BSC PHYSICS WITH ASTROPHYSICS

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Qualification
Bachelor Of Science Degree
CAO Points
401
CAO/MU Apply code
MH204
Award Type and NFQ level
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)
Study Mode
Full time
Closing Date
01 February 2027
Jump to
CAO Hub

Overview

Interested in astronomy, cosmology, celestial systems, and astrophysics? The Physics Department have developed a special 4-year course which combines the study of physics and astronomy. Many of your lecturers specialise their research in observational astronomy, theoretical modelling of black hole formation, analysis of Dark matter, Cosmology and the development of astronomical instrumentation.

The University has a long tradition of excellence in physics and astrophysics. You will study astronomical instrumentation and data analysis techniques used to make the exquisitely sensitive observations needed in modern astrophysics.

Field trips and scientific visits are organised to astronomy facilities such as the European Space Agency (ESTEC, the Netherlands), Jodrell Bank & SKA HQ (UK), Armagh Observatory & Dunsink Observatory.

Final Year students are offered a week observing at the L’Observatoire d’Haute Provence (France) to gather data for a final year astrophysics project.

Course structure

Duration: 4 years

First year

  • Physics with Astrophysics
  • Mathematics
  • Choose 2 other Science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering Science, Mathematical Physics - Note: students taking Engineering Science must also take Computer Science. Students may take Computer Science and not take Engineering Science. See details about subject combinations in MH201)

Second year

  • Physics with Astrophysics
  • Continue with 2 of your first year subjects - 1 full subject, 10 credits in the second
  • Optional 10 credit Elective

Third year

  • Physics with Astrophysics
  • Continue with 1 of your second year subjects

Fourth year

  • Students take Physics with Astrophysics only

Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.

Year 1

AP1F15 - Physics With Astrophysics

Credits: 15  |  Compulsory

Physics With Astrophysics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EP101

7.5

1

Y

EP102

7.5

2

Y

MT1SF15 - Mathematics

Credits: 15  |  Compulsory

Mathematics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MT101SC

5

1

Y

MT102SC

5

2

Y

MT113SC

5

Year-Long

Y

BL1F15 - Biology

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Biology modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

BI102

7.5

2

Y

BI101

7.5

1

Y

CH1F15 - Chemistry

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Chemistry modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

CH102

7.5

2

Y

CH101

7.5

1

Y

CS1V30 - Computer Science

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Computer Science modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

CS192

7.5

2

N

CS181

7.5

1

Y

CS182

7.5

2

Y

CS191

7.5

1

N

GE1F15 - Engineering Science

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Engineering Science modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EE121

7.5

1

Y

EE123

7.5

2

Y

MP1F15 - Mathematical Physics

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Mathematical Physics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MP110

7.5

1

Y

MP112

7.5

2

Y

Year 2

AP2F30 - Physics With Astrophysics

Credits: 30  |  Compulsory

Physics With Astrophysics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EP252

5

1

Y

EP204

5

2

Y

EP202

5

1

Y

EP201

5

2

Y

EP305

5

2

Y

EP205

5

1

Y

EP213

5

2

N

BL2F20 - Biology

Credits: 20  |  Not compulsory

Biology modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

BI203

5

1

Y

BI201

5

1

Y

BI204

5

2

Y

BI210

5

2

Y

BL2F10 - Biology

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Biology modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

BI201

5

1

Y

BI210

5

2

Y

CH2F20 - Chemistry

Credits: 20  |  Not compulsory

Chemistry modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

CH224

5

2

Y

CH201

5

1

Y

CH203

5

2

Y

CH202

5

1

Y

CH2F10 - Chemistry

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Chemistry modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

CH224

5

2

N

CH201

5

1

N

CH203

5

2

N

CH202

5

1

N

CS2F10 - Computer Science

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Computer Science modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

CS210

5

1

N

CS211

5

2

N

CS285

5

1

N

CS240

5

2

N

CS2F20 - Computer Science

Credits: 20  |  Not compulsory

Computer Science modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

CS210

5

1

Y

CS211

5

2

Y

CS285

5

1

Y

CS240

5

2

Y

GE2F10 - Engineering Science

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Engineering Science modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EE108

5

1

Y

EE216

5

1

N

EE223

5

2

N

EE202

5

2

N

GE2F20 - Engineering Science

Credits: 20  |  Not compulsory

Engineering Science modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EE108

5

1

Y

EE216

5

1

Y

EE223

5

2

Y

EE202

5

2

Y

MP2AF20 - Mathematical Physics

Credits: 20  |  Not compulsory

Mathematical Physics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MP350

5

2

Y

MP204

5

2

Y

MP201

5

1

Y

MP205

5

1

Y

MP2F10 - Mathematical Physics

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Mathematical Physics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MP204

5

2

N

MP201

5

1

N

MP215

5

1

N

MP203

5

2

N

MP205

5

1

N

MT2F20 - Mathematics

Credits: 20  |  Not compulsory

Mathematics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MT201S

5

1

Y

MT202S

5

2

Y

ST221

5

1

Y

MT216C

5

2

Y

MT2F10 - Mathematics

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Mathematics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MT201S

