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Undergraduate degree

Physics with Astrophysics and Cosmology BSc

UCAS code: FF35

Please note the course details including entry requirements and application deadlines apply to 2024 entry. Fees supplied apply to students entering King’s in 2025. Details for 2025 entry will be published shortly, please check back for more details in the coming weeks.

Key information

Course type:
Joint honours
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Required A-level:
AAB
Full entry requirements, including contextual requirements
Duration:
3 years
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Application deadline:
29 January 2025
Apply via UCAS

Our Physics with Astrophysics and Cosmology BSc course will give you an understanding of fundamental aspects of physics, astrophysics and cosmology covering areas such as special and general relativity, quantum mechanics, fields and waves, the physics of planets, stars, galaxies and the universe. Approximately one quarter of the course is astrophysics and cosmology related. You’ll carry out extensive astrophysics or cosmology related project work in your third year to gain an insight into the skills and conduct of scientific research. You’ll be taught by internationally renowned academics with links to the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and the LIGO gravitational wave observatory. Women in STEM Scholarship The Faculty funds a scholarship for female undergraduate applicants, as part of its commitment to increasing the representation of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Find out more about eligibility and how to apply at the link in the sidebar.

Key benefits

  • Top 10 in the UK for Physics (QS World Rankings by subject 2024).
  • Award winning: six former staff and students in the Physics department are Nobel Prize winners.
  • Study the skies with our own rooftop observatory and telescope.
  • Internationally renowned academic staff in the fields of particle physics and cosmology, nanotechnology and the interface between physics and biology.
  • Central location gives you easy access to major libraries and many leading societies, including the Institute of Physics.
  • Study in a diverse student cohort: King’s is one of the leading Russell Group universities by proportion of female undergraduates on its Physics courses (HESA 2019/20).
  • King's ranked 7th in the UK for employability (Times Higher Education Graduate Employability rankings 2023/4).
Favour

“The lecturers are incredibly passionate and friendly people. They really care and it makes learning from them enjoyable as you can feed off their passion.”

Favour, Physics BSc

Our Physics with Astrophysics and Cosmology BSc will give you a broad knowledge of the fundamental aspects of physics, astrophysics and cosmology. You will study subjects such as relativity, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, nuclear and particle physics, stellar and galactic evolution and structure (touching on unsolved problems such as the nature of dark matter and dark energy). At first you will follow a set programme, but later in the course there is scope for you to pursue your own interests in greater depth. Problem solving and project work is an important part of this course and you will learn about team work, group organisation and the skills of oral and poster presentations. You will be assigned a personal tutor to support your development and our department encourages an atmosphere in which students feel able to easily approach academic staff. Our Student-Staff Liaison Committee provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and feedback on teaching. Staff and students are members of the Maxwell Society, which is the Department of Physics’ social and lecture society.

Base campus

The Quad - Strand campus
Strand Campus

Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.

Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.

Awarding Institutions

kcl logo

King's College London and Affiliates

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Subject requirements

Required subjects:
A-level (or equivalent) grade A in Mathematics and Physics
Preferred subjects:
None

A-Levels

Required grades:
AAB

Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels.

Must include grade A in Mathematics and Physics. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.

Contextual A-Level information

ABC Must include A in Mathematics and B in Physics. Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

35 points overall or an aggregate score of 17 from three Higher Levels.

Must include grade 6 in Higher Level Mathematics and Physics. Notes: The total point score of 35 includes TOK/EE. Note: IB students studying the new Mathematics curriculum would be required to study Mathematics - Analysis and Approaches at Higher Level to meet the Mathematics subject requirement for this programme

Contextual International Baccalaureate information

32 points overall or an aggregate score of 15 from three Higher Levels. Must include Higher Level Mathematics and Higher Level Physics. Notes: The total point score of 32 includes TOK/EE. IB students studying the new Mathematics curriculum would be required to study Mathematics - Analysis and Approaches at Higher Level to meet the Mathematics subject requirement for this programme.

You will also need:

 

 

Alternative accepted qualifications

Standard requirements

The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be 60 credits in total.

Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall: 33 credits must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 12 at Merit. The Access to Higher Education Diploma must include at least 15 Level 3 credits in Mathematics awarded at Distinction, and at least 15 Level 3 credits in Physics awarded at Distinction. The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be in a relevant subject - Science or similar - to be considered.

