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Master of Advanced Study in Astrophysics

From September 2024 the IoA  is offering a new exciting opportunity for suitably qualified students who have completed a Bachelors degree (or equivalent) in astronomy/physics/mathematics to study for a one year Masters level qualification in astro- physics.  This course consists of an extended project (either observational or theoretical, worth about a third of the total credit) and a choice of a range of high level specialist courses, most of which are examined in June. Owing to the demanding level of the course and the competition for a limited number of places, applicants should have achieved (or expect to achieve) a very good performance in their undergraduate degree. Although some bursary funding may be available, applicants should expect to arrange their own funding.

About two thirds of the assessment for this degree is based on rigorous  written examinations.  Most of the examinable courses are taken from Part III of the Cambridge Mathematical Tripos and so require a high level of mathematical ability.  The level is such that, for example, internally within Cambridge Mathematics, only those students who have a first class result in Part II of the Tripos, or can demonstrate that they had first class potential, are permitted to proceed to Part III.

For full details of the course, follow the link to Part III Astrophysics (whose course content and arrangements are identical to the MASt course but is taken by students already enrolled at the University of Cambridge); note that the courses on offer vary somewhat from year to year so that those available in 2023/2024 may differ slightly from those listed on the Part III Astro- physics pages for 2013-2024

Details of the costs are available and application is via the Board of Graduate Studies' Application Form (GRADSAF). When you fill in the GRADSAF form, it would be helpful if you indicated (under 'description of project') what type of research project would interest you. As a minimum this could just be an indication of whether you'd be interested in a primarily theoretical or observational project or if you'd be prepared to do either. Note that most projects (whether theoretical or observational) have a large computational component.

If you have additional queries after reading the online material, email the Teaching Secretary, Judith Moss (jm@ast.cam.ac.uk).

The deadline for receipt of applications is 31 January 2024