Aberystwyth University
Degrees
Aberystwyth University offers 9 degrees:
Physics with Planetary and Space Physics
Bachelor's (3 years) at Aberystwyth University
The Aberystwyth Physics with Planetary and Space Physics degree scheme provides you with a fundamental core of physics alongside a detailed exploration of the physics of the solar system and an overview of modern astronomical science. The nucleus of mainstream physics ensures flexibility in further study or employment after graduation and provides the necessary background for the specialist modules. Physics has been taught at Aberystwyth since its foundation and it continues to be an innovative learning experience for all. In choosing this subject you will be taught by experts in their field and you will also have access to specialist astronomical equipment. Upon completion of your degree, you will have accreditation by the Institute of Physics. Our researchers are involved in the current European Space Agency ExoMars 2020 Project and engineering low dimensional materials such as graphene. This is a fascinating and commercially important field of research. Throughout this degree, you will be introduced to classic and modern physics, the basic principles of gravitational and electrostatic fields, stars, planets, algebra and calculus, quantum mechanics, optics, space plasmas, electromagnetism, ionospheres and magnetospheres. Students wishing to study through the medium of Welsh may do so with our Welsh medium modules. Further details regarding Welsh-medium study are available from the department. Our students learn through lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, practicals, individual and group-based project work. We assess our students through coursework, presentations, lab reports, lab diaries and examinations. You will be assigned a personal tutor, who can help with any difficulties you might have with the degree or with university life. Employability is embedded across all our teaching and ethics. We instil these skills in our students: research and data analysis, problem-solving, creative thinking, independent working, time management, organisation, self-motivation, communication and teamworking. The ability to discuss concepts with peers, accommodate different viewpoints, meet deadlines and communicate ideas in a clear, concise manner in both written and oral form are highly desirable skills in industry. You are encouraged to contact the University’s Careers Service in relation to work experience opportunities. Year in Employment Scheme (YES) and GO Wales are administered by the Career Service which works with local businesses to create paid work placements for students. This helps you gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV. Engineering Physics will allow you to pursue a career in engineering, research or development. The skills you will learn are highly pertinent to employers. Typical careers include medical physicist, radiation protection practitioner, research scientist, systems developer, product development, technical author and meteorologist. In addition, you will acquire transferable skills, such as problem-solving abilities, needed for success in a wider range of careers...
Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
Master's (1 year) at Aberystwyth University
This course combines the fields of GIS and Remote Sensing to provide students with a strong theoretical and conceptual background and vocational training in these inter-related topics. Having completed your undergraduate degree in a related field, this MSc will enable you to bring your skills and knowledge up to date with a mastery of the latest technological tools and contemporary theoretical understanding. The course particularly focuses on conveying new approaches to data processing, analysis and interpretation as well as the use of innovative technologies, such as unmanned airborne vehicles. The course is a full-time programme, taught over one year, and is divided into two parts over three semesters. In part one, you will establish a breadth of necessary skills in a number of core modules whilst directing your own study by choosing specialist modules, worth a total of 120 credits. In part two, you will apply your learning in the individual dissertation worth an additional 60 credits. The Remote Sensing component will introduce you to a range of technologies (including radar, optical/hyperspectral sensing and lidar) in a breadth of application contexts (including climate change, human impacts on terrestrial ecosystems, glaciology, hydrology, forestry, coastal change, carbon cycle science to biodiversity). Within GIS, you will encounter fundamental concepts and software functionality...
