Physics with Astrophysics
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    Physics with Astrophysics

    Keele University
    Keele University
    United Kingdom
    United Kingdom, Keele
    University Rank:#795
    Go to Official Website
    Duration4 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 24,184 / Year
    Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026

    Physics with Astrophysics

    About

    Physics and Astrophysics are fundamental sciences. Our quest to unravel how the universe works makes an enormous contribution to other scientific areas and a range of industries - from nuclear energy to data-mining, satellite telecommunications and medical diagnostics.

    Featuring a solid foundational core of physics concepts and key expectations, as defined by the Institute of Physics (IoP) accreditation framework, our employability-focused programme invites you to extend and apply these to the arena of astrophysics, engaging with frontier material informed by the interests of our world-class research teams. You will have opportunities for collaborative learning, work and educational placements and practical work at our on-campus observatory.

    In your first year you will gain a solid grounding in the fundamentals of physics, including gravitation, relativity and matter, electricity, magnetism and waves. You will also begin to develop the skills and practical experience that underpin this programme, including computer programming with python, laboratory work, mathematical skills required to understand and analyse physical phenomena, and the arts of problem-solving and scientific writing. An introductory module in astronomy explores planets, stars and galaxies, and the tools and techniques that Astronomers use to investigate them. You will make your own measurements at our on-campus observatory.

    Year two continues to build on your understanding of physics principles with exploration of optics, quantum mechanics and nuclear physics. You will further your laboratory, mathematics, computing and career skills by working on individual experiments and team investigations, building your CV, and gaining important new applied mathematical skills. A specialist module in astronomy explores how stars and galaxies form and evolve, and how they can be modelled with fundamental physics, mathematics and computation.

    In your final year, you will apply skills developed during your degree to an independent astrophysics research project. Working on world-class astronomical research material in a small group, and as an individual, you will plan, execute and report your results, including a presentation aimed at potential employers. You will exploit and expand upon the skills portfolio built up in your degree to establish yourself as an astrophysicist with all the necessary investigative and professional attributes.

    You will further your knowledge through advanced modules in electromagnetism, solid-state physics, and cosmology, while enhancing your teamwork and project management skills by working on a group report that tackles a real-world issue, aimed at policy-makers.

    This programme has recently been refreshed, and the new structure is being reviewed by the IoP to ensure continued accreditation.

    Designed to provide you with the specialist skills you will need as an astrophysicist, our programme has core practical, academic and professional employability modules embedded throughout the curriculum. From hands-on practice in conducting experiments and learning the basics of computer programming, to dedicated career-focused sessions and innovative assessments, we will provide you with a strong foundation of key skills for your future career.

    To apply the theory you have learnt during your studies, practical classes will include time spent in our observatory. Founded in 1962 to host a 31cm refracting telescope dating back to 1874, it has since acquired a 60cm reflecting telescope for research, and undergone significant expansion and refurbishment. Find out more about Keele Observatory.

    Research-led teaching is at the heart of our programme. Our academic staff specialise in two main areas: astrophysics and condensed matter physics, with many performing internationally renowned work in the fields of exoplanets, stellar physics and star formation (both observational and theoretical), nearby galaxies, and the study of soft condensed matter like polymers, biological molecules and of novel two-dimensional materials.‌ Our research specialisms feed into modules in the latter years of your degree and in your final year of study, you will have the opportunity to work on an individual student project, supervised by a member of academic staff.

    Why study Physics with Astrophysics at Keele University?

    Explore frontier topics guided by our world-leading researchers
    Apply your learning to address physical problems and real-world challenges
    Gain the problem-solving, experimental, programming and teamworking skills that are highly valued by employers in a broad range of sectors
    Learn in a supportive environment with innovative learning materials and plenty of tutor support
    Our core practical, academic and employability modules develop the skills to succeed as a professional astrophysicist

    Disciplines

    School of Chemical and Physical Sciences

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Typical offer

    Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

    A Level: ABB Subject specifics apply
    BTEC: DDM Subject specifics apply
    T Level: Distinction Subject specifics apply

    Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

    A Level

    ABB in three A levels including B in Maths or in Physics.

    Contextual Offer: BBC in three A levels including B in Maths or in Physics.

    You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma

    DDM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas:
    Engineering

    Contextual Offer: DMM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas:
    Engineering

    You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    BTEC National Diploma / Diploma

    Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in Maths or Physics A Level.

    You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma

    Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Level including Maths or Physics.

    You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    T Level

    Distinction in any of the following T levels:
    Engineering and Manufacturing

    You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    International Baccalaureate Diploma

    655 in three Higher Levels including 5 in Maths or Physics, or 32 points including 5 in Higher Level Maths or Physics

    Contextual Offer: 554 in three Higher Levels including 5 in Maths (any) or Physics, or 30 points including 5 in Maths (any) or Physics

    You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 3 Functional Skills Maths, or 5 in IB Middle Years Maths, or 4 in IB Diploma Standard Level Maths (any), plus an English language qualification (see below)

    International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme

    We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.

