Physics with Astrophysics (Placement Year) (Hons) Lancaster University

Overview

Physics with Astrophysics (Placement Year) (Hons) at Lancaster University starts with a first year that is common across all our single-honours physics degrees as we teach the fundamentals to provide you with a solid foundation for Years 2 and beyond. You may discover that your interests change throughout the year, and you have the flexibility to switch to any other of our degree schemes until the end of Year 1. Core topics include mechanics, quantum physics, thermodynamics, and electricity and magnetic fields. It’s so much more than lectures and workshops; you’ll spend time gaining hands-on experience with experimental physics in our state-of-the-art labs.

As you progress into Years 2 and beyond, you will delve into key astrophysical concepts, such as the dynamics and content of the universe, stellar structure and evolution, and the physics of planetary systems. These modules will enable you to explore the frontiers of astrophysical research such as the formation and structure of galaxies, space plasma physics and cosmological inflation.

Your placement

In Year 4, you will undertake a placement that will enable you to apply the knowledge and skills learnt so far and gain invaluable experience that will then inform your studies in Year 5 and your career beyond.

Although it’s up to you to find your placement, we will support you all the way. Our Careers Service will provide guidance on CVs, applications, interview techniques and creating a digital profile.

Careers

Physics with Astrophysics is a field of study that is truly at the forefront of scientific discovery, innovating what we know about our universe in addition to helping the development of vital technologies such as satellites, communication systems, and power generation and delivery. As a student on this degree programme, you will develop advanced problem-solving skills, programming knowledge, critical thinking abilities and project management experience over the course of your degree. These skills open a wealth of career options from the very pure, such as expanding knowledge through scientific research, to the very practical, like exploring the world of data science and software development. Many of our graduates continue their studies to PhD level and embark on a career in academia. A wealth of additional opportunities exists, such as teaching or careers within the business and finance sectors. Our graduates are well-paid, with the median starting salary of our Physics degrees being £32,000, 15 months after graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025).

Here are just some of the roles that our BSc and MPhys Physics with Astrophysics students have progressed into upon graduating:

• Finance Graduate – Close Brothers
• Data Engineering Consultant – SAS UK
• Systems Engineer – Perkin Elmer
• PhD Researcher – University of Warwick
• Associate Consultant – Opal Wave Solutions
• Documents Developer – Acturis
• Software Engineer – CERN
• Intrinsic Safety Engineer – Element Materials Technology
• Graduate (Future Leader) - United Utilities
• Project Coordinator – Institute of Physics
• Graduate Data Analyst – Virgin Media
• PhD Researcher – University of Sheffield