release, shock waves and particle acceleration. The module highlights the links between the plasmas we can observe with spacecraft and the plasmas in more distant and extreme astrophysical objects."
Astrophysics has been revolutionized by the advent of large accessible data sets and public domain software for accessing that data and also for modelling astrophysical systems. This module will introduce a range of data analysis and modelling methods used in astrophysics, such as Markov Chain Monte Carlo fitting and N-body simulation. Students will develop practical skills with hands-on experience of modern software packages and data from observatories and space missions such as the James Webb Space Telescope, Kepler and the Parker Solar Probe. Minimal programming background is assumed, but students should be familiar with using computers and mathematics at a level commensurate with BSc in Physics (or equivalent).
Machine learning influences modern life through many different avenues and is silently revolutionising the way we live and work. We can see the influence of machine learning algorithms in social media, web search engines, mobile device spell checkers and self-driving cars. This module provides an introduction to machine learning using the Python programming language and the TensorFlow (TM) programming toolkit from Google (TM). Minimal programming background is assumed, however students wishing to take this module should be familiar with using computers, and mathematics at a level commensurate with a BSc in Physics or equivalent degree (calculus and linear algebra).
Radiative transfer describes the emission and propagation of light. In this course students will learn how we use radiative transfer to infer the properties and evolution of distant objects from light alone. They will also learn how light influences the temperature and motion of matter. Light also affects the composition of astrophysical systems which naturally links the course to an introduction to astrochemistry. This module provides a key toolkit for most observational and theoretical astrophyiscs.
"The module considers in detail the basic physical processes that operate in galaxies, using our own Galaxy as a detailed example. This includes the dynamics and interactions of stars, and how their motions can be described mathematically. The interstellar medium is described and models are used to represent how the abundances of chemical elements have changed during the lifetime of the Galaxy. Dark matter can be studied using rotation curves of galaxies, and through the way that gravitational lensing by dark matter affects light. The various topics are then put together to provide an understanding of how the galaxies formed."
This module starts with mathematics and principles required to formulate general relativity, before moving on to consider how the theory describes empty space, black holes, and the generation of gravitational waves. The motion of particles and the propagation and observation of rays of light is discussed. The module covers both strong gravitational fields (as found near black holes), and weak gravitational fields (as found in the solar system). The module ends with a discussion of the detection of gravitational waves by the LIGO/Virgo collaboration.
This module covers advanced concepts of modern cosmology, and in particular will introduce the student to cosmological perturbation theory. It discusses the observed structure of the universe, how these structures formed, and how they can be used to test our theories and models of the universe. The module will also discuss recent and upcoming experiments and large scale structure surveys and their relevance for cosmology.
"Stars are important constituents of the universe. This module starts from well known physical phenomena such as gravity, mass conservation, pressure balance, radiative transfer of energy and energy generation from the conversion of hydrogen to helium. From these, it deduces stellar properties that can be observed (that is, luminosity and effective temperature or their equivalents such as magnitude and colour) and compares the theoretical with the actual. In general good agreement is obtained but with a few discrepancies so that for a few classes of stars, other physical effects such as convection, gravitational energy generation and degeneracy pressure have to be included. This allows an understanding of pre-main sequence and dwarf stages of evolution of stars, as well as the helium flash and supernova stages."
Assessment
- 67% Modules
- 33% Research project
- You will be assessed through a variety of methods, including coursework, written examinations and presentations
- You will also be assessed through your dissertation and research project
Research project
You’ll write a final report on your research project, which forms a major component of your degree. It is a unique opportunity to carry out high-level astrophysical work, supervised by our experienced and supportive academic staff.
You can conduct your research projects in the following areas:
- Cosmology
- Exoplanets
- Gravitational Waves
- Observational and Data-driven Astrophysics
- Planet Formation
- Relativity
- Space and Astrophysical Plasmas
Recent and upcoming research report titles include:
- Exploring the sun's atmosphere with Parker Solar Probe
- Measuring proper motions with HST and JWST
- Modelling cosmological perturbations in metric theories of gravity
- Recovering transverse baryon acoustic oscillations from single-dish intensity mapping experiments
- Characterising the habitability of Kepler targets
Teaching
You’ll be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and hands-on exercises.
Typically, each module is taught over an 11-week semester, comprising 22 hours of lectures and 11 hours of tutorials. In addition, you’ll undertake a research project - under the supervision of one of our academics - and write this up in the form of a dissertation.
