Astrophysics with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

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Key Course Details

UCAS Code: F51F
Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): CDD
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2025	£ 9,535

4 Year Full Time With a Foundation Year

UCAS Code: F51F
Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: CDD - More Information
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2025	£ 24,000

Course Overview

If you don’t attain the grades needed to enrol on the BSc in Astrophysics, then this 4-year programme, with a Foundation Year, could be for you.

The Foundation Year, which covers core concepts in Physics and Mathematics, is a great way to gain the knowledge and skills needed for your Astrophysics undergraduate degree. The Foundation Year is integrated, meaning you’ll be taught in the same department on the Singleton Campus throughout your four years.

On completion of the Foundation Year, you will spend three years studying towards your undergraduate degree, which will take you on a journey to unlock the mysteries of the Universe!

Our Astrophysics programme is designed to offer a wide range of learning opportunities to enrich your academic journey and give you the skills you need for your future. You will gain a solid understanding of fundamental concepts and techniques, forming the foundation needed to unlock the secrets of the cosmos. Building on these foundations and taught by active researchers, you’ll delve deeper into the Universe, studying topics such as stellar evolution, galactic dynamics, gravitational waves and cosmology.

You will go beyond lectures, with hands-on practical experience using telescopes and detectors, and analysing real astronomical data. Your final year project allows you to conduct your own independent research in an astrophysics area, potentially using data from an observatory field trip.

Our programme aims to create well-rounded astrophysicists equipped with not only the necessary scientific knowledge and skills but also the critical thinking, communication, and adaptability to thrive in the ever-evolving world of scientific exploration and discovery. Your Astrophysics Journey Awaits!

Why Astrophysics with a Foundation Year at Swansea?

Physics at Swansea University is a highly regarded department that attracts students from across the world, and is ranked:

3rd in the UK for Teaching Quality (Guardian University Guide 2025)
5th in the UK for Teaching* (NSS 2024) *Based on the average positivity score across questions 1 to 4 in the NSS 2024 when ranked against universities featured in the Times Good University Guide
11th in the UK Overall (Guardian University Guide 2025)
Top 201-250 in the World (QS World University Rankings 2024), and
92% of Graduates are in Employment, Study and/or Study, or Doing other Activities such as Travelling, 15 Months after Leaving Swansea University (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023)

Your Astrophysics with a Foundation Year Experience

Your learning will be shaped by inspirational academics such as Prof Gianmassimo Tasinato, internationally renowned for his research contributions in gravitational wave astronomy and cosmology, and Dr Sarah Roberts, an expert in using robotic telescopes for education to engage and inspire learners.

You will spend a year on the Foundation Year, which is entirely focused on getting you ready to undertake your undergraduate BSc Astrophysics degree. Teaching on the Foundation Year takes place in smaller class sizes, allowing for a more personalised experience.

In addition to this, you will benefit from having access to:

A flexibly structured degree path, providing the opportunity to study abroad for a year or work in industry for a year, either locally, nationally or overseas.
The choice of joining an international field trip to a leading astronomical research facility, where you'll collect your own data
The opportunity to use world-class robotic telescopes around the world, putting the power of real astronomical observation at your fingertips.
Our common student & staff space (the Event Horizon) overlooking spectacular views of Swansea Bay, provides an ideal location for quiet study, informal discussions and lunches.
The Physics department and the Swansea University Physics Society sponsor frequent social, and academic events such as departmental colloquia and distinguished lectures to bring students and staff together.
Elected student reps for each year and for the Swansea University Physics Society (PhySoc) ensure that every student voice is heard through regular meetings with HoDs.
Our world leading research groups in Particle Physics and Cosmology Theory, Applied Materials, and the ALPHA anti-matter collaboration with close ties to CERN, ensure that our teaching is informed by the latest research. Students have the opportunity to do a summer internship or undertake a final year project with the ALPHA group at CERN in Geneva.

