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An image to illustrate the Master of Physics
Our integrated masters degree combines undergraduate and postgraduate study, developing your knowledge and skills to explore the smallest and largest scales of the Universe. Pick from a standard, basic maths or advanced start to suit your current knowledge and understanding. Learn to objectively and quantitatively describe, analyse, test, and explain phenomena in our physical world and the wider Universe. Apply experimental, observational and numerical methods and develop appropriate mathematical and programming skills. Conclude with an original research project on a subject at the forefront of astrophysics or space science.
This course is provisionally accredited by:
Institute of Physics logo
Stages 1–2 of this integrated masters degree are the same as our Diploma of Higher Education in Physics (W82) and Stages 1–2 of our BSc (Honours) Physics (R51).
This master of physics (MPhys) has four stages, each comprising 120 credits.
You’ll choose one of three starts: the standard start provides an interdisciplinary foundation in science, the basic maths start develops essential maths skills, and the advanced start is for those who have already studied some maths or physics. Read the entry requirements to decide which start is right for you.

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study both of the following:
Questions in science (S111)60Oct | Feb
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)30Oct | Feb
You'll choose one from:
Physics and space (SM123)30Oct
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)30Oct | Feb

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study all four of the following:
Discovering mathematics (MU123)30Oct | Feb
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)30Oct | Feb
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)30Oct | Feb
Physics and space (SM123)30Oct
MST125 includes a remote exam you'll take at home or another suitable location. The exam will be invigilated online by ProctorU, a service based outside the UK and with whom you must agree to additional Terms of Service. Find out more about online invigilation.

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study both of the following:
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)30Oct | Feb
Physics and space (SM123)30Oct
You'll choose one from:
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)30Oct | Feb
Introducing statistics (M140)30Oct | Feb
You'll choose another 30-credit module from the list above or from:
Planetary science and the search for life (S283)30Oct
Astronomy (S284)30Oct

You’ll study a 60-credit core physics module, a 30-credit practical module and a 30-credit applied mathematics module.

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study all three of the following:
Core physics (S227)60Oct
Mathematical methods (MST224)30Oct
Remote experiments in physics and space (SXPS288)30Oct

You’ll study two 30-credit core physics modules covering electromagnetism and quantum physics, and two 30-credit astrophysics modules on quantitatively describing stars and exoplanets and exploring our universe's nature, history, and future.
Core physics modules
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study both of the following:
Quantum physics: fundamentals and applications (SM380)30Oct
Electromagnetism (SM381)30Oct

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study both of the following:
Astrophysics of stars and exoplanets (S384)30Oct
Cosmology and the distant Universe (S385)30Oct

You’ll study one 60-credit module introducing space science and technology, and complete your MPhys with a 60-credit project module.

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study the following:
Space science (S818)60Feb

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study the following:
Masters level project in physical sciences (S841)60Nov

By studying this degree, you’ll:
You’ll be supported throughout by expert tutors, rich learning materials, and cutting-edge remote labs.
You’ll be awarded a Master of Physics (Astrophysics with Space Science) upon successful completion.
Your honours classification (first, upper second, lower second or third class honours) will depend on the grades you gain at Stages 3 and 4.
You'll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You can achieve this integrated masters in as little as four years and have a maximum of 16 years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.
If you choose the standard or advanced start, you can complete this integrated masters in four years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.
If you choose the basic maths start, you can complete this integrated masters in five years by studying Stages 2–4 at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university. You’ll study Stage 1 part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.
If you choose any start, you can complete this integrated masters in eight years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.
Your last module (S841) ends in September, so you’ll receive your final results in December rather than June/July. You should consider this if you’re planning further study and wish to use your MPhys as an entry qualification.
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
You'll choose one of three starts depending on your current mathematical and scientific knowledge:
Standard start
We recommend the standard start if you have a GCSE grade 4 or above in mathematics (or equivalent). This start provides an interdisciplinary foundation before you focus on physics.
The standard start begins with Questions in science (S111) and Essential mathematics 1 (MST124):
Note: S111 will develop your mathematical skills and help you prepare for MST124.
Basic maths start
We recommend the basic maths start if you don’t have a GCSE grade 4 or above in mathematics (or equivalent). This start develops your maths skills from a basic level to prepare you for more advanced study. You may want to consider studying an Access module first.
The basic maths start begins with Discovering mathematics (MU123):
Advanced start
The advanced start is suitable if you have an A-level or Scottish Higher qualification in mathematics or physics (or equivalent). This start includes OU level 2 modules in Stage 1.
The advanced start begins with Essential mathematics 1 (MST124) and Physics and space (SM123):
If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.
It’s not just university study that can be considered; you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications, such as HNCs and HNDs.
You should apply to transfer credit before registering, at least four weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where, and when, and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
The fees and funding information shown below relate to the 2025/26 academic year and are provided for guidance only. Updated 2026/27 information will be published on the 25th of March, when this qualification next opens for registration.
Starts from £29,377*
Your course fees cover your tuition, assessment and study materials, but there are still a few additional costs that can come with studying. For this qualification, these are:
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's Fee Rules.
Pay nothing upfront – over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Part-Time Tuition Fee Loan (sometimes called a student loan), meaning they pay nothing upfront.
Learn more about this and our other funding options below.
Repay in monthly instalments while you study.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
Combine your payment options to fund your studies the way you want.
If you’re a serving member of the British Armed Forces (or you’ve recently left), you may be eligible to use ELCs to cover up to 100% of your course fees.
You may be eligible for:
By the time you achieve your qualification, you’ll be an adaptable graduate with a range of transferable skills highly valued in the labour market. Examples include analytical, numerical, communication, team-working, and problem-solving skills. You’ll also gain proficiency in computing and IT, including the use of a programming language. In addition, you’ll acquire first-hand research skills through the independent research project on a topic at the forefront of the discipline and demonstrate the originality of your research or interpretation.
You’ll have a good understanding of where your strengths and interests lie and be well prepared for your next step – whether it’s further study or employment.
Physics graduates are suited to scientific and non-scientific jobs. The logical, reasoned approach for physics study is relevant to a wide range of financial, business and public sector employment. So physics graduates – particularly those with good communication and interpersonal skills – are in demand. And the MPhys qualification is commonly regarded as a pre-requisite for starting a postgraduate research degree.
Employers include engineering companies, renewable energy companies, central government, the financial sector, IT companies, the NHS, and universities – in roles such as:
Potential growth areas are energy and sustainability, healthcare, telecommunications, bioinformatics, technology transfer (transfer of scientific expertise to commercial products), and the space sector.
The Institute of Physics (IOP) has provisionally accredited our master of physics degree (MPhys).
IOP will remove the provisional status once the first MPhys cohort has graduated.
Accredited MPhys programmes meet the educational requirements for membership of IOP and fully meet the educational requirements for Chartered Physicist status.

Institute of Physics logo
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our Careers and Employability Services for a wide range of careers information, advice and guidance – including online forums, our comprehensive website, access to interview simulations and feedback, and a vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a Careers and Employability Consultant.
In the meantime, if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point.
Note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.
This course will next start in the 2026/27 academic year and will open for registration on the 25th of March. If you’d like us to keep you updated, register your interest.
Ask a question
Our prospectus will help you explore your course options, get a feel for life as an OU student, and register for study.
Request a prospectus
This course will next start in the 2026/27 academic year and will open for registration on the 25th of March. If you’d like us to keep you updated, register your interest.
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