MSc Astrophysics

Why choose Herts?

Cutting edge research: study and research cutting edge astrophysics in Hertfordshire’s internationally renowned Centre for Astrophysics Research.
Bayfordbury Observatory: train as an astrophysicist in one of the best equipped teaching observatories in the UK.
Specialist modules: study a broad astrophysics curriculum, with a wide range of specialist option modules.

Funding available*

The normal entry requirements for the programme are:

A good (2.1 or above) Honours degree (or equivalent) in physics, astrophysics, or a closely related subject, where the degree is accredited by a professional statutory regulatory body such as the Institute of Physics (or a body of equivalent standing in a related subject or overseas).

If you wish to join the course with a 2.2, your application may be considered on a case-by-case basis, where entry may be possible based on additional information and/or an interview.

It is not possible to register for the MSc Astrophysics if you have already obtained the University of Hertfordshire's MPhys (Physics) degree or MPhys (Astrophysics) degree.


Institution code	H36
School of study	School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science
Course length	Full Time, 1 Years Part Time, 2 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Employability

Careers

You’ll develop key skills and knowledge in advanced physics, data analysis techniques, and software development, while exploring cutting edge topics in a fast-moving international research field. Your in-depth, specialist physics understanding, and range of technical and mathematical skills mean you’ll be well placed for a career in industrial or scientific research and in a range of STEM areas.

You’ll also be well equipped to progress onto a PhD programme joining a community of graduates who are contributing to cutting-edge research in the field.

Our graduates also find employment in international observatories, research institutions, engineering and financial industries, and teaching.

Work placement

The course is available with an optional one-year industry placement.
You’ll have the opportunity to work for one-year, full-time in a highly professional and stimulating environment. You’ll develop an understanding of the real-world applications of your theoretical knowledge which can be taken forward into your individual project.
Find out more about the MSc Astrophysics with Placement Year.

About the course

The programme offers three award routes that you can choose to study:

You’ll develop a thorough grounding in fundamental physics while exploring cutting edge topics about the Universe, its constituents and structure, and humanity’s place within it.

You’ll be trained in observational astrophysics and in the use of theory by carrying out a major research project supervised by a leading expert. Throughout the course, you’ll develop specialised skills in physics research enquiry and problem-solving, critical thinking, scientific writing, communication and presentation, and programming and software application.

The course gives you the unique opportunity to study a wide variety of astrophysical phenomena across many scales enabling you to explore all corners of the Universe. You'll study galactic topics, including extra-solar planets, the life cycle of stars, gamma-ray bursters and supernovae. You’ll also have the opportunity to study extra-galactic topics, including active galaxies at high redshift, cosmological theory and the evolution of the universe. You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake a placement year, or a year-long advanced research project through the different course pathways.

Why choose this course?

Research is at the forefront of the course and is embedded in your student experience from research-informed teaching, to opportunities for direct involvement with ongoing research projects.

You’ll be taken on an exciting learning journey led by staff from the University of Hertfordshire Centre for Astrophysics Research. You’ll benefit from their internationally renowned knowledge and experience from the work they carry out across a range of cutting-edge research topics in both galactic and extragalactic astrophysics.

The course benefits from a large practical component enabling you to put your knowledge and research into practice. As a student on the course, you’ll have unique access to the University’s own Bayfordbury Observatory. The Observatory is home to:

eight individual domes
a fully equipped computer building
five 40cm Meade telescopes (equipped with CCD detectors)
a solar telescope
a video telescope
four radio telescopes on-site which also facilitates a three-element radio interferometer.

The facilities are automated (with weather sensitive control) so observing can be done either remotely (via queue observing) or directly through on-site student visits.

The University of Hertfordshire was ranked 2nd in the East of England (after Cambridge) for Physics and Astronomy (2023 Complete University Guide).

What will I study?

As part of the course, you’ll undertake six compulsory modules focused on the latest cutting-edge research. You’ll study an exciting blend of topics, including:

galactic and extragalactic astrophysics
astrophysical techniques and concepts
fundamental theory
analysis methods.

The structure of the course enables you to take your research and career in the direction which suits you. You’re able to tailor your degree to your own interests and undertake an additional two optional modules from specialist areas of astrophysics, space science, fundamental theory, and optical physics.

