University course Β· real outcomes from HESA / Discover Uni Β· part of Careermash
University degree

Physics with Astrophysics & Cosmology

King's College London Β· London
Qualification
Degree
Length
3 yrs
UK fees / yr
Β£9,535
Study
full-time
Robin Β· your guide
Here's the honest picture on this course - what you'd study, whether you'd likely get in, what it pays, and where it leads. Everything's real data.
About this course

Physics with astrophysics and cosmology addresses some of the deepest questions humans have ever asked: how did the universe begin, how did stars and galaxies form, what is the nature of dark matter and dark energy, and what does the large-scale structure of the cosmos tell us about the fundamental laws of nature? These questions are pursued through the same mathematical and experimental methods that underpin all of physics, making astrophysics both an intellectually captivating specialisation and a rigorous extension of the core discipline.

At King's College London, this three-year, full-time programme provides a robust foundation in fundamental physics, including classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, special and general relativity, alongside specialist content in astrophysics and cosmology. You will explore the physics of planets, stars, galaxies, and the universe as a whole, examining how astronomical observations are made and interpreted, how models of cosmic evolution are developed and tested, and how cutting-edge instruments and techniques extend our capacity to see further and in greater detail. The programme includes a year abroad, broadening your scientific and personal horizons.

A typical entry tariff of 152 points reflects the high academic standard expected.

Physics graduates from King's are equipped for a wide range of careers. The analytical and quantitative skills developed through the degree are valued in finance, data science, technology, energy, and consultancy, as well as in scientific research and instrumentation. Those with astrophysics and cosmology expertise are in demand at observatories, space agencies, research institutions, and in the growing commercial space sector.

Many graduates continue to postgraduate study or doctoral research in astrophysics, cosmology, particle physics, or related fields, where the programme's grounding in both fundamental physics and observational astronomy provides an excellent foundation.

Could you get in?
The grades students arrived with
112-127 pts5%
128-143 pts25%
144-159 pts20%
160-175 pts5%
176-191 pts5%
192-207 pts10%
208-223 pts5%
240+ pts5%
How they qualified
95% got in with A-levels. The rest came in a mix of ways:
A-levels95%
the IB4%
a foundation year1%
Could I get in? Try your grades
120 UCAS pts
Pay & prospects
80%
In work or further study after
88%
Continue past first year
75%
Student satisfaction
What graduates earn over time
Β£32,000
After 15 months
Β£33,500
3 years on
Β£45,500
5 years on
What graduates actually go on to do % of leavers
Administrative occupations5%
Information Technology ProfessionalsHighly skilled20%
Caring personal services5%
Finance ProfessionalsHighly skilled15%
Elementary occupations5%
Natural and social science professionalsHighly skilled5%
Teaching ProfessionalsHighly skilled5%
Business, Research and Administrative ProfessionalsHighly skilled5%
What students say National Student Survey
75%
of students are satisfied with the course overall
Teaching84%
Assessment & feedback70%
Academic support51%
Well organised71%
Learning resources79%
Student community89%
In students' own words
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Would do it again
This is the perfect place to study this subject. The best part: the course strikes a good balance between theory and practical application. If I'm honest, first-year classes can be quite large. On the city β€” the city is a brilliant student …
Class of 2022 Β· Full-time
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Genuinely worthwhile
Honestly, one of the best decisions I've made. The best part: the opportunity to do independent research in the final year is a highlight. If I'm honest, the timetable has some awkward 9am / Friday afternoon slots. On the city β€” the city is…
Class of 2024 Β· Full-time
More courses like this
Where this degree can lead
Like the look of it?
When you're ready, the full entry requirements and application are on King's College London's own site.
Apply on uni site
Careermash Β· real course data from HESA / Discover Uni, in plain English.

Career data: role, pay and progression profiles built for Careermash's careers engine; AI-impact estimates from Anthropic's observed AI-usage telemetry and OpenAI's AI Jobs Transition Framework. Course data: HESA / Discover Uni, including Graduate Outcomes, LEO and the National Student Survey. Apprenticeships: IfATE-published standards, approved only.

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