The structure and principles of the universe

How does the universe work?

Orion nebula
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We are at the forefront of understanding the formation and evolution of stars and galaxies and explore the underlying sub-atomic building blocks of our Universe from the Higgs Boson to gravitational waves.

Our research drives new technologies in space imaging, robotics and semiconductors for aerospace, nuclear waste management and healthcare.

To understand what 'is', you need to understand what 'could be'.

We are developing statistical methods to quantitate risk in complex systems and determining how space and numbers can be assembled, either continuously or algebraically, whilst mapping the effects of symmetries.

We have a total of £17 million in grant income in this area. Our researchers play a leading part in the largest multi-institution international collaborations and in consortia using the most modern telescope facilities.

Study opportunities

Undergraduate courses in Physics and Astrophysics

Astrophysics MSc

Postgraduate taught
  • September 2024 start
  • 1 year Full-time

Explore the key topics at the cutting edge of modern astrophysics. You’ll get training in the practical skills used by professional astrophysicists and be able to conduct your own astronomical observations.

Mathematical and Theoretical Physics MSc

Postgraduate taught
  • September 2024 start
  • 1 year Full-time

Expand your understanding of general relativity and quantum mechanics to tackle some of the biggest ideas in science. You can work with researchers on topics that range from dark matter to quantum computing.

Particle Physics MSc(Res)

Postgraduate taught
  • September 2024 start
  • 1 year Full-time

Examine the science behind some of the 21st century's biggest discoveries. You can work with researchers who helped detect the Higgs boson and gravitational waves, and who are searching for dark matter and leading ground-breaking neutrino experiments.

News and features

Nebula

Overabundance of massive stars gives new insights into the universe

An overabundance of massive stars was discovered in the gigantic star-forming region 30 Doradus in the Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy.
Milky Way galaxy

Revolutionary high-speed camera captures movies of space on world's largest telescope

A new camera which can take more than 1,000 images per second and will revolutionise scientists’ understanding of stars and black holes has gone live on the world’s largest optical telescope.
Nature's Death Star beams

Scientists discover new insight into nature's own Death Star beams

Researchers have moved a step closer to understanding ultra powerful jets of energy that shoot out from the vicinity of black holes.
Solar flare

Researchers observe largest solar flare in more than a decade

The flare was one of three X-category flares – the largest type of flare – observed by scientists over a 48-hour period.
Telescope detecting gravitational waves

Telescope for detecting optical signals from gravitational waves launched

Professor Vik Dhillon is part of an international research team which built the Gravitational-wave Optical Transient Observer on La Palma in the Canary Islands.
Black holes

Gravitational waves detected 100 years after Einstein's prediction

A global reputation

Sheffield is a research university with a global reputation for excellence. We're a member of the Russell Group: one of the 24 leading UK universities for research and teaching.

About the University