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MPhys (Hons) Astrophysics with Space Science
£2,000 scholarship available with the ‘Mathematics and Physics’ scholarship.
Key information
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Typical offer:
Entry requirements -
Fees: See below
Full details -
UCAS code: F512
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Institute code: H36
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Study abroad option
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Work placement option
Find out more
Why choose this course?
- 2nd in the East of England for physics and astronomy (Complete University Guide, 2024)
- One of the best equipped teaching observatories in the UK
- Learn in a research-heavy astrophysics setting and build your space engineering skills portfolio
Combine your interests in astrophysics and spaceflight
You are fascinated by the science that underlies our current understanding of the universe, and you are excited by the exploration of space within our solar system using spacecraft. You want to develop your skills in physics, maths, computing and practical work and understand how modern technology is enabling us to probe further into the universe - using telescopes based on the Earth and in space - and travel to more distant worlds using robotic spacecraft. You are interested in the role that the space industry can play in saving and protecting our planet.
We offer a broad and exciting curriculum which covers topics from planetary science to space systems, cosmology to rocket science. Our hands-on approach to the application of the physical and space sciences will spark your imagination. You’ll become creative and be able to solve real-world problems based on research-informed knowledge.
You don’t want to choose between your two favourite subjects. By studying astrophysics with space science at Herts, you’ll have the best of both worlds.
Benefit from our links to the space industry
At the University of Hertfordshire, you’ll benefit from national and international links to the space industry. We have strong links to leading space industry experts, including: Goonhilly Earth Station (GES) in Cornwall, Airbus Defence and Space (in nearby Stevenage), the UK Space Agency and NASA, together with the rapidly growing number of Earth observation and satellite companies. Herts and Hatfield have a proud history in space science and innovation. The pioneering Blue Streak rocket was built in Hatfield and the mathematics department has been involved in ground-breaking work on the optimisation of spacecraft trajectories. The University continues to build excellent industry links and forge progress in international space exploration and research.
You’ll benefit from access to one of the best astronomical teaching observatories in the UK - Bayfordbury Observatory. The observatory, which hosts optical and radio telescopes, as well as a suite of space science instrumentation, will enable you to observe and measure stars and planets, and track satellites as part of your own research and project work. Our team of expert researchers and academics will be with you every step of the way. With lots of opportunities to master practical skills and theory, you’ll step into your future career with confidence.
What's the course about?
Astrophysics is the study of the physical processes that shape the structure and evolution of our universe. This includes physics and takes place on many scales, from extrasolar planets to supermassive black holes – both areas currently under research at the University of Hertfordshire. Space Science is the application of physics and engineering to the space environment of the Earth, and to spacecraft systems and dynamics. The development of ingenious instrumentation which is able to push measurements to their physical limits is important to both astrophysics and space science.
Your main campus is College Lane
This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus bar or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.
New School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building now open
Learn in our new state-of-the-art building called Spectra, featuring a variety of interactive learning spaces. Benefit from two brand-new physics teaching labs.
Spectra is home to the Centre for Atmospheric and Climate Physics Research (CACP), which has been created in response to some of the most pressing global challenges. You will also benefit from our Academic Support Hub, 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.
Spectra 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.
What will I study?
Our course offers a unique blend of core physics and astrophysics alongside the specialised area of space science. While based in the department of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics, you’ll also benefit from opportunities to take modules from the Department of Engineering, including Space Systems and Rocket Propulsion and Performance, and Satellite Communications.
At Herts, we offer a range of teaching methods so you can reach your full potential. From small group tutorials, to lectures, practical classes and guest speakers from industry, you’ll be inspired and supported every step of the way. You’ll also have access to Bayfordbury Observatory where you’ll carry out astronomical observations in a professional setting.
We offer a problem-based learning approach. Be inspired by our hands-on and practical approach to teaching. You’ll have the chance to work in teams to design a space science mission. You’ll then deliver your findings in a competitive tender presentation to justify your proposal.
Not only will you showcase your theoretical knowledge, but you’ll gain confidence as an expert problem-solver through creativity and logic. For example, a workbook that you create in the module Space Dynamics is a detailed record of your investigation of the orbital and spin dynamics of spacecraft. Although a form of assessment, many graduates have used the workbook during job interviews to highlight their skills and capabilities.
In your first year, you’ll develop a solid broad foundation in physics, astrophysics and scientific mathematics, alongside training in laboratory and observatory techniques. The emphasis is on closely supporting your studies through regular academic meetings with a personal tutor in small groups. The class sizes mean that you will quickly get to know your peers and work together, sometimes in study groups that you form yourselves. A valued feature of the course is the easy and informal access you have to staff teaching on the modules. The first year is common between all our physics courses, which means that transfers are easily possible.
In your second year, you’ll begin start to specialise in more advanced areas of astrophysics and space science, including modules in Space Science and Systems and advanced core curriculum in Thermodynamics, Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetism and Optical Physics. Astrophysics modules focus on the planetary scale of real interest to space scientists - Physics of the Solar System and Extra-Solar Planets.
In your third year, you will study topics such as nuclear and particle physics and star formation. You’ll have the option to do more extensive project work, starting with an in-depth investigative project. Throughout the project, you’ll be closely supervised and guided by one of our experienced researchers in the Centre for Astrophysics. Previous projects have included mapping the Orion Nebula with our telescopes at Bayfordbury Observatory, studying planetary systems with the Herschel Space Observatory, and modelling high energy jets from galactic nuclei. Options other than the third year project include cosmology, early universe and satellite communications. You'll also study the performance and propulsion of rockets and study spacecraft dynamics in an innovative computer-based environment.
