Over the four years of this course, you’ll work with real astronomical data from a variety of telescopes and observatories worldwide. Throughout the degree, there is an emphasis on laboratory and project work (both individually and in groups) and IT skills, which are valuable skills for your future. The first two years focus on classical and modern physics, combined with various aspects of astronomy, as well as mathematics, electronics and computing. In Year Three, you can take a five-day field trip to a foreign observatory or choose to work in industry or a research group as part of your INTRA placement. In the final year of the course you’ll have a choice of topics, allowing you to concentrate on various applied aspects relating to physics and astronomy. A major element of Year Four is your individual laboratory-based project that gives great scope for individual initiative. It also entails working with professional astronomers on the academic staff at DCU, whose work is at the forefront of international astronomical research. On several occasions, final-year physics students with exceptional project work have received national and international awards from the Undergraduate Awards, the Institute of Physics and the International Society of Automation. During the course, you’ll be encouraged to apply for scientific internship schemes, including visiting fellowships in organisations such as the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the European Space Agency (ESA).

A minimum of six Leaving Certificate subjects at Grade 06/H7, to include the subjects English OR Irish AND the subject Mathematics. In addition, applicants must present at least two subjects at grade H5. In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply Minimum of O3 or H6 in Mathematics and minimum of O3 or H5 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry or Applied Mathematics