Over the course of the summer semester, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a major astrophysics project supervised by a leading expert in your chosen field. Project teaching comprises of individual supervision and guidance to support your development as a researcher.

Where will I study?

Learn in our brand-new School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building, opening in 2024, where you’ll experience a range of experiential learning zones.

You will benefit from two new dedicated physics teaching labs. The new building will also be home to the Centre for Climate Change Research and the Wolfson Centre for Biodetection and Instrumentation Research, which have both been created in response to the most pressing global challenges.

You will also benefit from a Success and Skills Support Unit, which is aimed at helping you build your employability and academic skills. Plus, have access to industry mentors who will provide you with pastoral support, vocational guidance, and career progression opportunities.

The new building will also provide space to collaborate, with plenty of workshops, social and meeting spaces available. Even better, the building has been designed with the University’s net zero carbon target in mind, and forms part of our plan to replace or upgrade older sites that are energy inefficient.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Rocket Performance and Propulsion	15 Credits	Optional
This module will introduce students to flight dynamics of rockets and their propulsion systems. Typical applications under consideration will include satellite launch and insertion into orbit, sounding rockets and potential future applications such as space tourism.
Space Dynamics	15 Credits	Optional
Space dynamics is a coursework-only module. Students work in a computer lab supervised by the module facilitator. There are no formal lectures. Instead, students work their way through a set of computer exercises using Matlab. The exercises allow the student to tackle problems in different ways and develop their own style of problem-solving. The module covers various aspects in spacecraft dynamics including: atmospheric drag, aerobraking, transfer orbits, injection orbits, spacecraft spin, the stability of spinning motion – Euler's equations, three-dimensional spin motion, and mass models of irregular objects. The module develops skills in research enquiry and problem solving, analysis and evaluation, interpersonal and communication skills, autonomy and responsibility for actions.
Star Formation and Evolution	15 Credits	Optional
The module will cover the fundamentals of stars and their structure, including their formation and evolution from the main sequence to final stellar remnants. It will develop an understanding of the principles and details driving the evolution of stars and the conditions in their deep interiors. Emphasis will be placed on the physics involved. An appreciation will be gained of the history of this field as well as the current open questions at the forefront of research. Lectures and discussions will present and develop the basic course material and concepts. Numerical assignments, practical reports, class tests and a final examination will allow and test consolidation of the learning outcomes. Observatory work will provide training in experimental and observational skills. In this module you will develop your skills in problem solving and research inquiry, analysis and evaluation, team and organisational working, interpersonal and communication skills, and scientific writing and information searching.
Foundations of Cosmology	15 Credits	Optional