Astrophysics with a Foundation Year Employment Opportunities

Our Swansea Physics graduates have excelled in a wide range of careers, including roles as research physicists, data scientists, AI and software engineers, demand forecasters, patent examiners, and quantitative finance analysts. Our alumni network illustrates their involvement across many sectors, such as government research, aerospace, defence, energy, nuclear, engineering, the private sector, education, and space exploration. We take pride in the strong connections they maintain with the department and are delighted to showcase their career advancements to our current students.

Modules

Your first year of study will be your Foundation Year, which covers a mix of key themes in Physics and Mathematics, such as Mechanics, Atoms, Nuclei and Particles, and Foundation Mathematics for Physicists.

On successful completion of your Foundation Year, you will spend a further three years working towards your BSc.

Year 2 is predominantly made up of compulsory modules, covering more in-depth topics such as Astronomy and Cosmology, and Quantum Mechanics.

Your third year also comprises of compulsory modules, building on your existing knowledge with modules covering a range of topics including Stellar Astrophysics, Electromagnetism and Thermal and Statistical Physics.

The fourth and final year compounds your existing knowledge with a range of specialist modules, covering Galactic Dynamics, Frontiers of Nucleic Physics and Advanced Astronomical Techniques.

Year 0 (Level 3)

Entry Level 3 / Foundation Year

Compulsory Modules
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Mechanics	September-January (TB1)	20	PH-021
Electricity and Magnetism	September-January (TB1)	20	PH-022
Foundation Mathematics for Physicists I	September-January (TB1)	20	PH-023
Waves, Optics and Thermal Physics	January-June (TB2)	20	PH-024
Atoms, Nuclei and Particles	January-June (TB2)	20	PH-025
Foundation Mathematics for Physicists II	January-June (TB2)	20	PH-026

Year 1 (Level 4)

FHEQ 4 Undergraduate / HECert

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Classical Mechanics	September-January (TB1)	20	PH-100
Astronomy and Cosmology	September-January (TB1)	10	PH-104
Mathematics for Physicists I	September-January (TB1)	20	PH-132
Quantum Mechanics I	January-June (TB2)	20	PH-115
Special Relativity	January-June (TB2)	10	PH-116
Mathematics for Physicists II	January-June (TB2)	20	PH-133

Optional Modules

Choose Exactly 10 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Choose between Welsh and English option

Compulsory
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Practical Physics I	September-January (TB1)	10	PH-109
Ffiseg Ymarferol I	September-January (TB1)	10	PH-109C

AND

Choose Exactly 10 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Choose between Welsh and English option

Compulsory
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Practical Physics II	January-June (TB2)	10	PH-110
Ffiseg Ymarferol II	January-June (TB2)	10	PH-110C

Year 2 (Level 5)

FHEQ 5 Undergraduate / HEDip

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Electromagnetism	September-January (TB1)	20	PH-223
Practical Physics III	September-January (TB1)	20	PH-226
Mathematics for Physicists III	September-January (TB1)	20	PH-232
Thermal and statistical physics	January-June (TB2)	20	PH-224
Quantum Mechanics II	January-June (TB2)	20	PH-225
Stellar Astrophysics: Theory and Observation	January-June (TB2)	20	PH-231

Optional Modules

Choose Exactly 0 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : You can choose not to select this module


Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Professional Development and Career Planning	September-January (TB1)	0	PH-216

Entry Requirements

International students should refer to our country specific pages.

A level (or equivalent) typical offer

CDD to include A Level Maths and Physics

UK Access

Science - 27 Merits to include Merit in all Maths and Physcis modules

Mixed Qualifications

80 UCAS tariff points from 3 highest qualifications to include A Level Maths and Physics

International Baccalaureate

28 to include 6 in SL Maths and 7 in SL Physics

How You're Taught

Throughout the programme, you will be assessed through a range of diverse assessments – from reports and scientific posters to exams and presentations, allowing you to showcase your skills in communication, teamwork, research and more.

During your degree, you’ll be taught through lectures, lab work and workshops, which take place in person, allowing for group working and presentations. Lectures take place in larger group sessions, in a lecture theatre setting. The course content is explored in further detail in workshops, allowing for further collaborative working with your peers.

