Astrophysics and Chemistry

Course overview

At Keele, studying a combined honours degree will include some modules from both of the single honours degrees. In this case, your programme will be made up of a combination of modules from both Astrophysics and Chemistry.

Key facts

Learn a language International year Fees and finance Placement year Foundation year

Claudia Hill, Physics with Chemistry (2016)

"I am currently in training to become a state-registered clinical scientist specialising in radiotherapy."

Emily Sage, Astrophysics with Mathematics (2012)

"I also have to draw on the analytical skills developed through my degree at Keele as I have to analyse trial data in order to produce technical reports."

David McGhee, Astrophysics with Business Management (2015)

"The ability to solve problems and analyse data in a high-pressure environment is essential. No work day is ever the same and good analytical skills are required to identify problems and trends quickly. Computer programming is a vital tool for this."

Course content

There are clear overlaps between Astrophysics and Chemistry, indeed the disciple of Astrochemistry is defined ‘as the study of the abundance and reactions of molecules in the Universe and their interaction with radiation’.

Through Keele's innovative combined honours programmes you have the opportunity to study Chemistry alongside Astrophysics. Much of modern scientific research occurs at the boundary of different scientific disciplines and therefore graduates with a fundamental knowledge of both disciplines can have a particular advantage when moving into careers requiring knowledge of both.

In Astrophysics, you will learn to formulate and tackle problems – from below the level of the atomic nucleus to astronomical scales. Astrophysics is active wherever the laws of physics are being tested to the limit – and beyond. Keele will help you to use astronomical observations, mathematical models and computer simulation to develop theories explaining some of the most complex phenomena. You’ll develop your mathematics and computing skills, and apply them to solving a range of problems in the laboratory and beyond (you’ll have access to Keele’s own on-site observatory). We operate an open-door policy, which enables you to have excellent and flexible access to staff to seek advice or feedback on their work. This course is enriched by our research interests and international collaborative research programmes.

Our Chemistry courses are taught in our newly opened Central Teaching Laboratories and you will have hands on experience of using industry standard equipment and instrumentation.

In Chemistry you’ll develop a solid foundation of theory and practical skills, building to cover advanced concepts and contemporary issues in chemistry in later years. You can tailor your studies to reflect your interests, and learn how to pursue your own research in your final year. Our Chemistry courses are taught in our newly opened Central Teaching Laboratories and you will have hands on experience of using industry standard equipment and instrumentation. You’ll have hands-on experience with state-of-the-art scientific instruments and techniques in world class laboratories, and enjoy access to dedicated IT facilities. You’ll learn to use chemistry in problem solving, and to present your theories and findings confidently and imaginatively to your audiences. You can even spend a semester or year abroad or on placement in industry. To find out more about our range of Chemistry courses take a look at our Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry course brochure.

This combined course is accredited by the Institute of Physics.

Royal Society of Chemistry Accredited Degree

If you chose to specialise in Chemistry in the final year of your course and graduate with a Chemistry with Astrophysics BSc, your degree will be accredited by The Royal Society of Chemistry.

*Combined honours Chemistry with an Industrial Placement Year BSc has been submitted for accreditation by The Royal Society of Chemistry

Career prospects

96% of Keele graduates were in a job or further study within six months of graduating (DLHE, 2017)

Keele enjoys high rates of graduate employment, where in 2016, were recognised nationally as 1st for employability in the Destination of Leavers from Higher Education survey.

An Astrophysics degree from Keele will prepare you for many different careers, which need not be directly related to astrophysics. You could take up all sorts of roles in industry, management, and public services, including teaching, health and finance. Many employers recognise that the versatility and flexibility of astrophysics means that graduates possess a wide range of very valuable skills, from independent and critical thinking to the solving of sophisticated problems.

From your study of chemistry, you might work in industry, research or education; you could choose to become a chemical engineer, research scientist, toxicologist, patent lawyer, analytical chemist or technical writer. Many students go on to higher study after a first degree in chemistry, allowing them to specialise in an area of interest such as analytical, forensic, synthetic or materials chemistry and eventually work in a wide range of other specialist roles.

Recent employers

Edmundson Electrical
Vitalograph Ltd
Bet365
Vision Express
Pharmaron UK Ltd
Johnson Matthey
GSQ
Endeavour Speciality Chemicals Ltd
NHS
Education First
Halifax
IBM
United Utilities

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

Research Scientist
Geophysicist
Science Teacher
HE Lecturer
Medical Physicist
Operational Researcher
Software Engineer
Radiation Practitioner
Clinical Biochemist
Forensic Scientist
Toxicologist
Clinical Research Associate
Analytical Chemist
Chemical Engineer
Pharmacologist

Regardless of which career you pursue after Keele, employers will want evidence of the range of skills and personal qualities you possess and which are required for the job. Your degree is clearly important in this respect but don’t forget the extra-curricular activities, positions of responsibility, jobs and voluntary work you may have been engaged in while studying at Keele. These activities allow you to demonstrate the skills and personal qualities required by employers and will be vital in your attempts to secure graduate employment.

It is estimated that 60% of jobs are open to graduates of any discipline. This demonstrates the flexibility of many graduate employers when setting out their academic requirements and that students are not necessarily restricted to careers related to their degree.

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