The Masters in Astrophysics gives you an understanding of the principles and methods of modern astrophysics at a level appropriate for a professional physicist.

• You will gain the theoretical, observational and computational skills necessary to analyse and solve advanced astrophysics problems, providing you with an excellent foundation for a career of scientific leadership in academia or industry.
• You will be taught by a unique mix of world-leading research groups and teaching experts. In the most recent independent review of research quality (RAE 2008), physics at Glasgow was rated in the UK’s top ten. We are a member of the Scottish Universities Physics Alliance, which brings together internationally leading physics research across Scotland to form the largest physics grouping in the UK.
• The School of Physics & Astronomy is highly active in research and knowledge transfer projects with industry.  You will have regular opportunities to engage with our industrial collaborators through informal visits, guest lectures and workshops.
• The school plays a world-leading role in the design and operation of the worldwide network of laser interferometers leading the search for gravitational waves; and also has a major role in the award winning NASA RHESSI X-ray mission studying solar flares and in several other forthcoming international space missions.

Programme overview

• MSc: 12 months full-time

The programme draws upon a wide range of advanced Masters-level courses. You will have the flexibility to tailor your choice of optional courses and project work to a variety of specific research topics and their applications in the area of astrophysics.

You will attend lectures, seminars and tutorials and take part in lab, project and team work.

Core courses include

• Cosmology (alternate years, starting 2012–13)
• Stellar astrophysics (alternate years, starting 2013–14)
• Advanced astrophysics laboratory
• Problem-solving workshop
• Research skills
• Advanced data analysis
• Extended project.

Optional courses include

• General relativity and gravitation (alternate years, starting 2010–11)
• Plasma theory and diagnostics (alternate years, starting 2011–12)
• Pulsars and supernovae (alternate years, starting 2010–11)
• Statistical astronomy (alternate years, starting 2011–12)
• Gravitational wave detection
• Advanced electromagnetic theory
• Statistical mechanics
• Dynamics, electrodynamics and relativity
• Applied optics
• Magnetohydrodynamics.

Career prospects

Career opportunities include academic research, based in universities, research institutes, observatories and laboratory facilities; industrial research in a wide range of fields including energy and the environmental sector, IT and semiconductors, optics and lasers, materials science, telecommunications, engineering; banking and commerce; higher education.

A 2:1 Honours degree in Physics or a related subject.

English language

If your first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. See English Language Requirements.

The online application is the quickest and easiest way of applying to the University of Glasgow. The system allows you to fill out the standard application form online and submit this to the University immediately. You can also attach supporting documents including references, certificates and a transcript of previous studies. You will find instructions throughout the online form to help you complete your application. You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish before submitting it.

See: How to apply for a taught degree