Astrophysics and Mathematics

Studying a combined honours in astrophysics and mathematics will provide you with a breadth of knowledge and a wide range of skills across two fascinating and deeply interconnected subject areas.

In astrophysics you will apply physics to understanding how the universe works and potentially explore questions like 'Is there an Earth-like planet around another star?' 'Is there a black hole at the centre of every galaxy?' And 'Why is the expansion of the universe accelerating?' These are questions that astrophysics helps you discover the answer to.

Astrophysics equips you with the quantitative, analytic and communication skills needed for analysing data and solving problems, which are prized by employers. The programme is underpinned by a core physics curriculum as set out by the Institute of Physics. This includes, for example, the fundamentals of classical and quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, optics and solid state physics, together with the mathematics used to describe them. Students on this combined honours programme have the opportunity to learn about astronomical techniques and use our own observatory here at Keele.

As you progress, you will build on your existing knowledge in familiar core areas of physics including mechanics, special relativity and gravitation, to focus on astrophysical topics like stellar structure. Later in your degree you will have the options of studying cosmology, binary stars and exoplanets, black holes and gravitational waves or more advanced physics topics. In your final year you will be involved in a group project. The project for the group is selected by the module leader and has in recent years been based on the analysis of world-class data from NASA's Kepler and TESS missions. The projects often contribute to the research conducted within the Keele astrophysics group.

The mathematics modules on the programme will carefully explore the core areas of mathematics, including calculus, algebra, probability and analysis. We will train you to think logically, construct rigorous proofs, introduce useful mathematical structures and think in abstract terms.

As you advance through the course you will explore pure mathematics, applied mathematics and statistics. To help develop the skills employers are looking for, you will also learn the programming language Python and understand how mathematics is used in a professional environment. You will also be able to choose to apply your mathematical skills, problem solving prowess and logical thinking to fascinating advanced topics like fluid mechanics, mathematical biology, cryptography and financial mathematics.

You will also have the opportunity to align your Astrophysics and Mathematics BSc to your career aspirations and interests by choosing from a variety of optional modules in your final year.

If you are interested in entering the teaching profession after graduation, our third-year module will provide you with the principles of the teaching of mathematics linked to current educational practice (includes time spent in school on work placement - subject to availability).

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.

95% of Keele students are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2019/20)

Our Astrophysics and Mathematics degree will equip you with a diverse range of transferable skills in advanced problem-solving, numeracy, computation, teamwork, analytical, communication, data analysis and data interpretation. These abilities open up a wide variety of science-related career opportunities and are highly valued by employers. Thanks to the growing importance placed on technology and big data by all kinds of organisations, skills in mathematics are increasingly in demand.

Astrophysics will arm you with the skills to pursue a variety of careers including:

• Academic researcher
• Communications engineer
• Data scientist/analyst
• NHS scientist
• Nuclear physicist
• Physics teacher
• Radiation safety officer
• Renewable Energy consultant
• Software designer

Typical employment sectors include:

• Data science and analysis
• Defence industries
• Education
• Engineering
• Health and medicine
• Manufacturing
• Nuclear power
• Telecommunications
• Renewable energy generation and distribution

Key areas of employment you could utilise the mathematical skills you've gained on the course include:

• Banking and finance
• Business consulting and management
• Climatology
• Education
• Engineering
• IT and computing
• Local and central government
• Pharmaceutics
• Space science and astronomy
• Teaching and research

Enhance your employability

Keele’s Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offers a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability. From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment - the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.

Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.