5

1

N

ST221

5

1

N

MT216C

5

2

Y

AC2EL - Accounting In Society

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Accounting In Society modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

AC210

5

1

N

AC211

5

2

N

GC2MEL - Ancient Mythology - Epic And Tragic Tales

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Ancient Mythology - Epic And Tragic Tales modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GC231

5

1

N

GC232

5

2

N

AN2EL - Anti-Racism

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Anti-Racism modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

AN215

5

1

N

AN216

5

2

N

CN2BEL - Beginning Chinese

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Beginning Chinese modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

CN261

5

2

N

CN260

5

1

N

FR2BEL - Beginning French

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Beginning French modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

FR260

5

1

N

FR261

5

2

N

GN2BEL - Beginning German

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Beginning German modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GN260

5

1

N

GN261

5

2

N

SPA2BEL - Beginning Spanish

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Beginning Spanish modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SPA260

5

1

N

SPA261

5

2

N

CAT2EL - Catalan Language And Culture

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Catalan Language And Culture modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SPA225

5

2

N

SPA215

5

1

N

PHY2EL - Climate Change And Sustainable Energy

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Climate Change And Sustainable Energy modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

PHY260

5

1

N

PHY261

5

2

N

CN2CEL - Continuing Chinese

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Continuing Chinese modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

CN281

5

1

N

CN282

5

2

N

FR2CEL - Continuing French

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Continuing French modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

FR281

5

1

N

FR282

5

2

N

GN2CEL - Continuing German

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Continuing German modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GN281

5

1

N

GN282

5

2

N

NG2CEL - Continuing Nua-Ghaeilge

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Continuing Nua-Ghaeilge modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

NG211

5

2

N

NG201

5

1

N

SPA2CEL - Continuing Spanish

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Continuing Spanish modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SPA281

5

1

N

SPA282

5

2

N

PD2DEL - Eden Entrepreneurship Design And Innovation

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Eden Entrepreneurship Design And Innovation modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

PD217A

5

1

N

PD218A

5

2

N

MD2EL - Film And Screen Studies

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Film And Screen Studies modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MD240

5

1

N

MD216

5

2

N

MU226

5

2

N

SPA223

5

2

N

SK2EL - Foundations In Science Writing And Communication

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Foundations In Science Writing And Communication modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SK252

5

2

N

SK251

5

1

N

GN2GEL - Gender And Sexuality In Society And Culture

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Gender And Sexuality In Society And Culture modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

IS201

5

1

N

IS202

5

2

N

TH2GEL - Good And Evil

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Good And Evil modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

TH251

5

1

N

TH252

5

2

N

EN2BEL - Great Books

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Great Books modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EN280

5

1

N

EN281

5

2

N

EC2EL - Influential Ideas In Economics

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Influential Ideas In Economics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EC216

5

2

N

EC222

5

1

N

PH2LEL - Introduction To Philosophy In The Digital Age

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Introduction To Philosophy In The Digital Age modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

PH221

5

2

N

PH215B

5

1

N

TESL2EL - Introduction To Teaching English Language

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Introduction To Teaching English Language modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

TESL201

5

1

N

TESL202

5

2

N

NG2IEL - Irish Cultural Heritage

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Irish Cultural Heritage modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

ID001

5

1

N

ID001X

5

2

N

ID013X

5

2

N

ID013

5

1

N

POR2EL - Portuguese Language And Culture

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Portuguese Language And Culture modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SPA216

5

1

N

SPA226

5

2

N

KD2AEL - Prioritising People And Planet

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Prioritising People And Planet modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

AN261

5

2

N

KD212

5

1

N

FR2REL - Refresh Your French

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Refresh Your French modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

FR271

5

1

N

FR272

5

2

N

PD2SEL - Service Innovation

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Service Innovation modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

PD201

5

2

N

PD264

5

1

N

EX2EX - Skills For Success:professional Development

Credits: 5  |  Not compulsory

Skills For Success:professional Development modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EX202

5

2

N

EX201

5

1

N

MN2EQEL - The Growth And Development Of The Irish Equine Industry

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

The Growth And Development Of The Irish Equine Industry modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MN232

5

2

N

MN230

5

1

N

SG2EL - Wondrous People And Places: An Introduction To Celtic Literature

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Wondrous People And Places: An Introduction To Celtic Literature modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SG228

5

2

N

SG256

5

1

N

Year 3

AP3DM - Physics With Astrophysics

Credits: 30  |  Compulsory

Physics With Astrophysics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EP303

5

2

N

EP301

5

2

Y

EP309

5

1

Y

EP308

5

2

Y

EP363

5

1

Y

EP352

5

1

Y

EP351

5

2

Y

BL3DM - Biology

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Biology modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

BI315

5

2

N

BI305

5

1

Y

BI303

5

1

Y

BI301

5

1

Y

BI302

5

2

Y

BI304

5

2

Y

BI306

5

2

N

BL362

15

1

N

BL350

15

1

N

BL364

15

1

N

BL352

15

1

N

BL360

15

1

N

BL356

15

1

N

CH3DM - Chemistry

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Chemistry modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

