Physics or astrophysics?

I'm a bit stuck at the moment deciding which to choose as my course, I know that I definitely want to go into astrophysics after uni but is it worth it to do astrophysics rather than just physics?
Would it be an issue if I were to just do physics or is it better to go straight into the field I want?
From what I've seen the two courses don't seem that different, which makes me think that it won't be a major issue if I chose physics to then go into astrophysics, or vice versa. But does anyone have any experience with this?
Would it be at all beneficial to do astrophysics, or should I just stick with physics?
Thanks!

Reply 1

ODES_PDES

18

I would have thought astrophysics sounds more impressive.

Reply 2

username1258398

19

Original post by ODES_PDES

I would have thought astrophysics sounds more impressive.

probably not the best idea to choose your degree based on what sounds more impressive to your mates

Reply 3

Lauren99

OP

9

Original post by ODES_PDES

I would have thought astrophysics sounds more impressive.

Would it still be considered more impressive if I did decide to go into a different field of physics? Or just for astrophysics?

But basically I'm asking if it would be more valuable to employers to have done astrophysics, rather than impressive.

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 4

username1258398

19

Original post by Lauren99

Would it still be considered more impressive if I did decide to go into a different field of physics? Or just for astrophysics?

If you think there's a reasonable chance you won't go into astrophysics afterwards, I'd go for physics, it'd be less restrictive. If you're certain you want to do astrophysics, then do that.

Reply 5

ODES_PDES

18

Original post by Lauren99

Would it still be considered more impressive if I did decide to go into a different field of physics? Or just for astrophysics?

I really would not seriously advice you as I am only a first year Mechanical Engineer.

Reply 6

Lauren99

OP

9

Original post by StrangeBanana

If you think there's a reasonable chance you won't go into astrophysics afterwards, I'd go for physics, it'd be less restrictive. If you're certain you want to do astrophysics, then do that.

I'd say I'm 90% sure I want to do astrophysics, but I'm thinking that once I start studying the other aspects of physics there's a chance i would want to do something else.

If I do astrophysics, would I still have the option to do a different aspect of physics later on? The modules on physics and astrophysics are generally the same, just a few exceptions.

Reply 7

Padc

2

Original post by Lauren99

I'm a bit stuck at the moment deciding which to choose as my course, I know that I definitely want to go into astrophysics after uni but is it worth it to do astrophysics rather than just physics?
Would it be an issue if I were to just do physics or is it better to go straight into the field I want?
From what I've seen the two courses don't seem that different, which makes me think that it won't be a major issue if I chose physics to then go into astrophysics, or vice versa. But does anyone have any experience with this?
Would it be at all beneficial to do astrophysics, or should I just stick with physics?
Thanks!

Hey! I was in exactly the same position when I applied to uni. I ended up applied for astrophysics as, like you, I'm sure I want to go into to astrophysics after my degree. It really doesn't matter though really, most astrophysics courses at the top unis are physics with Astro, so if you take physics you'll have the options to take all the Astro modules, your degree will just happen to say just physics. Most unis pool the Astro applicants with the straight physics so it doesn't matter there either. If your dead set on Astro then go for it, but it's just as easy to specialise in Astro in a straight physics course.

Reply 8

username1560589

20

If your uni does both you could transfer between them after 1st/2nd year.
If you pick a flexible physics course you could do options in astrophysics.
I don't think it matters too much.

Reply 9

hezzlington

20

If I could go back in time I'd probably study astrophysics.

Reply 10

username1258398

19

Original post by Lauren99

I'd say I'm 90% sure I want to do astrophysics, but I'm thinking that once I start studying the other aspects of physics there's a chance i would want to do something else.

If I do astrophysics, would I still have the option to do a different aspect of physics later on? The modules on physics and astrophysics are generally the same, just a few exceptions.

I'd do astro then, but you have to make the choice for yourself. As others have said, it's not really going to matter - especially not in terms of value to employers.

Reply 11

Lauren99

OP

9

Thanks for all the helpful replies :smile:

Reply 12

Nadile

13

At my university the main difference between astrophysics and physics, was that in astrophysics you had more compulsory modules. Basically they would make you do the astrophysics modules while in physics it was optional to do them. You could do straight physics and learn exactly the same stuff if you picked the same modules.

Personally I would recommend just doing physics, mostly because I switched from astrophysics fairly soon after starting my degree - it's not actually going to make a difference though unless you change your mind about what you want to do. The only area of physics where it seems to make a real difference anyway is theoretical physics because you don't need to do labs for it, and you need more maths instead.

Physics or astrophysics?

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