Astrophysics

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK Good II.i Honours Degree.

If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications to find the equivalent in your country.

All students who are accepted for entry into the MASt Astrophysics course should be aware that the Institute of Astronomy strongly recommends the satisfactory completion of one of the Part II CATAM computer projects organised by the Mathematics Faculty, before starting the course in October. The majority of the courses taught form part of Part III of the Mathematical Tripos for which the entry requirement is equivalent to the first class in Part II of the Cambridge Mathematical Tripos. Applicants must, therefore, be highly proficient in mathematics.

Months of entry

October

Course content

The Institute of Astronomy offers an exciting opportunity for suitably qualified students who have completed a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in astronomy, physics or mathematics to study for a one-year master level qualification in astrophysics working alongside fourth-year (Part III) students taking the final year of the integrated master's undergraduate MSci Astrophysics Tripos.

The MASt in Astrophysics consists of: a research project which accounts for a third of the total marks available for the course, and comprises of a written report (85%) and a formal oral presentation (15%) to the Part III/MASt Examiners; and a choice of a range of high level specialist courses, most of which are examined in June. The course aims to provide an intellectually stimulating environment in which students have the opportunity to develop their skills and enthusiasms to the best of their potential. Owing to the demanding level of the course and the competition for a limited number of places, applicants should have achieved (or expect to achieve) very good performance in their undergraduate degree. Although some bursary funding may be available, applicants should expect to arrange their own funding.

Learning Outcomes

Students completing the year should have:

had experience of a number of areas of astrophysics from a choice of options taken to an advanced level, at which current research can be appreciated in some depth;

carried out a substantial research project amounting to about one-third of the work in the course;

enhanced their communications skills;

become well prepared for a career in academic research or one where independent research skills are required.

Information for international students

Language Requirement

IELTS (Academic)

Element Score

Listening 7.0

Writing 7.0

Reading 6.5

Speaking 7.0

Total 7.0

TOEFL Internet Score

Element Score

Listening 25

Writing 25

Reading 25

Speaking 25

Total 100

CAE

Score: Grade A & B (overall score of 193, with no element lower than 185 plus a Language Centre assessment)

CPE

Score: Grade A, B, or C (with at least 200 with no element lower than 185).