Pre-arrival information for postgraduate physics and astronomy students
Congratulations on securing your place to study with us in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences - we can’t wait to meet you! On this page you’ll find useful information and tasks to help make your transition to university as smooth as possible.
We know it’s a busy and exciting time for you, and we want to make preparing for starting your degree as straightforward as possible. This pre-arrival page is just for new physics and astronomy students. Here you’ll find information and tasks to complete specific to you and your course.
Your checklist
Complete your registration
The first thing you need to do is complete your registration.
Choose your modules
In addition to compulsory core modules, you’ll also have optional modules. At the beginning of September, you’ll receive an email notifying you to select your optional modules using online module selection as part of your pre-registration tasks. A link to the Online Module Choice system will also appear within the pre-registration system.
Choosing the right modules can be tricky, so it’s a good idea to discuss your choices with the course directors. If you have any questions about the different optional module choices, please contact the course directors below:
MSc Physics
Dr Christos Anastopoulos - c.anastopoulos@sheffield.ac.uk
MSc Astrophysics
Dr James Mullaney - j.mullaney@sheffield.ac.uk
Welcome Week timetable
There are lots of events taking place across the University during Welcome Week. Here’s a list of the events that are specifically for physics and astronomy students. These are compulsory and will ensure you get the best start to your time at Sheffield.
Please note that this timetable might change before you arrive, so make sure you keep checking back!
- Wednesday 24 September 2025
Welcome to the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Time: 9am
Location: Hicks, Lecture Theatre 7
Get directions via Google Maps / Apple Maps
Introduction to Physics
Time: 10am
Location: Hicks, F41
Get directions via Google Maps / Apple Maps
Please note, this session is for students on our MSc Physics students.
Introduction to Astrophysics
Time: 10am
Location: Hicks, F38
Get directions via Google Maps / Apple Maps
Please note, this session is for students on our MSc Astrophysics students.
- Thursday 25 September 2025
Learning essentials
Time: 10am
Location: Hicks, Lecture Theatre 7
Get directions via Google Maps / Apple Maps
Introduction to the English Language Teaching Centre
Time: 11am
Location: Hicks, Lecture Theatre 7
Get directions via Google Maps / Apple Maps
Please note, this session is aimed at students who have English as a second language. If English is your first language, there is no need for you to attend this session.
EDI and wellbeing in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Time: 3pm
Location: Students' Union, Nelson Mandela Auditorium
Get directions via Google Maps / Apple Maps
University of Sheffield culture training
Time: 4pm
Location: Students' Union, Nelson Mandela Auditorium
Get directions via Google Maps / Apple Maps
Research projects
One of the biggest parts of your masters course is an individual research project. You’ll choose a project of relevance to your programme of study at the beginning of your first semester. You’ll work under the guidance of a world-leading researcher who is an expert in their field, have access to our outstanding research facilities, and gain first-hand experience as a researcher.
The project will involve analysing the literature relevant to the problem and then developing skills relevant to tackling the problem. Projects may be experimental, theoretical, analytical or computational in nature but will involve a substantial component of new work. The research will culminate with a written dissertation.
Useful information
- Recommended reading
You can see reading lists for all your courses on Blackboard. You can access and read books via links to the University library or read them online.
- Student handbook
Our School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences student handbook has all the information you'll need to guide you through your postgraduate studies.
- Student societies
Our Students’ Union has over 350 societies and sports clubs. Physics and astronomy students can join Physoc, who organise events from guest lectures to fancy dress socials and the Hicks’ Ball!
Virtual tour of the Hicks Building
Physics and astronomy is based in the Hicks Building, which has classrooms, lecture theatres, computer rooms and social spaces. It's worth noting, that some teaching may take place in other buildings across the University.
Take a look at our virtual tour of the Hicks Building
Contact us
If you have any problems working through this pre-arrival checklist, or you know that you’ll be arriving late to Sheffield in September, please let us know.
Email: mps.student@sheffield.ac.uk
Please include your name, programme of study and registration number (if you know it).