The Physics and Astrophysics (International Study) BSc degree has been created for students who would like to spend one year of their  degree studying at a foreign university, are interested in developing their language skills whilst studying for a degree, or see themselves working abroad in a future career.

The Physics and Astrophysics (International Study) BSc programme is for those who are fascinated by astronomy, and are looking for an in-depth treatment that also gives a good grounding in physics. Students will have access to excellent astronomy facilities during the degree, such as the special Astro laboratory which provides astronomical data from observatories around the world. The University of Birmingham also has a purpose-built Observatory, which students could use during their project work. All of which make the University of Birmingham a great place for studying Astrophysics.  

The emphasis during the year abroad is on developing ability in the foreign language and on understanding the cultural, historical and social aspects of the host country. The combination of skills students acquire in physics and mathematics with fluency in a foreign language is attractive to potential employers.

To undertake an exchange to a non-English speaking university, BSc students must hold a GCSE (grade B or above) an appropriate language. Students are required to continue with language lessons during the first two years of their studies at the University of Birmingham.

There are many opportunities to undertake project work during the degree. This will be as part of the lab work in the first two years, including specialised astronomy labs.  A project develops a wide range of skills including planning and report writing. Group studies in the final year is a major project which is undertaken in groups of 10-20 students. The task requires the group to work as a team and enables students to solve a problem of much greater magnitude than could be attempted by an individual. The team work skills learnt here are invaluable in success in a future career. 

Students will be taught by academics who are global experts in their field, students will gain a broad understanding of the essential concepts of physics, ranging from entropy to quantum mechanics and beyond. The transferable skills students will also learn will make them very employable; including problem solving, computing and giving presentations.