MSci Astronomy at University of Glasgow

Programme overview

Astronomy covers the physical universe from the solar system to galaxies, supported by Glasgow's observatory, planetarium and telescope facilities and research leaders in astrophysics. It can only be taken as joint honours with Physics or Mathematics. The MSci explores astronomy topics in greater depth with an individually supervised project at the cutting edge of international research.

Duration: 5 years | Intake: September | Study mode: integrated masters | Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Years 1 and 2 follow the BSc (Astronomy and Mathematics courses), Year 3 includes Astronomy Skills 1 and core astrophysics courses, and MSci students take an Astronomy Project in Year 4 with courses such as Plasma Theory and Diagnostics, Statistical Astronomy, General Relativity and Gravitation and Pulsars and Supernovae through Years 4 and 5.

Career pathways

Graduate roles reported 15 months after graduation include data analyst, data engineer, graduate systems engineer, instrumentation and control engineer, laser system engineer, research science communicator, teacher and software developer.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Joint honours only. Astronomy/Physics (FF5H) and Astronomy/Mathematics (FG5D): A-level AAB including Mathematics at B and Physics; IB 34 (6,5,5 HL) including HL Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches) 5/6 and HL Physics 5/6; Scottish Highers minimum BBBB from S5 (typical offer AAAAA by end of S6) with Higher Mathematics at A and Higher Physics at A. Adjusted offers for Access Glasgow applicants: MD20 BBBB, MD40 AABB. International applicants: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no subtest below 6.0 (or equivalent: TOEFL iBT 92 overall for tests taken from 21 January 2026, PTE Academic 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests). UCAS deadlines: 15 October (Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Oxford or Cambridge), 13 January for other UK applicants, 30 June for international students.

Requirements published at program group level.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2027/28). Standard fee for students from Scotland (home status), payable by SAAS where eligible Source

International applicants: GBP 33,708 a year (2027/28). Science, Engineering, Nursing and College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences band of the published international (EU and international) tuition fee table; new entrants; programme assigned to this band by its college Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 5 years

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