MSc by Research Astrophysics

University of Lancashire

Perform research at the cutting edge of Astrophysics led by internationally renowned academics, involved in major research collaborations. Astrophysics research in the Jeremiah Horrocks Institute is carried out in the areas of: Stellar Physics, Solar Physics, Galactic, Extragalactic Astrophysics.You will join one of these research groups, completing a research project on a cutting-edge topic. You will be immersed in the life of the Institute taking part in: Group activitiesWeekly seminarsCommunicating your science to the general public.You will use data from world-class facilities and space missions, such as GAIA, LSST Vera Rubin Observatory, TESS and Solar Orbiter. You will have access to world-class simulations and computing facilities to model phenomena ranging from galaxy evolution, to planet formation and space weather.Careers:MSc by Research degrees represent an ideal combination of timescale and topic. You choose what to do, and our experienced researchers help you do it effectively. You don’t have to commit 4 years, as for a PhD (though an MSc by Research can be a great route if you plan to subsequently enter PhD research). Where a PhD typically completes 3-4 projects for their thesis, you will complete 1. You’ll gain all of the benefit that is relevant for employment outside academia.Students with Master’s degrees earn more: it’s a fact (HEPI, 2020). Students with MSc by Research degrees learn how to take ownership of a task and make it work. This is the single attribute that each and every employer values most highly in their employees. You will learn how to draw on all your own and your supervisor’s experience and contacts to solve any particular problem. You will learn how to communicate effectively and at an appropriate level. You’ll hone your IT and writing skills.