We are proud to provide an outstanding educational experience, using the most effective learning and teaching approaches, carefully tailored to suit the specific needs of your course. Our programme consists of in-person, on-campus teaching, enabling full engagement with your lecturers and fellow students.

We believe in fostering a learning environment where students actively engage with astrophysical concepts through experimentation, data analysis, and problem-solving.

We use inquiry-based learning, labs and practical work (including fieldwork) and diverse assessment types throughout the programme. The labs and practical work promote active engagement, hands-on learning, diverse skills development and real-world experience. The research project modules gives you the opportunity to participate in real-life research, working on real-world problems/questions and includes the opportnunity to carry out data collection via a residential field trip to an observatory site.

Lecture recordings allow for more flexibility to revisit material, to revise for assessments and to enhance learning outside of the classroom. Some modules have extra resources in Canvas, our virtual learning environment, such as videos, slides and quizzes enabling further flexible study.

This course may offer some modules taught through the medium of Welsh or bilingually for students who consider themselves to be fluent Welsh speakers. For more details on the provision available see the Welsh Provision expander below.

Welsh Provision

Some provision

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study some elements of this course through the medium of Welsh but there is not yet enough provision to reach 40 credits in each year.

Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We can offer you:

Access to generous Welsh-language study scholarships or bursaries.
Access to modules taught wholly or partly in Welsh.
Access to the Arwain mobile app for the latest information about Welsh-medium courses and modules available to download free on the App Store and Google Play.
An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
The option to receive your personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
The option to write and submit your coursework or exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be marked in Welsh.
A Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor.
One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
Opportunity to be a member of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

To learn more about the above and all the opportunities available to you through the medium of Welsh, visit Academi Hywel Teifi's undergraduate pages.

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study some elements of this course through the medium of Welsh but there is not yet enough provision to reach 40 credits in each year.

Professional Body Accreditation

Seeking IOP accreditation that will be backdated upon approval.

The Physics department also has Juno Practioner status.

Meet Your Lecturers

You will be taught by lecturers passionate about igniting your curiosity about the cosmos who are actively shaping our understanding of the universe.

Professor Prem Kumar Co-Head of Department
Professor Gianmassimo Tasinato
Dr Sarah RobertsAdmissions Tutor

See all of the Physics staff

Tuition Fees

Start Date	UK	International
September 2024	£ 9,000	£ 22,850
September 2025	£ 9,535	£ 24,000

Fees for full time undergraduate UK students may increase in subsequent years of study in line with the maximum regulated fee level set by the Welsh Government

Fees for full time Undergraduate International students will increase by 3% for each subsequent year of study.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

Travel to and from campus
Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
Purchase of books or texts
Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Careers and Employability

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
Advice and guidance on postgraduate study and funding
Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal tutor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

Academic writing
Maths and statistics
Critical thinking
Time management
Digital skills
Presentation skills
Note taking
Revision, memory and exam techniques
English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

Each student is assigned a Personal Tutor to help with:

Academic guidance
Personal development planning
Guidance on finding help with personal issues (which affect your wellbeing, attendance, and progress through university)

There are student representatives in each year of our programmes as well as school representatives for undergraduate students. The Schools also have a dedicated Student Information Office who will be able to offer academic assistance throughout your studies.

Study Abroad and Global Opportunities

To learn more about study abroad, visit our Go Global webpages. Enrolment on a programme with a semester/year abroad does not guarantee you a semester/year abroad placement. Spaces are limited and subject to a competitive selection process. In the event you do not secure a semester/year abroad placement, you will be transferred to the standard variant of your degree scheme without a semester or year abroad.

International summer programmes are open to students from all schools. Programmes typically range from 2 to 6 weeks, across destinations such as Sri Lanka, South Korea, Fiji, Bali, the USA and across Europe. For more information about programmes and eligibility visit our Summer Abroad webpages.

How to Apply

Apply now – UK, EU and international students.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply pages.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

Application Deadlines

We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.

Additional Information

Student Societies

At Swansea, we have a range of science and maths societies, which offer opportunities for you to meet fellow students and take part in a variety of activities. These societies are all run for students, by students, and include:

Contact Details

Make an undergraduate enquiry

International students contact our International Team