There are lots of questions about the origin and evolution of the universe that we do not have answers to yet. However, astrophysics can help us to investigate our surroundings by applying our knowledge of physics and mathematics to the observations of stars, galaxies and planets. This allows us to investigate how old we think the universe is, how and why it is expanding, how the planets formed and if there is potential for life on other planets.In this degree programme you will study the methods and techniques used by astronomers to determine distances to other stars and galaxies and their composition. This will help develop an understanding of the role played by dark matter and dark energy in the large-scale structure of the universe and its accelerating expansion. In doing so you will develop necessary mathematical and analytical skills to quantitatively assess data.Understanding the origin and evolution of the Universe is one of the most exciting and challenging problems in modern science. Although our knowledge and understanding of the cosmos is incomplete, astrophysics can help us understand our surroundings by applying our knowledge of physics and mathematics to observations of stars, galaxies and planets. This allows us to investigate how old we think the Universe is, how and why it is expanding, how galaxies, stars and planets are formed, and if there is potential for life on other planets .