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.

This combined course is accredited by the Institute of Physics.

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

Variations to 2020/21 courses

Entry requirements

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements for United Kingdom, European Union and International students.

A Level requirements

• A Level requirement BBC
• A Level Chemistry and Physics or Maths at grade B. If Maths is presented without A Level Physics, please contact Admissions.
• A Pass in the Chemistry Science Practical is required.

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course with 64 UCAS points via a Foundation Year.

GCSE requirements

• Maths at C (or 4) if not taken at A Level
• English Language or English Literature at C (or 4)
  

BTEC

• BTEC requirements DDM
  You must have taken sufficient Maths / Physics and Chemistry units, please contact us for advice

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course with 64 UCAS points via a Foundation Year.

International Baccalaureate

• 32 points to include Higher Level Chemistry at 6 plus Higher Level Maths or Physics at 6. If Maths is presented without Physics, please contact Admissions.
  

Access to HE Diploma requirements

• Obtain Access to Higher Education Diploma with 112 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction, to include sufficient Maths/Physics and Chemistry units, please contact us for advice.

 

PREPARATION PROGRAMMES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this course have the opportunity to study an International Foundation Year programme.

These courses are designed to prepare international students to enter into Keele University undergraduate degrees.

Foundation year

You may choose to study this course via foundation year.

If you’re returning to education following a break, wish to study a new subject or don’t have the grades or sufficient equivalent experience for direct entry to this course, a foundation year may be a good option for you.

Following successful completion (including any additional progression requirements) of the foundation year you can progress on to this course.

The foundation year offers September starts across all subjects, and January starts across all science, humanities, social sciences and business routes.

The January intake excludes the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery degree with Foundation Year and other health-related foundation Year degree

For more details visit our foundation year webpages.

Foundation year

Foundation year content

Fees and funding

Going to university can be a daunting as well as an exciting experience. It can be difficult to understand the true costs of being a student, as well as the financial support that is available to help you meet those costs.

We can help you to manage your funds, create a budget and ensure that you receive any funding for which you may be eligible. We also offer financial support such as the Keele University Hardship Fund and emergency loans.

For more information visit our money, advice and guidance section.

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.