Astrophysics (MSc) 2026 entry

Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of St Andrews. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.

• Compulsory

  • Research Skills in Astrophysics: provides the basic astrophysical background and introduces students to the research skills needed for a career in astrophysics.
  • Astrophysics Research Project (MSc)

• Optional

  Students choose six optional modules.

  Here is a sample of optional modules that may be offered.

  • Advanced Data Analysis: covers modern modelling methods for situations where the data fails to meet the assumptions of common statistical models and simple remedies do not suffice.
  • Advanced Extragalactic Astronomy: introduces the core elements of extragalactic Astronomy, including the morphological, structural and spectral properties of various galaxy types, and offers the opportunity for students to independently explore large astronomy datasets with the goal of answering open-ended research questions.
  • Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics: introduces the concepts of fluid dynamics and describes their application while providing students with the opportunity to develop the numerical skills required for a computational approach.
  • Cosmology: covers the evolution of the Universe, from inflation to the present day.
  • General Relativity: provides an introduction and applications to the theory of general relativity, covering its historic evolution, fundamental principles, advanced mathematics, derived predictions and experimental tests.
  • Gravitational Dynamics and Accretion Physics: explores the basics of gravitational dynamics and accretion physics and their application to systems such as circumstellar discs, stellar clusters to galaxies and clusters of galaxies.
  • Knowledge Discovery and Datamining: covers many of the methods found under the banner of datamining, building from a theoretical perspective but ultimately teaching practical application.
  • Monte Carlo Radiation Transport Techniques: introduces the theory and practice behind Monte Carlo radiation transport codes for use in physics, astrophysics, atmospheric physics, and medical physics.
  • Observational Techniques in Astrophysics: provides a complete overview of the practical part of research in observational astronomy.
  • Solar Theory: describes the basic dynamic processes at work in the Sun, enlivened by dramatic new results from space missions.
  • Stellar Physics: develops the physics of stellar interiors and atmospheres from the basic equations of stellar structure and radiative transfer concepts developed in Nebulae and Stars 1.
  • The Physics of Nebulae and Stars 1: introduces the physics of astrophysical plasmas, as found in stars and interstellar space, where interactions between matter and radiation play a dominant role.

• Dissertation

  During the final two-and-a-half months of the course, students undertake a research project culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation. Students select a project from a list of those available and are supervised by a member of the academic staff.

  The project aims to develop students' skills in: 

  • searching the appropriate literature
  • astrophysical theory
  • experimental and observational design
  • evaluating and interpreting data
  • presenting a report