Physics and Astronomy

From quantum to cosmos

Unlock the mysteries of the universe from quantum mechanics to distant galaxies. Engage in hands-on research and advanced study across physics, astrophysics, and computational approaches including AI and machine learning in science. Develop the analytical and problem-solving skills that bring the physics of the cosmos to life.

3 Nobel Prizes in Physics & Leading Discoveries

Top 100In the world for Data Science & AI

(QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)

96% World-leading or internationally excellent research

(Research Excellence Framework 2021)

Why Physics and Astronomy at Queen Mary?

A hub for three Nobel Prize winners in Physics and groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
Accredited by the Institute of Physics, giving graduates Associate Member status.
Flexible programmes tailored to your interests and career goals, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.
Learn from leading academics in modern teaching and advanced research labs, backed by £12m investment in facilities and sector-leading technologies.
Access specialist facilities including a rooftop observatory with remote-access telescopes, X-ray sources, lasers, muon physics and open-source electronics labs.
Career-focused learning with paid placements, mentoring and networking opportunities through the South East Physics Network (SEPnet), helping you build highly sought-after skills in problem solving, quantitative reasoning, data analysis and modelling.
Join a diverse and supportive community with an active Physics Society, industry events and seminars.
Study in a prime London location with access to scholarships and financial support opportunities.
Outstanding career outcomes, with 88% of our Queen Mary's graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023-2024). Recent employers include Lloyds, Westminster Academy, CGI, FDM Group and MBDA, Bupa, GlaxoSmithKline, and many more.

"In doing both a BSc and MSc in Astrophysics, it’s really taught me how to go about learning. That is, taking new concepts like those I now find in Geophysics, breaking them down into the fundamentals and drawing on my general physics knowledge, researching and reading up where needed to understand and learn about something new."
— Bradley Cooper-Barnard, Geophysicist at CGG, MSc Astrophysics

AI Specialist Programme

MSc Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Science

You will apply AI to real-world scientific challenges and gain coding and AI skills while working with real datasets from CERN, NASA, and LIGO. You will also learn key mathematical foundations, study machine learning applications across science, and prepare for high-impact careers as AI and Machine Learning experts in healthcare, finance, environment, and other fields.

Taught by expert academics, including former industry practitioners, Fellows of the Alan Turing Institute and members of Queen Mary’s Digital Environment Research Institute (DERI)
Gain experience with leading tools, software, and programming languages such as R, Python, C++ and SQL, among others
No programming experience required