Contextual requirements

The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be 60 credits in total. Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall: 30 credits must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 15 at Merit. The Access to Higher Education Diploma must include at least 15 Level 3 credits in Mathematics awarded at Distinction, and at least 15 Level 3 credits in Physics awarded at Distinction. The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be in a relevant subject - Science or similar - to be considered.

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

Course specific subject requirements are indicated in subject requirements above

English language requirements

English language band: D

Please note that nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries (as defined by UKVI) who have successfully completed high school in the respective country, are not required to complete an English language test. For information on our English requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

Selection process

Contextual consideration

We make contextual offers for this programme, which can be found in the entry requirements. As part of the assessment process, we take into account contextual information to gain a more complete picture of each application. More information can be found on the Contextualised admissions website. 

Deferrals

Applications can be submitted for deferred entry by choosing the appropriate year of entry on the UCAS application.

If your circumstances change and, therefore, you need to request a deferral after an offer has been made, then we can generally permit these for this programme. However, each deferral request will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we reserve the right to decline any post-offer deferral request. Requests should be submitted via a message on King’s Apply with an explanation of the reason for making the request.

Please note, second deferral requests will only be considered where the request is due to extreme unforeseen extenuating circumstances, for example, health reasons. We are unable to permit deferral requests that go beyond two years and you would need to apply again. This is with the exception of deferrals which are due to military/national service.

Foundation courses

Applicants studying Foundation Year programmes in the UK are welcome to apply for this programme. Foundation programmes from other universities and further education providers in the UK are considered on a case-by-case basis. Whether or not we can consider a particular foundation year as suitable for study at King's depends on the content of the syllabus and modules studied. In the past we have accepted foundation programmes from a number of other institutions.

We are unable to accept Foundation programmes that are integrated as part of a main degree at another institution. These may be called Year 0 or Integrated Foundations. We are also unable to accept non-UK Foundation courses.

Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your qualification, such as a list of modules and course specifications.

The King's International Foundation Programme has guaranteed pathways available for progression onto our King's undergraduate degree programmes, and information can be found on the website.

Graduates

Our general entry requirements are based on A-level or equivalent. However, where an applicant is completing/has completed a degree, we are able to consider the degree study as part of the assessment of the application.

Generally, we would consider a minimum of a UK Bachelor degree with a 2:1 grade profile (or overseas equivalent) as meeting the entry requirements for our undergraduate degrees. However, those who have achieved/are predicted a high 2:1 or a First may be considered more competitive.

Where a programme has subject requirements, these will still need to have been met. If you have not met the subject requirements via A-level (or equivalent) then we may be able to consider the content within your degree. We would be looking for significant study of the subjects across the degree programme with a 2:1 or above grading on those modules.

Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your degree study.

Personal Statement

Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application, and is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the university and inform us of your commitment to the programme and profession as well as any work experience or extracurricular activities you have done.

Resits

We are able to consider applicants who have retaken or are retaking their qualifications.

Transfers

We are able to consider applications for transfer into Year 2 of this programme. Please see our Transferring to King’s website for more information.

Help for international applicants

Eligible pathways

International Foundation Year

If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, we can help with our Foundation year courses.

Pre-sessional courses

If you have an offer from King's, but English isn't your first language, we have courses to help you.

Teaching methods - what to expect

We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face-to-face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment. 

This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand campus. Our Department is located on the 7th floor with views over the Thames to the London Eye and Westminster. This central location gives you easy access to major libraries and many leading societies including the Institute of Physics, as well as the extensive cultural and social offerings of one of the world’s most vibrant and dynamic cities. 

We will teach you through a combination of lectures and laboratory classes, tutorials and project work. All of our academic staff are involved with the undergraduate teaching course.

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work, e.g. 150 hours work for a 15 credit module. These hours cover every aspect of the module.

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Written/Practical Examinations
  • Exams
  • Quizzes
  • Weekly Problem Sheets
  • Project Work
  • Lab Work
  • Presentations

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include exams, quizzes, weekly problem sheets, project work, laboratory work and presentations.

 

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

Structure

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 360 credits.

Required modules

You are required to do the following modules

Physics Skills & Techniques (30 credits)
Mathematics & Computation for Physics (30 credits)
Classical Physics (30 credits)
Introduction to Modern Physics (15 credits)
Introduction to Astrophysics (15 credits)

Optional modules

There are no optional modules for this year.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Employability

Our Physics graduates are in high demand because employers recognise the wide range of skills that they possess. We train physicists to be good problem solvers, to think logically and to apply mathematical and computational techniques to real problems. 

