Physics with Astronomy & Space Science

Physics with Astronomy & Space Science seeks to apply the fundamental laws of Physics to explain observations of the Universe, made using ground and spacebased instrumentation. The degree is primarily a Physics degree with specific modules on the applications of Physics and will develop your skills in problem solving, data analysis, computation, and experimental techniques.

Information on pathways, internships and careers is available in the Undergraduate Courses Brochure (PDF).

Physics with Astronomy & Space Science is offered through the Physics stream of the common entry Science course. After meeting the requirements for their preferred stream(s) in first year and studying at least two subjects in second year, students submit their degree subject preferences. While we aim to accommodate student preferences, places can be competitive.

For more information on choosing a degree subject at the end of Second Year, visit the Physics stream page.

This is a sample set of modules that a Physics with Astronomy & Space Science student could study each year in UCD. 

First Year

Foundations of Physics • Frontiers of Physics • Astronomy and Space Science • Thermal Physics and Materials • Quanta, Particles and Relativity • Calculus in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Second Year

Electronics and Devices • Introductory Quantum Mechanics • Fields, Waves and Light • Exploring the Solar System • Methods for Physicists

Third Year

Classical Mechanics and Relativity • Stellar Astrophysics and Astronomical Techniques • Optics and Lasers • Physics with Astronomy and Space Science Lab • Quantum Mechanics

Fourth Year

Physics with Astronomy and Space Science Lab • Galaxies, Observational Cosmology and the Interstellar Medium • Astronomy Field Trip to Spain • Theoretical Astrophysics • General Relativity and Cosmology • Applied Quantum Mechanics

Timetables & Assessment
Each student will have their own timetable based on their individual module selection. This is a full-time course and classes may include lectures, practicals and tutorials, depending on the subjects. Students will also be expected to study independently (autonomous student learning). Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

In recent years, Third-Year students have spent time at universities including the University of Connecticut, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Birmingham, Australian National University, the University of Edinburgh and the University of Maryland.

Physics with Astronomy & Space Science at UCD is an Institute of Physics–accredited degree, positioning graduates for careers across a wide range of research fields and industries, including the rapidly growing space sector. There are opportunities for well-qualified graduates to work with major space agencies, such as ESA and NASA, or with space companies. Graduates are also qualified to go into areas such as medical physics, meteorology, semiconductor technology, energy, ICT and finance. Graduates may apply for MSc programmes such as Space Science & Technology. They may also pursue research through PhD programmes in Ireland and abroad in many fields of physics.

Students have the opportunity to complete a Professional Placement module worth 5 credits. This module provides students with an opportunity to undertake a placement in industry (6-10 weeks) in the summer following Third Year. Placements are secured on a competitive basis and are subject to change each year.

More information about the internship module and application process.

• Level 5/6 QQI-FET


• Open Learning Entry Route


• Mature Entry Route


• DARE Entry Route


• HEAR Entry Route


• University Access

UCD Science Office

You can contact the UCD Science Office in the following ways:

• Submit your query using our dedicated Contact Form.


• Drop into the office in the UCD O'Brien Centre for Science, Science East, Room E1.09. Our office opening hours are 10am to 4pm (during term time).

By studying an undergraduate degree in the Science programme, you will be joining a global community of scientists and will be taught by world-class researchers at the forefront of research in one of the most innovative and diverse programmes in Ireland, encompassing biology, sustainability, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, mathematics and computer science. Faculty who teach on the Science programme draw on their research to provide an inclusive and equitable education for scientists who will be leaders and innovators in a range of industries and research institutes working towards a sustainable and equitable future. 

The curriculum is informed by the following research:

• Exploring and understanding the processes that drive and can mitigate and enable adaptation to global change from evolutionary, environmental and social perspectives at levels ranging from molecular and genetic to individual, ecosystem and landscape

• Translating fundamental discoveries to a greater understanding of health and disease, with the ultimate aim of informing novel drug discovery

• Performing fundamental and applied research with a focus on current societal challenges including the energy transition, environmental change, geohazards and access to natural resources

The College of Science offers a range of degree subjects within the Science and Sustainability common entry courses that embed sustainability principles and are working towards the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• Good Health and Well-being (SGD 3)
• Quality Education (SDG 4)
• Affordable and Clean Energy (SGD 7)
• Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
• Sustainable Cities and Communities (SGD 11)
• Responsible Consumption and Production (SGD 12)
• Life Below Water (SDG 14)
• Life on Land (SDG 15)

The programmes at UCD are designed to equip students with the best education in their chosen field, while at the same time embedding the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs) in their education where most relevant.

"One of my favourite aspects of the course has been seeing the application of the theory taught in lectures to realworld scenarios, especially through the labs and astronomy modules. After graduating, I hope to pursue a master’s in scientific computing and continue applying computational and machine learning methods to scientific problems, especially in astronomy. A highlight of my degree was the Astronomy Field Trip to Calar Alto Observatory in Spain, where we used professional telescopes and worked with real observational data. One of the most exciting parts was that we got to do real science and were involved in observations connected to a gamma-ray burst. I also completed a summer research studentship in the UCD School of Physics, analysing Very Large Telescope data on protostellar jets. Both experiences gave me valuable first-hand experience in the field of astrophysics and an insight into the world of research."

Javier