CH304C

5

1

Y

CH326

5

1

Y

CH322

5

2

Y

CH301C

5

1

Y

CH354

15

1

N

CH352

15

1

N

CH355

15

1

N

CH350

15

1

N

CH351

15

1

N

CH353

15

1

N

CH323

5

2

Y

CH331

5

2

Y

CS3SDM - Computer Science

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Computer Science modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

CS370

5

1

Y

CS220

5

1

Y

CS320

5

1

Y

CS245

5

2

Y

CS382

15

1

N

CS384

15

1

N

CS386

15

1

N

CS379

15

1

N

CS381

15

1

N

CS383

15

1

N

CS242

5

2

Y

CS230

5

2

Y

GE3SDM - Engineering Science

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Engineering Science modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EE204

5

1

Y

EE315

5

1

Y

EE302

5

1

Y

EE222

5

2

Y

EE291SC

10

2

Y

MP3APDM - Mathematical Physics

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Mathematical Physics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EP417

5

2

Y

MP354

5

2

Y

MP453

5

1

Y

MP361

5

1

Y

MP364

5

2

Y

EP404

5

1

Y

MT3ADM - Mathematics (Applied)

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Mathematics (Applied) modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MT314S

5

1

Y

MT312S

5

2

Y

MT311S

5

1

Y

MT303S

5

2

Y

MT322S

5

1

Y

MT301C

5

2

Y

MT376

15

1

N

MT374

15

1

N

MT377

15

1

N

MT372

15

1

N

MT373

15

1

N

MT375

15

1

N

MT3PDM - Mathematics (Pure)

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Mathematics (Pure) modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MT333P

5

2

Y

MT342P

5

1

Y

MT332P

5

2

Y

MT331P

5

1

Y

MT341P

5

1

Y

MT344P

5

2

Y

Year 4

AP4SM - Physics With Astrophysics

Credits: 60  |  Compulsory

Physics With Astrophysics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EP303

5

2

N

EP450

10

Year-Long

Y

EP417

5

2

Y

MP354

5

2

N

MP468C

5

1

N

MP475

5

1

Y

EP409

5

2

N

EP407

5

2

Y

MP474

5

2

N

EP454

5

2

Y

EP403

5

1

N

EP418

5

1

Y

EP440

5

2

N

EP452

5

2

Y

PHY401

5

1

Y

EP404

5

1

Y

EP420

5

1

Y

After Graduation

You will receive an excellent grounding in all the core areas of experimental physics & astrophysics, opening all the career opportunities available to physicists.

Astrophysicists find employment in high-tech industry and in areas where analytical and problem-solving skills are valued. Graduates have progressed to roles in organisations including:

  • European Space Agency (ESA)
  • Met Éireann
  • St Luke’s Hospital Dublin
  • Intel

Astrophysicists can find challenging and rewarding careers in astrophysics and in other fields such as medical physics, computational physics, forensic science, meteorology, environmental and climate physics.

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate Applicants

Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, Science subject (i.e. Agricultural Science, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, or Physics with Chemistry) & O4/H7 Mathematics.

DARE

Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is an alternative entry route to third level education for school-leavers whose disability affected their second level education.

HEAR

The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a pathway to third level education for school-leavers from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Contact the Access Office for more information on these access routes.

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.

Entry requirements table

Subject

Required

Ordinary Level Grade

Higher Level Grade

Irish

Yes

O6

H7

English

Yes

O6

H7

Language

No

N/A

N/A

Mathematics

Yes

O4

H7

Science

Yes

O6

H7

* This course requires 2 additional subjects.

  1. EU / EFTA Applicants - Further information can be found by navigating to our EU/EFTA applicant information page.
  2. International Applicants - International (Non-EU) applicants for undergraduate programmes submit their application online via our online application portal. Applications open on 14th October 2026 and close on 1st July 2027. For further information, please navigate to our International applicant page.

Mature applicant information

Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1 January in the year of entry.

For part-time degrees the mature age is 21.

Visit our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on this page outlines application steps for this degree.

Mature applicants who have a disability

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia) and require support for any required written exercise/interview/online video audition which may form part of your application assessment, you must complete an online request form and submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2027. Applications for alternative examination accommodation cannot be considered after this deadline.

Visit the Access Office for more information on available supports and required documentation.

Mature applicant deadline: 01 February 2027

There is a potential transfer opportunity into this degree from the BSc Bachelor of Science MH201.

How to apply

Apply online to the CAO (Central Applications Office)

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are.

Categories of applicant:

  • School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
  • Mature students (23 years or older by 1 January in the year of entry/21 years if part-time)
  • EU/EFTA/UK students
  • International students (outside the EU)
  • QQI (Further Education) students
  • Transferring students
  • Deferring students

Learn more about undergraduate applications and access routes.

Got a question about this course?

Maynooth University Department of Physics
www.maynoothuniversity.ie/physics

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