MSc Astronomy: University of Sussex

About the programme

The MSc programme is intended for honours graduates with an applied mathematics or physics-based degree who wish to learn how to apply their knowledge to astronomy. It is one of only three full-time, broad-based astronomy MSc degrees in the UK. It covers the major fields of astronomy and astrophysics at an advanced level, with an emphasis in the lecture courses on theoretical astronomy.

The programme has a high reputation, both nationally and internationally, and there are MSc graduates from the Sussex Astronomy Centre all over the world. Many of their graduates go on to take a research degree and often find a permanent job in astronomy. Others have become science journalists and writers.

Admission requirments

UK entrance requirements

A first- or second-class undergraduate honours degree in a physics-, mathematics- or astronomy-based programme. Other degrees will be considered on an individual basis.

Overseas entrance requirements

Sussex receives applications from all over the world and is therefore very experienced in assessing the qualifications offered by students from outside the UK.

For information on some of the most common international qualifications that meet our general entry requirements, please refer to the table in their International students section.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0, with not less than 6.5 in Writing and 6.0 in the other sections. Internet TOEFL with 80 overall including 22 in Speaking and 24 in Writing. For more information, refer to English language requirements .