About this course
This MSc in Astrophysics is delivered by world-leading researchers at Liverpool John Moores University and is designed to facilitate further postgraduate and PhD study.
- Access the two metre research-class robotic Liverpool telescope - designed and built by LJMU experts
- Learn from academics who are world-leading researchers
- Carry out original research in a wide range of areas
- Gain a qualification which facilitates continued study at PhD level
An ideal choice if you prefer the flexibility of studying remotely and gaining a Masters qualification by distance learning. Each module provides the opportunity to explore current literature, with support from experienced tutors, all of whom are engaged in cutting-edge astrophysical research. Many of the research topics are observational studies, which can be supported by access to the Liverpool Telescope, a two metre aperture research-quality robotic telescope, sited on La Palma in the Canary Islands.
The robotic nature of the telescope means that you do not travel to the telescope, but interact with it via a computer interface, giving unrivalled flexibility for studying rapidly changing objects in the night sky. This course is an excellent way to specialise and further your academic career in the exciting and dynamic astrophysics field.
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Astrophysical Concepts
30 credits
30 credits
This module develops your understanding of concepts in astrophysics. It:
- develops your knowledge of grounding in orbital mechanics and the formation and evolution of planetary systems.
- provides an understanding of the physical processes which determine all aspects of the structure and evolution of stars.
- introduces you to the diversity of galaxy morphologies, dynamics evolution and components.
- allows you to illustrate the importance of multi-wavelength observational approaches to the study of galaxies.
Astrophysics Project
60 credits
60 credits
This module develops the skills required to undertake real scientific research. It enables you to:
- work independently on an original problem
- display qualities and skills such as initiative, ingenuity and communication
- develop and analyse independent research
Astronomical Techniques
30 credits
30 credits
Cosmology
30 credits
30 credits
This module provides the theoretical background required to understand various cosmological models including the favoured CDM model. It:
- gives an understanding of modern observational cosmology
- enables you to make detailed cosmological measurements from galaxy or cluster survey data
Optional Modules
Numerical Methods in Astrophysics
30 credits
30 credits
This module aims to give students an understanding of programming basics and provide students with practical experience of using computational techniques extensively employed by researchers in astronomy and astrophysics.
There will be particular emphasis on developing independent learning skills and IT capability to access and extract relevant scientific information via the Virtual Learning Environment and databases available from LJMU.
Time-Domain Astrophysics
30 credits
30 credits
This module aims to develop your understanding of the transient Universe, and the techniques and facilities used to investigate this realm. It provides a sound understanding of the physical processes driving phenomena such as explosive transients. It:
- introduces the concepts of time domain astrophysics and the techniques used to analyse and understand it
- develops your independent learning skills and IT capability to access and extract relevant scientific information
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
This is a distance learning programme; thus, you will define your own particular study hours. The UK recommendation is to allocate 10 hours of study per credit on the course.
Teaching methods
You will learn through pre-recorded lectures, directed reading, focused literature review exercises, coursework assignments, student discussion groups and tutorials. All learning materials are delivered by LJMU's Virtual Learning Environment. You will have access to all the major astrophysical research journals and a carefully selected range of e-books to support your studies and extend your reading.
Applied learning
Access to The Liverpool Telescope means that you can put your learning into practice.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Where you will study
What you can expect from your School
Although this is a distance learning programme, you will be able to access the Liverpool Telescope, one of the world's largest robotic telescopes, which was designed, built and is now owned and operated by LJMU.
Course tutors
Dr Stacey Habergham-Mawson
- Programme leader
The flexibility of this course allows us to welcome students from all different backgrounds and from around the globe. It's a privilege to introduce them to our research and our university.
The flexibility of this course allows us to welcome students from all different backgrounds and from around the globe. It's a privilege to introduce them to our research and our university.
Stacey is the Programme Leader for the MSc Astrophysics, a unique course which allows students around the world to engage with the cutting-edge research of our department through a fully online masters course.She completed her PhD in 2013 with a research background in core-collapse supernovae and their host galaxies in the local Universe. As an observational astronomer, she carried out observational studies connecting local stellar populations with the flavour of stellar explosion. Supernovae are some of the brightest events in the Universe, but the fact remains that until they explode, we can rarely ever see the individual stars behind such amazing light displays. We need to conduct some detective work - combining clues from the local galaxy environment with the unique signals received during the explosion to determine what happened. Only by doing this can we answer the question of how stars evolve and the physics entwined in the explosion dynamics. Supernovae are the source of almost all of the elements in the periodic table, which allowed for the Earth and life to be created. They are able to help us probe distances, chemistries and extreme physics.
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Professor -
Reader
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
This Astrophysics MSc programme is particularly focussed on preparing you for a research career in astronomy, astrophysics, space science or related disciplines. In these areas, entry to top-level research is almost always via the PhD route, and it is anticipated that most of the students taking this MSc will be interested in further study at PhD level and beyond. The ARI has a long-standing and healthy PhD programme and we are well-placed to help you in applying for PhD places on our own programme and in other institutions worldwide.
The MSc itself provides the opportunity for you to plan and complete a substantial programme of original research at the highest level. All projects should have the potential to result in papers in refereed journals.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees:
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
- International fee:
- £78.75
International Scholarships and payment plans
Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.
Scholarships
LJMU provides a variety of scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university. Postgraduate scholarships include tuition fee reductions and are often offered in partnership with external funding organisations.
All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.
Deposit
All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.
For more information view our deposit page.
Tuition Fee Payment Plan
After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.
All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.
Early Bird Tuition Fee discount
We are excited to introduce a £500 Early Payment Discount to all self-funded international students. Eligible self-funded students who pay their fees by the required deadlines will get a discount which will be automatically deducted from the 1st year of tuition fees.
To see the required deadlines please visit the webpage
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
- a minimum 2:2 in the physical sciences or a STEM discipline (e.g. science, technology, engineering, mathematics, etc.)
- a good knowledge of basic physics at degree level, and competence in mathematical techniques including calculus, differential equations and complex numbers
Further information
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Extra Requirements
- a satisfactory reference from your employer or line manager
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RPL
- RPL is accepted on this programme
International requirements
IELTS
- IELTS 6.5 (minimum of 5.5 in each component)
Other international requirements
- As this is a Distance Learning programme the usual rules in terms of UK Visas and Immigration restrictions to full-time study do not apply
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
Applicants who do not hold a degree in a relevant subject will be considered on their individual merits in relation to the programme. Professional experience, publications, CPD activities and other suitable evidence of accomplishment will be taken into account.
Your student experience
There's so much more to university than just studying for a degree.
Postgraduate life at LJMU
See the amazing support you will get from the university, the academic expertise of the staff here, the first-class learning environment, fabulous libraries, excellent career guidance and their ongoing love affair with the city of Liverpool.
Accommodation
As a new student at LJMU, we guarantee accommodation right in the heart of the dynamic city centre, with easy access to the main University campuses.
You can view our approved accommodation to see the halls that we offer to new students.
Your campus
We’re very proud of our campuses. Not only because they provide a modern and inspiring learning space for all our students but also because they’re a place people really want to be.
Living in Liverpool
Liverpool is one of Europe's most dynamic and cultured cities. Come find out why it's a great city to study in.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes.
Sports, societies and lifestyle
Getting involved in sports, clubs and societies at Liverpool John Moores University is a great way to challenge yourself, meet people who share your interests, and feel more connected to the University community.
Talk to our students
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See what our students are saying
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News and views
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The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.