A number of the modules in this programme are taught on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and some modules are taught in the evenings. However, this pattern does not apply to all modules: depending on your module choice, you may be taught on additional days.
You'll also take an active role in your own learning through independent study, reading, writing assignments and revising.
You’ll be assigned an Academic Adviser who will guide you in both academic and pastoral matters throughout your time at Queen Mary.
—The thing that stands out for me about the Astrophysics programme at Queen Mary is the friendly and approachable nature of all the academics here, as well as all the expertise I’ve been given access to, via my supervisor for my project.
Simon Jupp, MSc Astrophysics, 2016
Where you'll learn
Facilities
- Mission data from Queen Mary Collaborations such as ALMA, LIGO, JWST and the Parker Solar Probe
- Our Astronomical Observatory
- High performance computing facilities such as our local supercomputer and the national DiRAC facility
- Experimental facilities in the School, such as clean rooms, workshops and laboratories
Campus
Your postgraduate learning experience is enhanced by our fantastic location in Mile End, in east London.
We are fortunate enough to be close to the Central, District, Hammersmith and City lines. You’ll have easy access to materials in the University of London Library at Senate House, the individual libraries of the various colleges of the University of London, as well as the specialist library of the Royal Astronomical Society. The outstanding collections at the British Library are also close at hand.
The School takes advantage of its London location and our excellent transport links to attract an impressive range of visitors, seminar speakers and to facilitate our international research network, so you can develop your studies within a global context.
About the School
School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
The School of Physical and Chemical Sciences (SPCS) is known for its world-leading research, and you’ll be learning from scientists at the forefront of their field. We’re also known for our outstanding teaching, which was recognised with a LearnSci Teaching Innovation award in 2021.
We’re a friendly, international and intellectually-curious community. And we’re looking forward to helping you thrive in your area of study and research.
Career paths
We have been preparing students for careers in astrophysics research since 1972. Several of our alumni hold posts at prestigious universities in the UK and internationally, including the University of Cambridge.
You will be given comprehensive training in research methods, substantial independent project work and access to the expertise and culture of the department. This is excellent preparation for a doctorate in astrophysics, but equally valuable for skilled technical professions.
Recent graduates of our MSc programmes have gone on to PhD studies and positions such as:
- Business and data analyst
- Consultant
- Data scientist
- Programming analyst
In organisations including:
- Plasmonics, King’s College London
- HSBC Global Banking and Markets
- JDX FinTech Solutions
- Tech Alchemy
- DP World London Gateway
- 95% of PGT and Phd graduates were in employment or further study 6 months after graduating (Graduate Outcome Survey 2021)
Fees and funding
Full-time study
September 2025 | 1 year
- Home: £12,850
- Overseas: £29,950
EU/EEA/Swiss students
Conditional deposit
Home: Not applicable
Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits
Part-time study
September 2025 | 2 years
- Home: TBC
- Overseas: TBC
Conditional deposit
Home: Not applicable
Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits
Queen Mary alumni can get a £1000, 10% or 20% discount on their fees depending on the programme of study. Find out more about the Alumni Loyalty Award
Funding
There are a number of ways you can fund your postgraduate degree.
- Scholarships and bursaries
- Postgraduate loans (UK students)
- Country-specific scholarships for international students
Our Advice and Counselling service offers specialist support on financial issues, which you can access as soon as you apply for a place at Queen Mary. Before you apply, you can access our funding guides and advice on managing your money:
Entry requirements
UK
Degree requirements
A good 2:2 (55% or above) or above at undergraduate level in a subject with substantial Physics, Mathematics and/or Astronomy content.
Find out more about how to apply for our postgraduate taught courses.
International
English language requirements
The English language requirements for our programmes are indicated by English bands, and therefore the specific test and score acceptable is based on the band assigned to the academic department within which your chosen course of study is administered. Note that for some academic departments there are programmes with non-standard English language requirements.
The English Language requirements for entry to postgraduate taught and research programmes in the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences falls within the following English band:
Band 4: IELTS (Academic) minimum score 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking
We accept a range of English tests and qualifications categorised in our English bands for you to demonstrate your level of English Language proficiency. See all accepted English tests that we deem equivalent to these IELTS scores.
Visas and immigration
Find out how to apply for a student visa.