Qualification
Bachelor Of Science Degree
CAO Points
383
CAO/MU Apply code
MH204
Award Type and NFQ level
Undergraduate Degree (8)
Study Mode
Full time
Closing Date
01 July 2025

Overview

Degree Overview
>This degree will appeal to students who are passionate about understanding astrophysical phenomena. It is based on the Single Major degree in Experimental Physics but with an increased emphasis on studying the physical principles needed to understand astronomical objects such as planets, stars and galaxies, as well as the dynamics of the Universe as a whole.
>Study the latest telescopes, satellites, detector technology and data analysis techniques used to make the exquisitely sensitive observations needed in modern astrophysics. Facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories, an observatory with a computerised Meade telescope, an atmospheric physics facility, and radio and cosmic ray telescopes.
>Students receive an excellent grounding in all the core areas of Experimental Physics, opening up all the career opportunities available to physicists. Field trips and scientific visits are organised to other facilities such as L’Observatoire d’Haute Provence (France), the European Space Agency (the Netherlands), Jodrell Bank (UK), St. Luke’s Hospital and Armagh Observatory.
>Potential to transfer from MH201 into this degree. Places are limited and are based on results.


Course structure

Duration: 4 years

Duration: 4 years

1st year

  • Physics with Astrophysics
  • Mathematics
  • Choose 2 other Science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering Science, Mathematical Physics - please note that not all combinations of 2 subjects are possible due to timetable restrictions. Engineering Science cannot be taken with Biology. Students taking Engineering Science must also take Computer Science. Students may take Computer Science and not take Engineering Science.)

2nd year

  • Physics with Astrophysics
  • Continue with 2 of your 1st year subjects - 1 full subject, 10 credits in the 2nd
  • Optional 10 credit Elective or Critical Skills

3rd year

  • Physics with Astrophysics
  • Continue with 1 of your 2nd year subjects

4th 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.

After Undergraduation

  • Physicists and astrophysicists find employment in high-tech fields and in areas where analytical and problem-solving skills are valued. Graduates have progressed to roles at Met Éireann, St. Luke's Hospital Dublin, the European Space Agency, NASA, Caltech, Intel, Hewlett Packard, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
  • Astrophysicists can find challenging and rewarding careers in astrophysics and also in fields such as medical physics, computational physics, forensic science, meteorology, environmental and atmospheric physics.
  • Students who do sufficiently well are eligible to undertake research for an MSc or PhD degree under the supervision of one of the members of academic staff, who run active research programmes in these areas. This option is especially suitable for those wishing to pursue research careers, either in industry or academia.

Visit the Physics Department website for more information about postgraduate options.

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate applicants are required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 and 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) and O4/H7 Mathematics

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.

Mature Applicants

Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time/flexible degrees the mature age is 21.

Click here to be taken to our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on that 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 examination support for any required written exercise/interview which may form part of your application assessment please submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2025 to the Access Office.

Unfortunately we are unable to consider applications for alternative examination accommodation after this deadline.

For further information on the supporting documentation required, as well as examination and other supports visit the Access Office website.

Mature applicant deadline: 01 February 2025

Leaving Certificate Applicants

Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 and 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) and O4/H7 Mathematics. MH204 Round 1 Points 2024: 383

HEAR and DARE

DARE: The Disability Access Route to Education is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.

HEAR: The Higher Education Access Route is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

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

The Maynooth Education

Click here for details about optional Critical Skills courses, Electives and degree pathways.


How to apply

APPLY TO THE CAO - WWW.CAO.IE

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Click here for all information about how to apply.

Categories of applicant:

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

Got a question about this course?

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