Astrophysics Research Institute - Postgraduate Research Opportunities

Entry requirements

Entry requirements (Home)

To study for an MPhil or MPhil/PhD you should have, or expect to obtain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject. If you are applying for a PhD direct you must:

• have a Masters degree with a research dissertation in a relevant subject
• have undertaken research training directly related to the PhD project

If you have alternative qualifications, your application will be considered on merit. Appropriate research and previous experience will be taken into account.

Entry requirements (International)

Besides standard qualifications, international students must also have an IELTS score of at least 6.5 (or equivalent).

Due to Visa restrictions, international students may only study in the UK on a full time basis. However, you may be able to undertake a part time research degree in your home country and travel to LJMU for campus-based research for a short period each year. Please contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team for further details. To obtain a Tier 4 Visa for full time study in the UK, you will need to show evidence that the money to cover your tuition fees and living expenses has been in your bank account for at least 28 days prior to submitting your Visa application. For more details, see our international website.

International Astrophysics students will require ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance. Find out how to apply for ATAS clearance here, see more information about ATAS on the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website or contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team for guidance.

Months of entry

January, December, November, October, September, August, July, June, May, April, March, February

Course content

Fascinating postgraduate research opportunities await at LJMU’s Astrophysics Research Institute - one of the world's leading authorities in Astronomy and Astrophysics. Join us to work alongside leading experts and access state-of-the-art facilities.

• Study full or part time
• Complete your research degree (MPhil/PhD) in an Institute known for its internationally-acclaimed research
• Explore scholarship opportunities
• Benefit from expert supervision and researcher training
• Enjoy excellent facilities and great employment connections

Supervision for the degrees of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is available from world-leading experts, in the following subject areas:

• Astrophysics including studies in Star Formation; Stellar Evolution and Stellar Populations
• Time-Domain Astrophysics (particularly novae, supernovae and gamma-ray bursts)
• Galaxy Formation, Dynamics and Evolution (including AGN)
• Galaxy Clusters and Large Scale Structures

Astrophysics is enjoying an unprecedented burst of new discoveries about the Universe we live in. As a result of revolutionary techniques, new opportunities are emerging to explore planets, stars, galaxies and the entire Universe.

Supervision for the degrees of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is available from world-leading experts, in the following subject areas:

• Astrophysics including studies in Star Formation; Stellar Evolution and Stellar Populations
• Time-Domain Astrophysics (particularly novae, supernovae and gamma-ray bursts)
• Galaxy Formation, Dynamics and Evolution (including AGN)
• Galaxy Clusters and Large Scale Structures

The programme route you undertake will depend on your qualifications and experience. Most of our students initially register for MPhil/PhD and go on to complete their PhD via successful progression from MPhil.

You can study for an MPhil full time over one or two years or part time over two to four years. Progressing from an MPhil (and including MPhil registration), you can study for a PhD full time over 33 to 48 months or part time over 45 to 84 months. If you are taking a direct route PhD, you can study full time over two to three years or part time over three to six years.

On joining LJMU you will be allocated up to three supervisors (including a Director of Studies) who will work with you during your studies. Progression monitoring is undertaken formally and informally by this team on an ongoing basis.

Each year, each Faculty provides the University Research Degrees Committee with a summative report on the progress of all its eligible postgraduate research students.

Throughout your studies, you will also have the support of LJMU’s Graduate School which offers expert advice and guidance to those enrolled on MPhil and PhD programmes.

Information for international students

International applicants are required to demonstrate equivalent qualifications to the standard requirements for entry when applying for courses at LJMU.

Students must also demonstrate a proficiency in communicating through English, for example via an IELTS tests or equivalent.

Please note: UK visa restrictions mean that international students are only permitted to study on a full-time basis.

Please contact LJMU’s International Team for more information and advice.

Fees and funding

Please see the course page for more information.

Qualification and course duration

PhD

MPhil