The study of the structure and evolution of the Universe has in the last few decades undergone a true transformation. Rather than theorists pursuing their models unencumbered by meaningful observational constraints, we now have entered the era of precision cosmology. This in no small part has been due to the tremendous technological advances that have allowed observational cosmologists to chart the structure of the Universe, all the way out to its observable edge. The module will cover the mathematical framework needed to describe expanding, curved space-time, i.e., the Robertson-Walker metric, and the concepts of Einstein's General Theory of Relativity as it applies to cosmology, in particular the Friedmann models. This is followed by an inventory of the constituents of the Universe, including Dark Matter and Dark Energy, and how theory and observations have led to the current consensus or Concordance model of the Universe. In this module you will develop your skills in problem solving and research enquiry, analysis and evaluation, team and organisational working, interpersonal and communication skills, scientific writing and information searching, and conceptualisation.
The Physics of Astronomical Spectra	15 Credits	Optional
From the nearest stars to the most distant galaxies (and the tenuous matter in between), astronomers can reveal and study properties and physical conditions by measuring the spectrum of the emitted radiation. Learn about the radiative processes that shape the variety of spectra encountered, and understand how astronomers discover the huge diversity of astronomical objects around us; the emergent radiation of stellar atmospheres and of giant glowing nebulae will be examined, along with the way in which spectroscopy picks up the imprint of the extremely low density inter-stellar medium. In this module you will develop your skills in research enquiry and problem solving, conceptualisation, and data synthesis.
The Early Universe and Galaxy Formation	15 Credits	Optional
A combination of incredible advances in observational techniques, i.e., large ground-based optical and radio telescopes, complemented with sophisticated space-based observatories, has made it possible to peer out to the edge of the observable Universe, effectively looking back in time when (proto-) galaxies first assembled. This module describes what the Universe was like from its earliest beginnings. It describes the oldest light that has reached us and what that teaches us about the fundamental parameters that describe the Universe, when the first structures formed under the influence of gravity, and how these structures evolved into what in the nearby Universe we call galaxies. In the course of this module topic coverage will include Inflation, Big Bang nucleosynthesis, the era of Recombination and the Cosmic Microwave Background, Large Scale Structure formation, the Jeans law and Galaxy Formation, the formation and characteristics of Galaxy clusters, and gravitational lensing. In this module you will develop your skills in problem solving and research enquiry, communication, information searching, conceptualisation, and autonomy.
Lagrangian Dynamics	15 Credits	Optional
This module introduces the powerful mathematics used in the study of dynamical systems. We start with the calculus of variations, a topic which deals with "extremisation" questions in geometry, e.g. "What shape does a soap-film form?", or "What curve is formed by a heavy chain hanging under its own weight?". These techniques can be applied to mechanical systems, and it turns out that the laws of motion themselves arise from extremising some quantity – the "action". This Lagrangian perspective gives a powerful way to compute a system's equations of motion and to understand its symmetries. Finally the module describes how the Hamiltonian formalism reduces these second order equations to first-order, and in so doing introduces the concept of phase space while touching on the rich topic of symplectic geometry. The module develops skills in research enquiry and problem solving, analysis and evaluation, and conceptualisation and critical thinking.
Applied Photonics	15 Credits	Optional
Photonics is an important, modern high-tech industry with applications in optical communication, computing and information-storage, and medical imaging/detectors. Learn about photonics starting from image formation and aberrations, study lasers and other light emitting devices, and investigate current applications in photonics research fields, in lecture, laboratory and workshop settings. In this module you will develop your skills in research enquiry and problem solving, analysis and evaluation, team and organisational working, interpersonal and communication skills.