Astrophysics
Master's (4 years) at Aberystwyth University
Astrophysics, at Aberystwyth University, incorporates the broad disciplines of astronomy that include cosmology and galactic astronomy, the solar system, gas giants and terrestrial worlds, red giants, white dwarfs, neutron stars, and quasars amongst others, allowing you to cover a broad area of learning and enabling you to specialise later in your career. With foundations in the key areas of physics and astronomy, you will develop the essential core and transferable skills required by employers in this discipline that includes education, business and industry. On completion of this degree, you will leave with accreditation by the **Institute of Physics (IOP).** Physics has been taught at Aberystwyth since its foundation and it continues to be an innovative learning experience for all. You will, therefore, be taught by experts in their field. Our researchers are involved in the current European Space Agency ExoMars 2020 Project. Throughout this degree, you will be introduced to: classic and modern physics, the basic principles of gravitational and electrostatic fields, stars, planets and planetary atmospheres, quantum theory, dynamics, cosmology, space plasmas, electromagnetic theory, advanced numerical methods and your extended project. These studies will take place over the course of four years. Career planning and skills development will also form a key element in some modules. Students wishing to study through the medium of Welsh may do so with our Welsh-medium modules. Further details regarding Welsh-medium study are available from the department. Our students learn through lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, practicals, individual and group-based project work. We assess our students through coursework, presentations, lab reports, lab diaries and examinations. You will be assigned a personal tutor, who can help with any difficulties you might have with the degree or with university life. Employability is embedded across all our teaching and ethics. We instil these skills in our students: research and data analysis, problem-solving, creative thinking, independent working, time management, organisation, self-motivation, communication and teamworking. The ability to discuss concepts with peers, accommodate different viewpoints, meet deadlines and communicate ideas in a clear, concise manner in both written and oral form are highly desirable skills in industry. You are encouraged to contact the University’s Careers Service in relation to work experience opportunities. Year in Employment Scheme (YES) and GO Wales are administered by the Career Service which works with local businesses to create paid work placements for students. This helps you gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV. The skills you will learn are highly pertinent to employers. Typical careers include medical physicist, radiation protection practitioner, research scientist, systems developer, product development, technical publishing and meteorology. In addition, you will acquire transferable skills, such as problem-solving abilities, needed for success in a wider range of careers. ..
Physics with Planetary and Space Physics
Master's (4 years) at Aberystwyth University
The Aberystwyth MPhys Physics with Planetary and Space Physics degree scheme provides you with a fundamental core of physics alongside a detailed exploration of the physics of the solar system and an overview of modern astronomical science. The nucleus of mainstream physics ensures flexibility in further study or employment after graduation and provides the necessary background for the specialist modules. Physics has been taught at Aberystwyth since its foundation and it continues to be an innovative learning experience for all. In choosing this subject you will be taught by experts in their field and you will also have access to specialist astronomical equipment. Upon completion of your degree, you will have accreditation by the Institute of Physics. Our researchers are involved in the current European Space Agency ExoMars 2020 Project. This is a fascinating and commercially important field of research. Throughout this degree, you will be introduced to classic and modern physics, the basic principles of gravitational and electrostatic fields, stars, planets, algebra and calculus, quantum mechanics, optics, space plasmas, electromagnetism, ionospheres and magnetospheres. You will continue to study in your fourth year and you will also undertake an extended project as well as a residential course where you will receive advice on project planning, communication and self-management. Students wishing to study through the medium of Welsh may do so with our Welsh-medium modules. Further details regarding Welsh-medium study are available from the department. Our students learn through lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, practicals, individual and group-based project work. We assess our students through coursework, presentations, lab reports, lab diaries and examinations. You will be assigned a personal tutor, who can help with any difficulties you might have with the degree or with university life. Employability is embedded across all our teaching and ethics. We instil these skills in our students: research and data analysis, problem-solving, creative thinking, independent working, time management, organisation, self-motivation, communication and teamworking. The ability to discuss concepts with peers, accommodate different viewpoints, meet deadlines and communicate ideas in a clear, concise manner in both written and oral form are highly desirable skills in industry. You are encouraged to contact the University’s Careers Service in relation to work experience opportunities. Year in Employment Scheme (YES) and GO Wales are administered by the Career Service which works with local businesses to create paid work placements for students. This helps you gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV. This course will allow you to pursue a career in engineering, research or development. The skills you will learn are highly pertinent to employers. Typical careers include medical physicist, radiation protection practitioner, research scientist, systems developer, product development, technical author and meteorologist. In addition, you will acquire transferable skills, such as problem-solving abilities, needed for success in a wider range of careers...
Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
Master's (1 year) at Aberystwyth University
This course combines the fields of GIS and Remote Sensing to provide students with a strong theoretical and conceptual background and vocational training in these inter-related topics. Having completed your undergraduate degree in a related field, this MSc will enable you to bring your skills and knowledge up to date with a mastery of the latest technological tools and contemporary theoretical understanding. The course particularly focuses on conveying new approaches to data processing, analysis and interpretation as well as the use of innovative technologies, such as unmanned airborne vehicles. The course is a full-time programme, taught over one year, and is divided into two parts over three semesters. In part one, you will establish a breadth of necessary skills in a number of core modules whilst directing your own study by choosing specialist modules, worth a total of 120 credits. In part two, you will apply your learning in the individual dissertation worth an additional 60 credits. The Remote Sensing component will introduce you to a range of technologies (including radar, optical/hyperspectral sensing and lidar) in a breadth of application contexts (including climate change, human impacts on terrestrial ecosystems, glaciology, hydrology, forestry, coastal change, carbon cycle science to biodiversity). Within GIS, you will encounter fundamental concepts and software functionality...
Space Engineering
Master's (1 year) at Aberystwyth University
The MSc in Space Engineering at Aberystwyth University is the perfect choice for graduates with a first degree in a STEM subject who wish to develop knowledge and skills relevant to Space Exploration. You will be taught by experts in Space Science and Technology and will be given the opportunity to undertake project work alongside active researchers who are members of international teams and space missions studying the Sun, the Moon, planets and exoplanets. In the UK the space sector aims to achieve a 10% share of the estimated £400 billion per annum global space market by 2030, and here in Wales, the target is a 5% market share (Wales: A Sustainable Space Nation, 2022). As such there is an ongoing need for suitably qualified and technically competent engineering graduates within the space and allied sectors. Designed to meet the needs of students pursuing a career in research as well as those seeking to expand their professional skills for a career in industry, this course will prepare you for a successful career in the UK and international space agencies, defence sectors and allied fields. An MSc in Space Engineering will give you the opportunity to tackle the challenges of Space Exploration. You will undertake project work alongside active researchers whose global reach makes this a truly international course that crosses continents. Staff expertise in modelling, visualisation, ground-based experimentation and space instrumentation (with specialisms in photonics and robotics) are also core features of this exciting new course that brings together a wealth of knowledge and experience that cuts across science, technology, engineering, mathematics and business at the University. The range of modules available provides you with a fundamental knowledge of the Solar System and beyond and an appreciation of the technology and skills required to explore extra-terrestrial space, including design, observation, measurement, analysis, communication and project management...
Astrophysics
Bachelor's (3 years) at Aberystwyth University
Astrophysics, at Aberystwyth University, incorporates the broad disciplines of astronomy that include cosmology and galactic astronomy, the solar system, gas giants and terrestrial worlds, red giants, white dwarfs, neutron stars, and quasars amongst others, allowing you to cover a broad area of learning and enabling you to specialise later in your career. With foundations in the key areas of physics and astronomy you will develop the essential core and transferable skills required by employers in this discipline that includes education, business, and industry. On completion of this degree, you will leave with accreditation by the **Institute of Physics (IOP).** Physics has been taught at Aberystwyth since its foundation and it continues to be an innovative learning experience for all. Our researchers are involved in the current European Space Agency ExoMars 2020 Project. Throughout this degree, you will be introduced to classic and modern physics, the basic principles of gravitational and electrostatic fields, stars, planets, algebra and calculus, quantum mechanics, optics, space plasmas, electromagnetism, data handling, statistics, cosmology, galaxies and the heliosphere. Career planning and skills development will also form a key element in some modules. Students wishing to study through the medium of Welsh may do so with our Welsh-medium modules. Further details regarding Welsh-medium study are available from the department. Our students learn through lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, practicals, individual and group-based project work. We assess our students through coursework, presentations, lab reports, lab diaries and examinations. You will be assigned a personal tutor, who can help with any difficulties you might have with the degree or with university life. Employability is embedded across all our teaching and ethics. We instil these skills in our students: research and data analysis, problem-solving, creative thinking, independent working, time management, organisation, self-motivation, communication and team working. The ability to discuss concepts with peers, accommodate different viewpoints, meet deadlines and communicate ideas in a clear, concise manner in both written and oral form are highly desirable skills in industry. You are encouraged to contact the University’s Careers Service in relation to work experience opportunities. Year in Employment Scheme (YES) and GO Wales are administered by the Career Service which works with local businesses to create paid work placements for students. This helps you gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV. The skills you will learn are highly pertinent to employers. Typical careers include medical physicist, radiation protection practitioner, research scientist, systems developer, product development, technical publishing and meteorology. In addition, you will acquire transferable skills, such as problem-solving abilities, needed for success in a wider range of careers...
