Astrophysics

Explore the key topics at the cutting edge of modern astrophysics, develop the practical skills used by professional astrophysicists and conduct your own astronomical observations.

Course description

Our Astrophysics MSc explains the formation and evolution of stars, galaxies and the Universe itself. You’ll be trained on how to perform your own astronomical observations using our 0.5m telescope, which is located on La Palma in the Canary Islands and can be remotely operated from Sheffield.

You’ll deepen your understanding of the Universe with optional modules covering topics such as particle physics, dark matter, general relativity and astrobiology.

The biggest part of your Astrophysics MSc will be your research project. Topics for your research project could include galaxies, quasars, supernovae, massive stars, white and brown dwarfs, star formation, star clusters, planet formation and the evolution of the solar system.

Examples of recent research projects include:

• What triggers supermassive black hole growth?
• Panspermia in star clusters
• Are there planets around white dwarf binaries?
• Destroying protoplanetary disks

Field trip

On our Astrophysics MSc you’ll have the opportunity to go on a subsidised field trip to the international observatory on La Palma in the Canary Islands. The island is home to a number of world-leading telescopes, which our astrophysicists use, and is an ideal environment for astronomy, being both close to the equator and 2,400m above sea level.