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What is the difference between a Physics degree and Physics & Astronomy degree?

I'm looking at universities to apply for 2017, and was wondering what the main differences between the two courses? I am quite interested in Cosmology and Astronomy but would that put me at particular advantages/disadvantages than just doing pure Physics?

Reply 1

qno2

A physics degree will normally have little to no content on astronomy/astrophysics but a degree in physics and astronomy will have a significant portion of it in this side of physics. Neither is better than the other normally.

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Reply 2

Unkempt_One

It depends on the university, so look at the course structure on the university's website. More generally, a degree in 'Physics' will have no stipulations beyond taking compulsory modules, whereas a degree in 'Physics and Astronomy' will require you to take at least several modules in Astrophysics, and possibly choose Astrophysics topics in your projects.

Reply 3

CCC75

The astronomy module. It's quite a distinct area of physics.

Reply 4

Terry Tibbs

At my university the Astronomy students just don't get to pick their option modules as they're forced to do the astronomy/cosmology ones. Also when they do labs they get to do experiments that are specific to Astronomy, where as the straight Physics students are given a random experiment.