In your final year on the MPhys course, you will focus on project work, which now takes half of the credits for the whole year. You’ll progress on to study more advanced areas in statistics, analysis and galaxy evolution. Specialisation options include High Energy Astrophysics, climate physics and aerospace aerodynamics. You'll also meet current postgraduate students in the department in these classes and undertake an advanced module within the department of Engineering and Computer Science on the space systems approach to mission planning. This year is good preparation for your next steps into postgraduate research.
Alumni Stories
Dr Sam Richards
Meet Dr Sam Richards, who has taken his degree out of this world. Sam is the Founder & Director of the Meridian Space Command and has previously had roles at NASA and ispace
Read more stories BSc (Hons) Astrophysics| Current job role | Founder & Director of the Meridian Space Command |
|---|---|
| Year of graduation | 2012 |
| Course of study | BSc (Hons) Astrophysics with Sandwich Year |
Dr Sam Richards has taken his degree and career out of this world. From the classrooms of the University of Hertfordshire to directing space innovation across the globe, Sam’s journey reflects the power of passion, persistence, and global opportunity in the space industry.
Leading the way in Space innovation
Sam currently serves as Director of the Meridian Space Command, based at Space Park Leicester, where he works with organisations across the space sector to secure funding, deliver ambitious missions, and build sovereign space capabilities. He is also the Founder of Doable.Ventures, a venture platform supporting emerging technologies and start-ups in aerospace and beyond.
His journey through the space industry has been anything but conventional. Sam began his career as Mission Director and Instrument Scientist at NASA, flying in the stratosphere to study the Milky Way as part of advanced infrared astronomy missions. He later moved to Tokyo, where he led private lunar exploration projects as Master of Ground & Space at ispace, helping deliver the world’s first fully commercial mission to the Moon.
These experiences were built on a foundation laid at the University of Hertfordshire, where Sam’s interest in astronomy first came to life. 'When I discovered how strong the University’s Astronomy department was, I felt this was an environment where I could thrive,' he says. 'The hands-on research opportunities and international connections set me on a path I genuinely loved.'
One of those opportunities was a research year at the University of Sydney, which later led to his PhD. 'The lecturers at Herts were world-class, active astronomers, ' he adds. 'They brought their research into every lecture and were willing to involve keen students in real projects. That early exposure to research was a huge advantage.'
Advice for a career in Space
Now an industry leader, Sam continues to push boundaries. Through Meridian Space Command, he supports missions ranging from in-orbit demonstrations to deep space exploration. He is also involved in developing sovereign and allied hypersonic and spaceplane technologies.
Despite his impressive resumé, Sam remains with his feet firmly on Earth in his belief that anyone passionate about space can find their place in the industry.
Sam encourages students and early-career professionals to stay open, persistent, and curious.'There are so many opportunities right now across space, technology, and innovation. If you focus on solving real problems and stay willing to learn, you will find doors opening where you least expect.'
He also reminds students that passion matters more than chasing titles or status. 'Find the thing that you enjoy the most and make that your focus. Passion will carry you through the tough days and help you build a career you are proud of.'
Looking ahead, Sam’s focus is on opening access to ambitious space missions, growing sovereign capabilities, and helping new ventures succeed in technology and beyond. Whether building lunar missions, new aerospace platforms, or the next generation of companies solving critical problems, Sam believes the future belongs to those who are willing to take on the impossible and make it doable.
From starting in a classroom at Hertfordshire to working on projects across the world and beyond, Sam’s journey shows that with the right mix of curiosity, courage, and persistence, anything is within reach.
Alumni Stories
Thomas Owen
Meet Thomas Owen who discovered his passion for analytics while at university. He is currently a Sales and Capacity Planner at Ocado.
Read more stories BSc (Hons) Physics| Current job role | Sales and Capacity Planner |
|---|---|
| Year of graduation | 2015 |
| Course of study | BSc (Hons) Physics |
University life and experience
Thomas initially decided to come to the University of Hertfordshire based on our excellent Physics facilities, including Bayfordbury Observatory. While visiting the campus at an Open Day he was impressed with the amount of support available and our ranking in league tables for Physics evidenced in the expertise of our lecturers.
Throughout his time at the University, Thomas felt fully supported. He says, ‘There was never a point where I felt I had to go it alone and help was always on hand if things got tough. Lecturers took the time to meet with me personally if I had questions and the 24/7 LRC had everything I'd need for self-study and exam practice.’
After graduating, he has realised that the challenges he faced throughout his degree have fully prepared him for his working life and future career.
‘My studies helped me prepare for working in busy, dynamic environments by challenging me all the time. Whether it was working on a big project, my dissertation, or preparing for my exams – my experiences encouraged me to take challenges head on.’
While he worked hard throughout his time at university, he is pleased that it paid off. He explains that handing in his final year dissertation and being awarded a first made it all worthwhile.
Future aspirations
Thomas initially did not think that he would be working in online grocery and retail, however, he has found the industry to be challenging, rewarding and fast-growing. He explains that he likes the variety of roles and ‘different areas of aspire to work in.’