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 Computer Science.
"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."
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.
This combined course is accredited by the Institute of Physics.
Alongside this you will be studying Computer Science and at Keele, you’ll learn the underpinning theories of software, hardware and computing techniques – and how to apply them in the real world. You’ll learn to use technology to create new opportunities and to solve a wide range of problems, benefiting every aspect of society from the home to business, government and beyond. This means your skills are likely to be in high demand when you graduate. Our teaching is informed by our cutting-edge research, and we also reflect what’s happening now in industry.
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 Physics or Maths at grade B or above. If Maths is presented without A-level Physics, please contact Admissions.
GCSE requirements
Maths at C (or 4) if not taken at A level or AS-level.
30 points to include Higher Level Physics or Maths at 5. If Maths is presented without Physics please contact Admissions.
Access to HE Diploma requirements
Obtain Access to Higher Education Diploma with 122 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction, to include sufficient Maths/Physics units, please contact us for advice.
Not got the grades?
If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, Foundation Year offers an alternative route to study for this degree.
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.
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.
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, achieving 96% graduate employability in 2017 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.
After studying computer science, the degree builds the essential skills which are in demand from employers looking for systems analysts, software engineers and consultants. You’ll graduate with a wide range of computing skills plus a highly developed approach to problem solving. Recent Keele graduates have gone to work for companies as diverse as Apple, BAE Systems, Barclays, Capgemini, EA Games, Experian, Microsoft and the Ministry of Defence. You’ll also have the solid grounding you’ll need to apply for postgraduate study.
Recent employers
Edmundson Electrical
Vitalograph Ltd
Bet365
BAE Systems Applied Intelligence
Bitjam
Capqemini
FIDESSA
Hong Kong Esports
Playtech
Capita
Rolls-Royce
Vodafone
British Airways
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
IT Consultant
Database Administrator
Systems Analyst
Multimedia Programmer
Games Developer
IT Technical Support Officer
Network Engineer
Information Systems Manager
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.