    If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

    For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice

    You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Access to HE Diploma

    128 UCAS points in Access to HE Diploma with Maths related content, including Distinction in at least 30 Level 3 credits. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice on whether your chosen course would qualify.

    You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru

    The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A levels in a standard A level offer for this course (see A level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.

    Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers

    BBBBC in five Highers including Maths or Physics, or BC in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers including Maths or Physics, or BCC in three Advanced Highers including Maths or Physics.

    You will also need: B in National 5 Maths, or 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

    If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below

    Core Maths

    If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below

    Ireland - Leaving Certificate

    H3, H3, H3, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate including H4 in Maths or Physics.

    You will also need: O4 / H6 in Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    China - Gaokao

    75% in the Gaokao including 70% in Maths or Physics.

    You will also need: 65% in Senior Secondary School or Gaokao Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    India - Standard XII

    Average of 75% from four subjects including 70% in Maths or Physics in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 80% from four subjects including 75% in Maths or Physics in any other Standard XII.

    You will also need: 7 or C1 in Secondary School Examination Maths, or Pass in Standard XII Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Germany - Abitur

    2.0 overall average in the Abitur including 12 in Geography, Psychology, Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Technology, Nutritional Science or Sports.

    You will also need: 11 in Maths in the Abitur, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    France - Baccalaureate

    14 in the French Baccalaureate / International Option Baccalaureate including 14 in Physics or Maths, or 13 in the Baccalauréat Français International including 13 in Physics or Maths.

    You will also need: 11 in Maths in the Baccalaureate, plus an English language qualification (see below).

    Hong Kong - Diploma

    544 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE including 4 in Maths or Physics.

    You will also need: 3 in HKDSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Spain - Bachillerato

    Overall average of 7.8 in the Título de Bachillerato including 8 in Maths or Physics.

    You will also need: 6 in Graduado en Educación Secundaria (GES) Maths or 6.5 in Título de Bachiller Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato

    85% in the Esame di Stato including 8 in Maths or Physics.

    You will also need: 6 in Maths in the Diploma, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Cyprus - Apolytirion

    18.5 / 88% in the Apolytirion including 18 in Maths or Physics.

    You will also need: 15 in Maths in the Apolytirion, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Portugal

    Overall average of 16 in a secondary certificate including 16 in Maths or Physics.

    You will also need: 11 in secondary certificate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Canada - Diploma

    70% / BBBBC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma including 70% in Advanced Functions and Calculus and Vectors or Physics.

    You will also need: 60% in Grade 11 Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Kenya - KCSE / Diploma

    We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

    We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

    Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND

    We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

    We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

    USA - Advanced Placement

    544 from three Advanced Placement subjects including 4 in Calculus (either) or, Physics (any).

    You will also need: B in Grade 12 High School Diploma Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Ghana

    We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

    Sri Lanka - Advanced Level

    ABB in three Advanced levels including B in Combined Maths or Physics.

    You will also need: B in O-level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Malaysia - STPM

    ABB in three Principal level subjects in the STPM including B in Maths or Physics.

    You will also need: B in SPM Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate

    We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

    Singapore - A Levels (H2)

    ABB in three H2 levels including B in Physics or Maths.

    You will also need: B in O-level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    European Baccalaureate

    75% overall with 7 in Maths (5 period) or Physics.

    You will also need: 6.5 in European Baccalaureate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    NCUK

    Pass NCUK Foundation Year with ABB including B in Maths or Physics. Grade C in EAP English Language module.

    You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or international equivalent

    Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education

    ABB in three Principal level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education including B in Maths or Physics.

    You will also need: 4 in UACE or UCE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE

    ABB in three Advanced Level subjects including B in Maths or Physics.

    You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or B in O Level Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    English Requirements

    • IELTSMin 6

    English Program Requirements

    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.

    Career

    Your future career

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

    Our Physics with Astrophysics BSc will equip you with a diverse range of transferable skills including; advanced problem-solving, numeracy, computation, communication and data analysis skills. You will be equally qualified and prepared for postgraduate studies or for graduate level employment in a wide variety of industrial sectors.

    To help you discover and gain knowledge about the diverse career opportunities within the field, we have a dedicated physics and astrophysics careers tutor based in the school.

    Jobs that a graduate of this course could go on to do include:

    • 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
    • Education
    • Engineering
    • Health and medicine
    • Manufacturing
    • Nuclear power
    • Renewable energy generation and distribution
    • Telecommunications

    Transferable skills you will acquire include:

    • Collaboration
    • Communication
    • Cost-benefit analysis
    • Critical thinking
    • Estimation
    • Independent learning
    • Information literacy
    • IT
    • Numeracy
    • Problem solving
    • Research
    • Self-directed learning

    Keele Careers and Employability Team

    Our Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offer 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.

    Software Developer

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    24,184 / year

    Physics with Astrophysics

    Keele University

    Keele University

    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Keele

    Go to Official Website