Year 1

In first year you will survey the observable universe on all scales – from planets through stars and galaxies to cosmology – and gain a basic understanding of the core theoretical and observational principles of modern astronomy.

Typical courses include

• Dynamical and positional astronomy
• Observational astronomy
• The solar system
• The stars
• Compact objects
• Galaxies and cosmology.

Year 2

In second year you will study key aspects of astronomy and astrophysics in greater depth and undergo further training in the use of optical and radio telescopes.

Typical courses include

• Theoretical astrophysics
• Observational astrophysics
• Stars and their spectra
• Relativity and cosmology.

Years 3, 4 and 5

If you successfully complete the courses in first and second year, you may progress to Honours (years three and four). Astronomy can only be taken as a Joint Honours degree with either Physics, Mathematics or Applied Mathmatics: it cannot be taken as a single Honours degree.

In Honours you will study in greater depth courses which span the entire cosmos – from planetary systems to cosmology and general relativity – study in detail modern observational methods and undertake project work using advanced astronomical instrumentation and data analysis techniques. In your third and fourth years, you will take core courses supplemented by options enabling you to follow your particular areas of interest. All courses include training in transferable skills such as teamwork, presentation and technical writing.

There is an opportunity to take an MSci degree which explores core and optional astronomy topics in greater depth. In the final year of the MSci degree you will carry out an individually supervised project, working at the cutting edge of international research. The MSci aims to foster the development of critical judgement and independent scientific work, and to prepare you for professional leadership in your chosen field.

Lectures are complemented by our observatory, planetarium and telescope facilities. The University also maintains close links with the Glasgow Science Centre, home of one of the UK’s best planetariums.

Teaching is mainly undertaken by members of the Astronomy & Astrophysics Group and the Institute for Gravitational Research in the School of Physics & Astronomy. This means that you will be in regular contact with expert astronomers and physicists working at the forefront of research on the Sun, stars, galaxies and the extragalactic universe. These staff are using data from many of the world’s most powerful telescopes and developing advanced detectors and instrumentation for the next generation of observatories and satellites.

The University is part of the Scottish Universities’ Physics Alliance (SUPA), a group of six university physics and astronomy departments which aims to place Scotland at the international forefront of research in physics and astronomy.

The School of Physics & Astronomy has strong international links across a wide range of research fields. Many of our staff play leading roles in major international research projects, such as the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and the worldwide collaboration searching for gravitational waves. You will have the opportunity to undertake part of your degree abroad.

Employers are competing for good physics and astronomy graduates at a time when there is a worldwide shortage, making employment prospects for students very good. The scientific knowledge and mathematical and analytical skills you acquire could find you working across a wide range of industries.

Many of our graduates choose to continue their studies for a higher degree such as an MSc or a PhD in a specialised area of physics or astronomy, or a related subject, before entering the job market.