UCAS F510, three years
UCL describes a three-year BSc that applies physics to astronomical observation and the interpretation of data and images.
Undergraduate · UCL Astrophysics
UCL Astrophysics: physics applied to observation and data
UCL's Astrophysics BSc has exactly the same entry rules as its Physics BSc: A*AA with A*A in Mathematics and Physics, or 39 IB points with sevens and sixes in the same two subjects. The choice is therefore not about being good enough. It is about whether you want your three years aimed at astronomical observation and the interpretation of the data it produces.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What UCL asks for in Astrophysics
Taken from UCL's Astrophysics BSc course page (a saved copy that UCL labels as possibly not showing recent changes) and read on 31 October 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; UCL's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.
A*AA with A*A in Mathematics and Physics
The A-level requirement is A*AA, with A*A in Mathematics and Physics in any order.
IB 39 with Mathematics and Physics at 7 and 6
A total of 19 points in three higher level subjects including grade 7 and grade 6 in Mathematics and Physics, with no higher level score below 5.
Institute of Physics accreditation
UCL says the course is accredited by the Institute of Physics.
Optics, electronics and materials
UCL says astrophysics involves technologies including materials science, optics and electronics.
Official sources
Read on 31 October 2026 on UCL's Astrophysics BSc course page (a saved copy that UCL labels as possibly not showing recent changes), which describes 2027 entry. UCL's department pages, the fees pages, the contextual-offer details and the 2028-entry values were not read, and the page lists no admissions test or interview so none is stated and are not stated.
The course
Physics aimed at the sky
UCL says astrophysics involves a broad frontier of technologies including materials science, optics and electronics, and that the course teaches students to apply physics to astronomical observation and to interpret the data and images obtained. The course is accredited by the Institute of Physics, which gives graduates a route to professional membership.
Is it the right degree?
Astrophysics against Physics and Imperial
The entry rules do not separate the degrees; the content does.
Choose Astrophysics if
observation, data and the Solar System and beyond are what draw you to physics.
Choose UCL Physics if
you want the whole subject open for longer. Avandy's UCL Physics guide covers it.
Compare Imperial Physics if
you are weighing universities. Avandy's Imperial Physics guide records its own rules.
Entry rules
A*A in Mathematics and Physics, in either order
A-level applicants need A*AA with A*A in Mathematics and Physics, in any order, and at least two A-levels from UCL's list of preferred subjects. IB applicants need 39 points with 19 in three higher level subjects including a 7 and a 6 in Mathematics and Physics. UCL's page lists no admissions test or interview. This page states no scores.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not UCL's.
Are Mathematics and Physics both at the top level?
A*A in those two subjects is required.
Is astronomy the reason?
The course is aimed at observation and data.
Do you want professional recognition?
UCL says the course is accredited by the Institute of Physics.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules UCL has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means UCL published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means UCL has not yet published it.
Grades, the subject requirements and the preferred-subject guidance: last verified for 2027 entry
These are the best guide to what to prepare. UCL has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
The UCAS deadline and the 2028-entry requirements: awaiting publication for 2028 entry
Check UCL's course page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
What to do now
Confirm the required subjects, read the course structure and plan your preparation around it.
Support
Independent support with course choice and preparation
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with University College London or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each course. Support here means course-fit advice, subject mentoring and ethical preparation; Avandy gives no scores or probabilities and does not write applications. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What does UCL Astrophysics BSc require?
A*AA at A level with A*A in Mathematics and Physics in any order, in UCL's wording for 2027 entry.
What is the IB requirement?
39 IB points with 19 in three higher level subjects including grade 7 and grade 6 in Mathematics and Physics.
Is the course accredited?
UCL says it is accredited by the Institute of Physics.
How does it differ from UCL Physics?
Both pages show the same A-level and IB entry; Astrophysics applies physics to astronomical observation and data interpretation.
Does Avandy state offer scores?
No. This page records UCL's wording for 2027 entry and states no scores or probabilities.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are UCL's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course page again when UCL publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about UCL Astrophysics
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their Mathematics and Physics, their interest in observation and data and whether astrophysics or general Physics suits them better, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.