Study astrophysics abroad

Astrophysics program structure

You can study astrophysics at a range of educational levels. It usually takes between three and five years to complete a BSc in astrophysics, depending on your university and country of study.

The length of your undergraduate program will also be determined by whether you complete an additional 12-month placement during your studies. Placements are an excellent way of gaining industry experience and boosting your employability.

If you choose to study in the US, you’ll find that most bachelor’s programs require four years of study. This is because you’ll take general education classes in your first two years, before focusing on your astrophysics major in the second half of your degree.

Once you’ve gained your BSc, you can enroll in a master’s program. An MSc can take one or two years of study, depending on whether you learn on a full or part-time basis.

If you want to continue your studies, some institutions run research-based PhD programs in astrophysics. A PhD is the highest formal qualification available and usually takes between five and six years to finish.

You’ll probably be taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, observatory experiments, and laboratory work. Some universities will also arrange visits to various observatories so you can learn more about how the universe works.

Most astrophysics students are assessed through a combination of exams, written assignments, presentations, practical laboratory work, and astronomical observations.

The content covered in astrophysics programs varies slightly from university to university because lecturers will have different interests and expertise. However, most courses around the world will address these fundamental topics:

• Astronomy and astrophysics
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Electromagnetism
• Thermal and quantum physics
• Physics of nebulae and stars
• Cosmology and galaxies
• Observational astrophysics