MSc by Research Astronomy and Astrophysics / Overview

Year of entry: 2025

Degree awarded
MSc by Research
Duration
12 Months. [Full-Time]
Entry requirements

The standard academic entry requirement for this MSc by Research is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the MSc by Research (or international equivalent).

Full entry requirements

How to apply

In your application you鈥檒l need to include:

  • The name of this programme
  • Your title (i.e. the advertised project name or proposed project name) or area of research
  • Your proposed name
  • If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the
  • A supporting statement (see 'Advice to Applicants' for what to include)
  • Details of your previous university level study
  • Names and contact details of your two referees.

Before applying we recommend that you read the 'Advice to Applicants' section.

Sustainable Development Goals

Find out how this programme aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:

  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

Programme options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
MSc by Research Y Y N N

Programme description

The at Manchester is one of the largest and most active physics departments in the UK.We have a long tradition of excellence in both teaching and research, and have interests in most areas of contemporary research.

TheDepartment has a strong presence in a number of Manchester-based centres for multidisciplinary research: The National Graphene Institute, the Photon Science Institute, the Manchester Centre for Non-Linear Dynamics, and the Dalton Nuclear Institute. In addition, the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire is a part of the department.

Research in the covers a wide range of fields in astronomy, astrophysics and technology development. Operating the 76-m Lovell telescope and e-Merlin National Facility at the , and hosting the UK ALMA regional centre, as well as strong links with the Square Kilometre Array telescope, the JBCA has extensive expertise in observational radio and mm observational astronomy. We are engaged in world-leading research activities in observational, theoretical and experimental projects within the fields of cosmology, pulsar astronomy, time-domain astrophysics, galactic and stellar astrophysics, solar physics, and instrument development.

The postgraduate research environment is well funded and world-class as demonstrated by our ranking in REF2021. Supervision is provided by academic staff, who are leaders in their fields, with independent pastoral back-up. Transferable skills training is available and there are some school teaching opportunities.

For more information about research themes within the department please visit our or view available projects within the department on our .

Open days

Visit our to find out about upcoming open days and webinars.

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2025, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • MSc by Research (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): Band A - TBC; Band B - 拢7,400; Band C - 拢10,500; Band D - 拢15,200; Band E - 拢25,700
    International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A - 拢29,400; Band B - 拢31,500; Band C - 拢37,300; Band D - 拢45,200; Band E - 拢59,900
  • MSc by Research (part-time)
    UK students (per annum): Band A 拢TBC; Band B 拢7,400; Band C 拢10,500; Band D 拢15,200; Band E 拢25,700
    International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A 拢29,400; Band B 拢31,500; Band C 拢37,300; Band D 拢45,200; Band E 拢59,900

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

The programme fee will vary depending on the cost of running the project. Fees quoted are fully inclusive and, therefore, you will not be required to pay any additional bench fees or administration costs.

All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of the course for鈥疕ome students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please .

Always contact the Admissions team if you are unsure which fees apply to your project.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

To be considered for many of our scholarships, you鈥檒l need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor. Therefore, we鈥檇 highly recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and make sure you meet nomination deadlines.

For more information about our scholarships, visit our to search for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At 糖心Vlog官方, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.

Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.

To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our programmes address.

  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

    Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

Contact details

Department
Contact name
Postgraduate Research Admissions Team
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 529 3049
Email
Website
School/Faculty

Our internationally-renowned expertise across the School of Natural Sciences informs research led teaching with strong collaboration across disciplines, unlocking new and exciting fields and translating science into reality.聽 Our multidisciplinary learning and research activities advance the boundaries of science for the wider benefit of society, inspiring students to promote positive change through educating future leaders in the true fundamentals of science. .

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

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You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at 糖心Vlog官方, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our .