Destinations

Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:

  • Investment Manager, Manthan Capital
  • Project Engineer, Cryogenic Ltd
  • Researcher, Institute of Scientific Instruments
  • Risk Analyst, City Index
  • Maths Part III, Cambridge
  • Software Engineer, IBM
  • Physics teacher, London

Tuition Fees

Full time tuition fees UK:

The UK tuition fee for the 2025-26 academic year is currently £9,535 per year. This is based on the UK Government's cap.

Full time tuition fees International

The International tuition fee for the 2025-2026 academic year is £35,800 per year

Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.

All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2000 against their first year's tuition fee. This deposit is payable when you firmly accept an unconditional offer to study with us, and will be offset against your tuition fees when you join King's.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

  • books if you choose to buy your own copies
  • clothing for optional course related events and competitions
  • library fees and fines
  • personal photocopies
  • printing course handouts
  • society membership fees
  • stationery
  • graduation costs
  • travel costs for travel around London and between campuses

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

Our Physics with Astrophysics and Cosmology BSc will give you a broad knowledge of the fundamental aspects of physics, astrophysics and cosmology. You will study subjects such as relativity, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, nuclear and particle physics, stellar and galactic evolution and structure (touching on unsolved problems such as the nature of dark matter and dark energy). At first you will follow a set programme, but later in the course there is scope for you to pursue your own interests in greater depth. Problem solving and project work is an important part of this course and you will learn about team work, group organisation and the skills of oral and poster presentations. You will be assigned a personal tutor to support your development and our department encourages an atmosphere in which students feel able to easily approach academic staff. Our Student-Staff Liaison Committee provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and feedback on teaching. Staff and students are members of the Maxwell Society, which is the Department of Physics’ social and lecture society.

Base campus

The Quad - Strand campus
Strand Campus

Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.

Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.

Awarding Institutions

kcl logo

King's College London and Affiliates

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Subject requirements

Required subjects:
A-level (or equivalent) grade A in Mathematics and Physics
Preferred subjects:
None

A-Levels

Required grades:
AAB

Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels.

Must include grade A in Mathematics and Physics. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.

Contextual A-Level information

ABC Must include A in Mathematics and B in Physics. Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

35 points overall or an aggregate score of 17 from three Higher Levels.

Must include grade 6 in Higher Level Mathematics and Physics. Notes: The total point score of 35 includes TOK/EE. Note: IB students studying the new Mathematics curriculum would be required to study Mathematics - Analysis and Approaches at Higher Level to meet the Mathematics subject requirement for this programme

Contextual International Baccalaureate information

32 points overall or an aggregate score of 15 from three Higher Levels. Must include Higher Level Mathematics and Higher Level Physics. Notes: The total point score of 32 includes TOK/EE. IB students studying the new Mathematics curriculum would be required to study Mathematics - Analysis and Approaches at Higher Level to meet the Mathematics subject requirement for this programme.

You will also need:

 

 

Alternative accepted qualifications

Standard requirements

The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be 60 credits in total.

Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall: 33 credits must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 12 at Merit. The Access to Higher Education Diploma must include at least 15 Level 3 credits in Mathematics awarded at Distinction, and at least 15 Level 3 credits in Physics awarded at Distinction. The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be in a relevant subject - Science or similar - to be considered.

Contextual requirements

The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be 60 credits in total. Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall: 30 credits must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 15 at Merit. The Access to Higher Education Diploma must include at least 15 Level 3 credits in Mathematics awarded at Distinction, and at least 15 Level 3 credits in Physics awarded at Distinction. The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be in a relevant subject - Science or similar - to be considered.

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

Course specific subject requirements are indicated in subject requirements above

English language requirements

English language band: D

Please note that nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries (as defined by UKVI) who have successfully completed high school in the respective country, are not required to complete an English language test. For information on our English requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

Selection process

Contextual consideration

We make contextual offers for this programme, which can be found in the entry requirements. As part of the assessment process, we take into account contextual information to gain a more complete picture of each application. More information can be found on the Contextualised admissions website. 

Deferrals

Applications can be submitted for deferred entry by choosing the appropriate year of entry on the UCAS application.

If your circumstances change and, therefore, you need to request a deferral after an offer has been made, then we can generally permit these for this programme. However, each deferral request will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we reserve the right to decline any post-offer deferral request. Requests should be submitted via a message on King’s Apply with an explanation of the reason for making the request.

Please note, second deferral requests will only be considered where the request is due to extreme unforeseen extenuating circumstances, for example, health reasons. We are unable to permit deferral requests that go beyond two years and you would need to apply again. This is with the exception of deferrals which are due to military/national service.

