Physics & Astrophysics
If you are passionate about how things work and enjoy scientific experiments and mathematics, you should think about studying physics. Fundamentally Physics and Astrophysics is concerned with the study of the universe, from the largest galaxies to the nature of matter itself. Without doubt, this programme will challenge you and your imagination and opens up a world of opportunity both personal and in your career.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
4 years, full-time.
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements
At least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H4 in one subject, minimum grade H5 in one subject and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish.
Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:
English O6/H7
Irish O6/H7
Maths O6/H7 or H4*
Lab Science O6/H7 or H4*
The following are considered Lab Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics with Chemistry and Agricultural Science.
Note
H4 in either a Lab Science subject, Maths or Applied Maths or Computer Science*
* If the H4 is in Maths, Applied Maths or Computer Science an 06/H7 in a Lab Science subject is also required.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme LCVP
Distinction 66 points
Merit 46 points
Pass 28 points
QQI FET Applicants General Information
Careers / Further progression
Skills and Careers Information
There are many options for further study. Many graduate courses – both taught and research-based – look for students with undergraduate degrees in Physics.
The School of Physics offers postgraduate research programmes to MRes (Masters by Research) and PhD level and welcomes applications from suitably qualified graduates. Postgraduate studies are completed in conjunction with one of the research groups in the School. Much of the research is performed collaboratively and there are excellent opportunities for students to broaden their skills and experience by spending time in one of their collaborating institutions in Europe, the USA, Asia or Australia.
Career Opportunities
An education in physics provides problem-solving, analytical, computational, mathematical, and IT skills and can lead to a wide range of careers. The emphasis on developing problem-solving skills across a range of disciplines is highly regarded by employers. The career fields to choose from include computer science, data science and analysis, education, the environment, medicine, space science, climate science, sustainability, IT management, banking and finance, engineering, meteorology, astronomy, health, marketing, and technology.
Our students have an excellent track record in both career development following graduation and in postgraduate study. For further information on career opportunities from each area of study, please see the information for the relevant degree course. You will find that the education covered in all streams of this course develops skills that are in high demand by employers and University research teams across the board.
Further information
September 2026
Approximate Available Places 3
Find out about the mature entry requirements at https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/undergrad/entryreqs/matureapplicants/
Approximate Available Places Overall 30
Entry 2026
Early online application (discounted): Fee €35 Closing Date: 20 January 2026 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €50 Closing Date: 1 February 2026 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: €65 Closing Date: 1 May 2026 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2026 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2026. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2026, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2026 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €65 applies.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
Course Outline
If you are passionate about how things work and enjoy scientific experiments and mathematics, you should think about studying physics. Fundamentally Physics and Astrophysics is concerned with the study of the universe, from the largest galaxies to the nature of matter itself. Without doubt, this programme will challenge you and your imagination and opens up a world of opportunity both personal and in your career.
Physics, and the technologies developed by physicists, play a major role in chemistry, biology, medicine, electronics, geology, and in the applied fields of optics, nanotechnology, computer science and engineering. A physics education not only develops your problem-solving skills but will also provide you with a solid knowledge of basic science and the ability to apply and adapt that knowledge within the workplace for the betterment of society.
The introductory first year in Physics and Astrophysics gives you access to the four degree programmes:
Astrophysics
Chemical Physics
Physics
Mathematical Sciences & Physics (Joint Honours Degree)
Year 1 Modules
You will take 60 credits from a variety of modules, but note that there is a slight variation in module choice in first year depending on your preferred degree programme. You will have two options regarding which modules you take in first year:
If you wish to chose either BSc Physics, BSc Astrophysics, or BSc Chemical Physics, you can choose either Option 1 or Option 2 in first year.
If you wish to chose BSc Mathematical Sciences and Physics, you must choose Option 2 in first year.
Option 1
PY1052 Introductory Physics I (10 credits)
PY1053 Introductory Physics II (10 credits)
MA1011 Mathematical Methods I (5 credits)
MA1012 Mathematical Methods II (5 credits)
AM1052 Introduction to Mechanics (5 credits)
ST1051 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (5 credits)
Option 2
PY1052 Introductory Physics I (10 credits)
PY1053 Introductory Physics II (10 credits)
AM1052 Introduction to Mathematics (5 credits)
MA1058 Introduction to Linear Algebra (5 credits)
MA1059 Calculus (5 credits)
MA1060 Introduction to Analysis (5 credits)
ST1051 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (5 credits)
Electives for Options 1 & 2 (choose 15 credits):
AM1053 Introduction to Mathematical Modelling (5 credits)*
AM1054 Mathematical Software (5 credits)*
CM1006 Introduction to Chemistry for Physicists and Mathematicians (10 credits)**
CM1007 Introduction to Chemistry for Physicists (15 credits)**
CS1061 Programming in C (5 credits)
CS1065 Computer Applications with Visual Basic (5 credits)
CS1068 Introductory Programming in Python (5 credits)
MA1057 Introduction to Abstract Algebra (5 credits)*
PY1054 Special Topics in Physics (5 credits)
ST1050 Statistical Programming in R (5 credits)
BL1002 Cells, Biomolecules, Genetics and Evolution (5 credits)
BL1004 Physiology and Structure of Plants and Animals (5 credits)
BL1006 Habitats and Ecosystems (5 credits)
*Students wishing to study BSc Mathematical Sciences & Physics must take these modules.
**Students wishing to study BSc Chemical Sciences must take one of these modules.
Dr Andreas Ruschhaupt
physics@ucc.ie
+353 (0)21 490 2373
http://physics.ucc.ie/