MSc Astrophysics

MSc, Diploma and Certificate Programmes

Please note that in August 2011 the Astronomy Unit moved to become part of the School of Physics and Astronomy. The School of Mathematical Sciences will continue to support the postgraduate astronomy and astrophysics programmes during 2011-12, after which they will transfer to the School of Physics and Astronomy.

Astronomy and Astrophysics Postgraduate Taught Courses

The postgraduate courses in Astronomy and Astrophysics at Queen Mary, University of London, provide a unique opportunity for graduates to pursue the subject in depth, either for personal interest or as a first step towards a professional career in astronomy. The MSc course has been running since 1972 and around 200 degrees have been awarded. About 40 graduates have subsequently taken a PhD and some now hold academic posts including Professorships at UK Universities.

The MSc in Astrophysics at Queen Mary is unique in the UK in the scope of material covered. It gives students a detailed overview of the fundamentals of the subject as well as an up-to-date account of recent developments in research. The wide range of topics covered by the course reflects the breadth of research interests pursued by the members of staff in our large and friendly research group. Lectures cover such diverse topics as the origin of the universe, dark matter, the life and death of stars, black holes, extrasolar planets and space weather. Students also write a dissertation, which may be a critical review of an astrophysical topic or a project of an observational, theoretical or computational nature.

Lectures are given by the staff in the Astronomy Unit and cover most areas of modern astronomy and astrophysics. The schemes offered are:

  • MSc in Astrophysics (full-time and part-time)
  • Diploma in Astrophysics (full-time and part-time)
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Astronomy and Astrophysics (part-time)

MSc in Astrophysics (full-time and part-time)

The MSc in Astrophysics is available on a full- or part-time basis. The full-time programme requires one year of study. The part-time programme requires two years of study, with lectures being given on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Students are required to sit written examinations and submit a dissertation.

Outline of course

Astrophysics MSc students take ten individual lecture courses covering a wide range of topics in modern astronomy and astrophysics. These courses give a strong foundation in the principles on which our current understanding of the Universe is based. The Research Methods course provides an introduction to research techniques in preparation for project work.

A list of modules is available.

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. The project contributes a third of the assessment of the course.

Students who perform strongly on the course may be awarded a Distinction.

The full-time MSc course extends from late September through to the end of August. Lectures take place from September through to March, and are organised on Tuesdays and Thursdays, including some in the evening. Examinations are conducted in May. Project work continues through to the submission of a dissertation in late August.

The part-time MSc extends over two years. Lectures take place between 6.30 and 9.00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, allowing students in day-time employment to attend, from late September through to March. Examinations are conducted in May. Project work leads to the submission of a dissertation in August of the second year.

Entry Requirements

Students wishing to take this course should normally have a first- or second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a subject with substantial physics, mathematics and/or astronomy content.

Fees and Funding

The 2010-11 full-time tuition fees for this MSc are £4,300 for home and EU students, and £10,650 for international students. Part-time fees are £2,150 for UK and other EU students.

Student Facilities

Our department provides a shared office for MSc Astrophysics students with up-to-date computing equipment. These computing facilities are available for project work and for writing dissertations. Students have full access to the Queen Mary Library, both for printed and electronic publications. Research journals can be accessed electronically from the departmental computer suite.

Accommodation

We expect to be able to offer on-campus accommodation to all new full-time postgraduate students coming from outside the London area. Please apply as early as possible for on-campus accommodation.

Application Procedure

To apply please complete the application form included with the Queen Mary Graduate School Prospectus: copies of these can be obtained by emailing or writing to astro-pg@qmul.ac.uk at the address at the bottom of this page. Students are advised to apply early, but applications will still be accepted up to the start of the course at the end of September.  Further information and an information booklet can be obtained from the PG Administrative Officer astro-pg@qmul.ac.uk. Detailed enquiries can be sent to the Astronomy Admissions Tutor, Dr. Will Sutherland.

Diploma in Astrophysics (full-time and part-time)

Students who successfully complete the MSc in Astrophysics lecture courses but who do not submit a dissertation will be awarded a Diploma in Astrophysics.

A list of modules is available.

Entry Requirements and Application Procedure

The entry requirements are the same as those for the MSc in Astrophysics. Further details about this courses and instructions on how to apply can be obtained from astro-pg@qmul.ac.uk or by writing to the address at the bottom of the page. Send completed applications to the Astronomy Admissions Tutor, Dr Will Sutherland, at the same address.

Postgraduate Certificate in Astronomy and Astrophysics (part-time)

The Postgraduate Certificate in Astronomy and Astrophysics is available for study on a part-time basis, with lectures being held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The programme's syllabus is substantially the same as that for the first year of the part-time MSc in Astrophysics.

Students successfully completing the Postgraduate Certificate programme at a sufficiently high level may enter into the second year of the part-time MSc in Astrophysics. The Certificate can therefore be a route to the MSc for candidates who do not initially meet the entry requirements for the MSc course.

Outline of course

Certificate students take a subset of the Astrophysics MSc lecture modules. These cover a wide range of topics in modern astronomy and astrophysics.

A list of modules is available.

There is no project work.

The Certificate course extends from late September through to the examinations in May. Lectures take place between 6.30 and 9.00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, allowing students in day-time employment to attend, from late September through to March.

Entry Requirements and Application Procedure

Students wishing to take this course should normally have a degree (or equivalent) in a subject with substantial physics, mathematics and/or astronomy content.

Fees and Funding

The 2010-11 full-time tuition fees for the Certificate are £2,150 for UK and other EU students.

Student Facilities

Certificate students have access to a shared office with up-to-date computing equipment. Students have full access to the Queen Mary Library, both for printed and electronic publications. Research journals can be accessed electronically from the departmental computer suite.

Application Procedure

To apply please complete the application form included with the Queen Mary Graduate School Prospectus: copies of these can be obtained by emailing or writing to astro-pg@qmul.ac.uk at the address at the bottom of this page. Students are advised to apply early but applications will still be accepted up to start of the course at the end of September.

Further information and an information booklet can be obtained from astro-pg@qmul.ac.uk. Detailed enquiries can be sent to the Astronomy Admissions Tutor, Dr. Will Sutherland.

Administrative Officer (Postgraduate Studies & Research)
School of Mathematical Sciences
Queen Mary, University of London
Mile End Road
London E1 4NS

Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 5454
Fax: +44 (0)20 7882 7641

Further Information

The University has recently implemented a new Student Information System (SIS), therefore the School's programme codes have altered. For a list of new programme codes please click here. The codes are listed against the old programme codes (i.e. F5S1 etc) for your reference. If you have any queries regarding the new system please do not hesitate to contact the School Office on 020 7882 5440.