Level 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
High Energy Astrophysics	15 Credits	Compulsory
High-energy astrophysics is "the astrophysics of high-energy processes and its application in astrophysical contexts" (Longair). Such processes are typically associated with extreme objects, like black holes, neutron stars, or white dwarfs. A high mass can give rise to high energy processes, like for example in very massive galaxy clusters or near supermassive black holes, but also extreme situations, like collapse of very massive stars to produce a gamma ray burst, or the merger of black holes or neutron stars, which have also been observed to produce gravitational waves. This course will develop in students a deep understanding of the high-energy processes that are important in astrophysics, the key types of astrophysical situation in which they operate, and the methods by which their effects are detected from Earth. The module develops skills in research enquiry and problem solving, analysis and evaluation, communication skills, information searching, conceptualisation.
Relativity and Field Theory	15 Credits	Compulsory
Relativistic field theory is a central topic in high energy physics, in the contexts both of accelerator physics and of astrophysics. This theoretical physics module aims to give a grounding in classical relativistic field theory and associated mathematical techniques. Thus, we start with the Lorentz symmetry group and build up 4-vector notation, the notions of vectors, covectors and tensors, and of scalar and vector fields on Minkowski spacetime. In particular we discuss the wave equation for a massive real scalar field in 3+1 dimensions, and the use of Green's functions in its solution. We discuss the relativistic form of Maxwell's equations of motion and introduce the 4-vector gauge potential. We then move on to Lagrangian field theory and the principle of least action. The role of symmetry principles in Lagrangian field theory is emphasised, and Noether's theorem introduced. In particular we give the action for Maxwell theory and discuss its origin in U(1) gauge symmetry. If time permits we shall introduce spinor representation of SO(3,1) and the Dirac equation for spin-half particles. The module develops skills in research enquiry and problem solving, analysis and evaluation, and conceptualisation and critical thinking
Galaxy Structure and Evolution	15 Credits	Compulsory
Galaxy formation and evolution is one of the most topical and active fields of current astronomical research. Although we now have a relatively complete cosmological model taking us from a fraction of a second after the big-bang to the epoch of last scattering, the details of how galaxies subsequently formed and evolved to become those that we see today are not yet fully understood. This module will cover current observational and theoretical developments in this field, using the known properties of local galaxies as a benchmark. In addition, the module will look towards the future with particular focus on what we might learn about the first galaxies formed after last scattering, i.e. during the epoch of re-ionization.
Statistics and Analysis	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module develops statistical concepts which are applied in modern physical and astrophysical research. The module will look into the different kinds of distributions and errors. Methods for hypothesis testing and data fitting will be investigated and applied to research data. Monte Carlo and Bootstrapping procedures will be used for error propagation. These statistical methods will be implemented in a procedural language such as Python. The module will cover the syntax and control structures such as loops and logical statements, and building complex programmes by writing and linking separate functions and procedures. In this module you will develop your skills in problem solving, analysis and evaluation, and computer programming.
Research Techniques in Astrophysics	15 Credits	Compulsory
Astrophysicists study the universe and its content using a range of detectors/instruments mounted on large telescopes, receivers and arrays. These allow the measurement of radiation (and sometimes particles) over a very wide range of energies, from X-rays and gamma-rays, through optical and the infrared, out to micro- and radio-waves. At these wavelengths astronomers are able to study a vast diversity of astrophysical phenomena ranging from; black holes and GRBs, star birth and death, extra-solar planets and brown dwarfs, the glow of the big bang, galactic jets and quasars. In this module you will learn about the fundamental physics and technology behind these techniques, and explore the process of making and interpreting astrophysical measurements. You will also undertake an astronomy observing project at the Bayfordbury Observatory and gain important technical skills as an astrophysicist. The module develops skills in research enquiry and problem solving, analysis and evaluation, interpersonal and communication skills, scientific writing and information searching, conceptualisation and critical thinking.
From Stars to Planets	15 Credits	Compulsory
Galactic astrophysics covers many cutting edge topics, from understanding how stars form evolve and end their lives, to exploring the extremes in mass and temperature that characterise the coolest brown dwarfs and extra-solar planets. The occurrence of life in the Universe is also tied to the physics of these objects, with on-going discovery efforts revealing great diversity amongst these worlds. In this module you will carry out three case studies involving analytical/numerical modelling, one each in the fields of stars, brown dwarfs, and extra-solar planets. Each case study is accompanied by lectures covering the state-of-the-art research background and the science basis of the case study. The module develops skills in research enquiry and problem solving, analysis and evaluation, scientific writing and information searching, and conceptualisation.
Astrophysics Masters Project	60 Credits	Compulsory
In undertaking an Astrophysics Masters Project students will carry out a major piece of investigative and practical work at the interface with current research. Astrophysics research areas in the Department include; star formation in the Milky Way, the disc and bulge of the Milky Way, extra-solar planets and brown dwarfs, planetary nebulae and white dwarfs, Active Galactic Nuclei physics and environment, the formation and evolution of galaxies, and the structure of galaxies. A successful project will become a key feature of a student's professional profile and CV, and is often a central talking point in graduate job interviews and/or postgraduate applications. The module develops skills in research enquiry and problem solving, analysis and evaluation, organisational working, interpersonal and communication skills, scientific writing and information searching, conceptualisation and critical thinking, adaptation to context, synthesis and creativity, personal evaluation and development, and ethical awareness and application.
