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PHY-40041 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 17 March 2026

PHY-40041 - MSci Astrophysics Research Project
Coordinator: Pierre Maxted Room: LJ2.06 Tel: +44 1782 7 33457
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 7
Credits: 45
Study Hours: 450
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites



Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27


Aims
To undertake a substantial individual project at the boundaries of current research of an open-ended nature that builds on undergraduate knowledge of astrophysics.
To record and present the progress and results of a substantial research project.

Intended Learning Outcomes

apply their physics knowledge and understanding across topic boundaries and in unrehearsed contexts: 1,3
create mathematics to models that describe and predict phenomena in the real world: 1,2
critique recent developments in astrophysics
: 1,3
critique current research at the forefront of the discipline based on their own research: 1,3
analyse data using up-to-date techniques.: 1,2
plan and manage a substantial project of an open-ended nature: 2

Study hours

60 hours of progress meetings / research training with project supervisor et al.
40 hours of of progress meetings / generic research training with module leader et al.
250 hours research work and self-directed learning
100 hours preparation and delivery of assessment

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Research Report weighted 60%
Project report
A detailed description of the research carried out including the context, aims, results and conclusions. 20-25,000 words.

2: Reflective Diary weighted 20%
Research diary
A week-by-week summary of research work undertaken and feedback from supervision meetings. Equivalent to a report of about 3000 words.

3: Presentation weighted 20%
Presentation
Presentation of about 20 minutes duration describing the project, including 10 minutes of questions from the audience and assessors.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 17 March 2026