Foundation courses

Applicants studying Foundation Year programmes in the UK are welcome to apply for this programme. Foundation programmes from other universities and further education providers in the UK are considered on a case-by-case basis. Whether or not we can consider a particular foundation year as suitable for study at King's depends on the content of the syllabus and modules studied. In the past we have accepted foundation programmes from a number of other institutions.

We are unable to accept Foundation programmes that are integrated as part of a main degree at another institution. These may be called Year 0 or Integrated Foundations. We are also unable to accept non-UK Foundation courses.

Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your qualification, such as a list of modules and course specifications.

The King's International Foundation Programme has guaranteed pathways available for progression onto our King's undergraduate degree programmes, and information can be found on the website.

Graduates

Our general entry requirements are based on A-level or equivalent. However, where an applicant is completing/has completed a degree, we are able to consider the degree study as part of the assessment of the application.

Generally, we would consider a minimum of a UK Bachelor degree with a 2:1 grade profile (or overseas equivalent) as meeting the entry requirements for our undergraduate degrees. However, those who have achieved/are predicted a high 2:1 or a First may be considered more competitive.

Where a programme has subject requirements, these will still need to have been met. If you have not met the subject requirements via A-level (or equivalent) then we may be able to consider the content within your degree. We would be looking for significant study of the subjects across the degree programme with a 2:1 or above grading on those modules.

Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your degree study.

Personal Statement

Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application, and is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the university and inform us of your commitment to the programme and profession as well as any work experience or extracurricular activities you have done.

Resits

We are able to consider applicants who have retaken or are retaking their qualifications.

Transfers

We are able to consider applications for transfer into Year 2 of this programme. Please see our Transferring to King’s website for more information.

Help for international applicants

Eligible pathways

International Foundation Year

If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, we can help with our Foundation year courses.

Pre-sessional courses

If you have an offer from King's, but English isn't your first language, we have courses to help you.

Teaching methods - what to expect

We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face-to-face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment. 

This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand campus. Our Department is located on the 7th floor with views over the Thames to the London Eye and Westminster. This central location gives you easy access to major libraries and many leading societies including the Institute of Physics, as well as the extensive cultural and social offerings of one of the world’s most vibrant and dynamic cities. 

We will teach you through a combination of lectures and laboratory classes, tutorials and project work. All of our academic staff are involved with the undergraduate teaching course.

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work, e.g. 150 hours work for a 15 credit module. These hours cover every aspect of the module.

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Written/Practical Examinations
  • Exams
  • Quizzes
  • Weekly Problem Sheets
  • Project Work
  • Lab Work
  • Presentations

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include exams, quizzes, weekly problem sheets, project work, laboratory work and presentations.

 

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

Structure

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 360 credits.

Required modules

You are required to do the following modules

Physics Skills & Techniques (30 credits)
Mathematics & Computation for Physics (30 credits)
Classical Physics (30 credits)
Introduction to Modern Physics (15 credits)
Introduction to Astrophysics (15 credits)

Optional modules

There are no optional modules for this year.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Employability

Our Physics graduates are in high demand because employers recognise the wide range of skills that they possess. We train physicists to be good problem solvers, to think logically and to apply mathematical and computational techniques to real problems. 

Destinations

Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:

  • Investment Manager, Manthan Capital
  • Project Engineer, Cryogenic Ltd
  • Researcher, Institute of Scientific Instruments
  • Risk Analyst, City Index
  • Maths Part III, Cambridge
  • Software Engineer, IBM
  • Physics teacher, London

Tuition Fees

Full time tuition fees UK:

The UK tuition fee for the 2025-26 academic year is currently £9,535 per year. This is based on the UK Government's cap.

Full time tuition fees International

The International tuition fee for the 2025-2026 academic year is £35,800 per year

Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.

All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2000 against their first year's tuition fee. This deposit is payable when you firmly accept an unconditional offer to study with us, and will be offset against your tuition fees when you join King's.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

  • books if you choose to buy your own copies
  • clothing for optional course related events and competitions
  • library fees and fines
  • personal photocopies
  • printing course handouts
  • society membership fees
  • stationery
  • graduation costs
  • travel costs for travel around London and between campuses

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

Key information

Course type:
Joint honours
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Required A-level:
AAB
Full entry requirements, including contextual requirements
Duration:
3 years
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Application deadline:
29 January 2025
Apply via UCAS

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