Subject Benchmark Statement: Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics
Publication date: 07 Apr 2025
Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics
Subject Benchmark Statement
Subject Benchmark Statements describe the nature of study and the academic standards expected of graduates in specific subject areas. They show what graduates might reasonably be expected to know, do and understand at the end of their studies.
Below you will find the full Subject Benchmark Statement for Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics. Alongside it, we have also published a summary designed to provide a short and accessible overview of the main Statement for students, employers and academics.
Subject Benchmark Statement: Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics - the basics
Publication date: 07 Apr 2025
About this subject
Physics is concerned with the observation, understanding and prediction of natural phenomena and the behaviour of fabricated systems. Astronomy and Astrophysics courses generally include a core of Physics as well as (but need not be limited to) the application of physical principles to astrophysical systems. Physics deals with profound questions about the nature of the universe and with some of the most important practical, environmental and technological issues of our time – examples are energy, climate and sustainability. Its scope is broad and involves mathematics and theory, experiments and observations, computing and technology.
Professor Mike Gunn - Chair of the Advisory Group
Professor of Theoretical Physics, and Head of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham
The 2025 Statement reflects the contribution which Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics makes to the understanding of the physical world and the objects and ideas which can be constructed using its principles. The discipline thus provides a foundation for the natural sciences and engineering.The Statement provides an insight into why the discipline is engaging to study, the structure of Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics education and the considerable range of skills with which students emerge at the end of their degree. They are very well prepared to help with challenges in today’s world - in industry, commerce, medicine, public service, teaching and research.
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