Space Science and Robotics
Bachelor's (3 years) at Aberystwyth University
Unmanned exploration of the solar system has been one of the outstanding successes of the space age. Most of these spacecraft, orbiters, landers and rovers have been either fully commanded-controlled from the Earth or have been controlled by onboard programmes. If you are interested in understanding the challenges to be met in robotic exploration of the solar system and their solutions, then our degree allows you to be immersed in both the fundamentals of computer science and the very latest technological innovations. This degree scheme, one of only a few such courses in the UK, will expose you to the foundations of space exploration and will equip you with the skills that meet the requirements and challenges of the space industry, as well as the planning and development of future space physics and astrophysics missions. By studying this degree, you will be immersed in exciting developments surrounding the subject area, for example, the Department of Physics at Aberystwyth University are involved in the current European Space Agency ExoMars 2020 Project. In choosing this degree you will learn in state of the art facilities which provides a stimulating environment and you will also be taught by experts in their field. Throughout this degree, you will be introduced to computer infrastructure, astronomy, modern physics, programming, classical dynamics, optics, space robotics, planetary atmospheres, condensed matter physics and semiconductor technology. Career planning and skills development will also form a key element in some modules. Students wishing to study through the medium of Welsh may do so with our Welsh-medium modules. Further details regarding Welsh-medium study are available from the department. Our students learn through lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, practicals, individual and group-based project work. We assess our students through coursework, presentations, lab reports, lab diaries and examinations. You will be assigned a personal tutor, who can help with any difficulties you might have with the degree or with university life. Employability is embedded across all our teaching and ethics. We instil these skills in our students: research and data analysis, problem-solving, creative thinking, independent working, time management, organisation, self-motivation, communication and teamworking. The ability to discuss concepts with peers, accommodate different viewpoints, meet deadlines and communicate ideas in a clear, concise manner in both written and oral form are highly desirable skills in industry. You are encouraged to contact the University’s Careers Service in relation to work experience opportunities. Year in Employment Scheme (YES) and GO Wales are administered by the Career Service which works with local businesses to create paid work placements for students. This helps you gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV. The skills you will learn are highly pertinent to employers. Our graduates have discovered careers with the space industry and have gone on to specialise in space robotics or a related field of astrophysics or robotics. Your degree will also give you an advantage in careers such as computer programming, systems development, engineering and teaching. In addition, you will acquire transferable skills, such as problem-solving abilities, needed for success in a wider range of careers...
Astrophysics (with integrated foundation year)
Bachelor's (4 years) at Aberystwyth University
This four-year Astrophysics degree at Aberystwyth University includes a foundation year and incorporates the broad disciplines of astronomy that include cosmology and galactic astronomy, the solar system, gas giants and terrestrial worlds, red giants, white dwarfs, neutron stars, and quasars amongst others, allowing you to cover a broad area of learning and enabling you to specialise later in your career. With foundations in the key areas of physics and astronomy, you will develop the essential core and transferable skills required by employers in this discipline that includes education, business, and industry. This programme is suitable for students who have not studied mathematics or physics at A-level (or equivalent) or who are returning to study after a break. After completing the foundation year, you can continue your studies in Astrophysics, or you have the option to transfer to any of our other equivalent physics degree schemes...