Aerospace Aerodynamics	15 Credits	Optional
This module develops the student's knowledge of aerodynamics and experience of using CFD. Students will develop their knowledge of the use of potential flow theory and its application to the panel method for aerodynamic prediction. Other topics covered will include lifting line and slender body theory together with hypersonic aerodynamics. The CFD applications part of the module provides an overview of the governing flow equations and their range of application. Students will make extensive use of commercial codes to simulate airflows. Apart from applications to external flows, methods for multi-phase flows and flows with conjugate heat transfer will be reviewed. There is also an introduction to subroutines and user functions in commercial codes.
Space Systems	15 Credits	Optional
There are 7 major subsystems which make up a spacecraft. These are:- Structure, Propulsion, Thermal, Power, Control, Telecommand and Repeater. Besides all these there are the Systems aspects (Mass, Mission, Quality, EMC etc, Software etc - as listed below). Mechanical Structure design, overall configuration, appendage deployments math modelling, stress analysis, structure stiffness (35 Hz to meet launcher needs), sine and acoustic testing, interface loads, mechanisms Propulsion Apogee engine, orbit thrusters, piping, valves, tanks, fuel types, fuel metering (zero g).on orbit station keeping Thermal Exterior radiative surfaces, internal thermal control, heaters, heatpipes, thermocouples, thermistors Electrical Solar panels, solar array drive motors, power conditioning, battery control, power distribution internally, eclipse management, harness, circuit design, derating analysis, software (FPGA, ASIC, etc) Control Control laws, software, station keeping, (roll pitch yaw) gyros, momentum-reaction wheels. sensors (sun, earth, star), recovery modes Telecommand (& Telemetry) U plink and downlink signals, distribution inside spacecraft, internal data collection, Repeater (receiver and transmitter) Coverage areas & performance, uplink and downlink antennas, receive circuits, power amplifiers, up & down converters, phased arrays, cables, waveguides, switching networks System aspects Mass control (launch cost $10k per kg), mass distribution Mission (launch strategy, orbit, on station, station changes) All interfaces all 7 subsystems above plus launch vehicle Design Spacecraft configuration, layout, reliability, Worst Case Analysis, Parts Stress Analysis, Failure Mode Analysis Radiation analysis (all electrical circuits) Total dose, displacement damage, electrostatic discharge Repeater Electro-magnetic compatibility (EMC), PIM (passive inter modulation), Multipaction, Corona discharge, Quality
General Relativity	15 Credits	Optional
Einstein's revolutionary theory describes gravity as the curvature of space-time, and emerged from his "happiest thought" - that gravity vanishes in a free-falling elevator (and the equivalence of gravity and acceleration). Follow Einstein's thought processes and learn the relativistic theory of gravity, which predicts some of the most mysterious (but observed!) astrophysical phenomena – black holes, the expanding Universe, and gravitational waves. In this module you will develop your skills in problem solving, analysis and evaluation, scientific writing and information searching, and conceptualisation.
Data Science Core Skills Bootcamp	0 Credits	Optional
In this intensive, non"assessed 'bootcamp' module students will become familiar with the core mathematical, statistical and programming concepts that underpin MSc Data Science. Very little prior knowledge is assumed for this module, which aims to provide a solid grounding in the key basic skills. The curriculum includes: basic algebra and mathematical concepts (e.g. functions), vectors and matrices, linear algebra, differentiation, statistical distributions, probability, and basic programming using the Python language. The delivery of the module content comprises of a set of online lectures, tutorials and problem sets, where students will gain familiarity with the central topics. There are 3 handbooks, one for each topic (maths, statistics and programming), containing notes to guide the learning. Students can check their progress on the module through a series of online formative quizzes. The module will be completed by students in self"directed study.

Key staff

Professor David Pinfield
Professor of Astronomy, Physics and Astrophysics Programme Leader
Find out more about Professor David Pinfield

Further course information

Course fact sheets
MSc Astrophysics	Download

Programme specifications
MSc Astrophysics	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes

Student experience

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

Find out about how we support our students

You can also read our student blogs to find out about life at Herts.

Funding and fees
Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Fees 2024
UK Students

Full time
- £11655 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £970 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU Students

Full time
- £16450 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1370 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £16450 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1370 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University's Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed "When tuition fees change"), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2024

Start Date	End Date	Link
27/09/2024	30/09/2025	Apply online (Full Time)
27/09/2024	30/09/2025	Apply online (Part Time)

2025

Start Date	End Date	Link
27/09/2025	30/09/2026	Apply online (Full Time)
27/09/2025	30/09/2026	Apply online (Part Time)

Book an open event

Apply now

MSc Astrophysics

Why choose Herts?

Funding available*

Careers

Work placement

About the course

Why choose this course?

What will I study?

Where will I study?

Key staff

Further course information

Student experience

Other financial support

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

Part time

EU Students

Full time

Part time

International Students

Full time

Part time

Living costs / accommodation

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2024

2025