Course content

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.

Course structure

Our degree courses are organised into modules. Each module is usually a self-contained unit of study and each is usually assessed separately with the award of credits on the basis of 1 credit = 10 hours of student effort. An outline of the structure of the programme is provided in the tables below.

There are three types of module delivered as part of this programme. They are:

• Compulsory modules: a module that you are required to study on this course;
• Optional modules: these allow you some limited choice of what to study from a list of modules;
• Elective modules: a free choice of modules that count towards the overall credit requirement but not the number of subject-related credits.

Astrophysics - A summary of the total credit requirements per year is as follows, with a minimum of 90 subject credits (compulsory plus optional) required for each year across both of your Principal Subjects. This document has information about Astrophysics modules only; please also see the document for your other subject.

Year	Compulsory	Optional		Electives
		Min	Max	Min	Max
1	60	0	0	0	0
2	60	0	0	0	0
3*	30	30	30	0	0

* in year 3 there is the option to choose to specialise in one of your subjects, taking a minimum of 90 credits in this subject rather than taking modules from both subjects

Computer Science - A summary of the total credit requirements per year is as follows, with a minimum of 90 subject credits (compulsory plus optional) required for each year across both of your Principal Subjects, with at least 60 credits at each level of study (Levels 4, 5 and 6). This document has information about Computer Science modules only; please also see the document for your other subject.

Year	Compulsory	Optional		Electives
		Min	Max	Min	Max
1	45	15	15	0	0
2	15	45	45	0	0
3*	30	30	30	0	0

* in year 3 there is the option to choose to specialise in one of your subjects, taking a minimum of 105 credits in this subject rather than taking modules from both subjects

Year 1 (Level 4)

Astrophysics Year 1 (Level 4)

At level 4, Physics and Astrophysics students require a common knowledge and skills base. Therefore, many of the modules taught at level 4 are common to Physics and Astrophysics disciplines. You will study FOUR lecture-based modules of core Astrophysics.

The lecture-based modules are supported by problem classes and assessed problem sheets with an end of semester examination in each. These modules also include lectures, problems classes and tutorials in mathematics, and laboratory classes, which are an essential part of Astrophysics. The module descriptors provide detailed synopses of each module with suggested study reading and are available on the KLE.

Compulsory modules	Credits	Optional modules	Credits
Mechanics, Gravity and Relativity	15	None
Nature of Matter	15
Oscillations and Waves	15
Electricity and Stellar Structure	15

Computer Science Year 1 (Level 4)

Compulsory modules	Credits	Optional modules	Credits
Fundamentals of Computing	15	Natural Computation	15
Programming I - Programming Fundamentals	15	Introduction to Interaction Design	15
Requirements, Evaluation and Professionalism	15	Computer Animation and Multimedia	15
		Systems and Architecture	15
		Cybercrime	15

Year 2 (Level 5)

Astrophysics Year 2 (Level 5)

At level 5 you continue to be taught the fundamentals of Physics. Modules are common to Physics and Astrophysics in the first semester of the second year, but diverge significantly from the second semester of the second year onwards. In the first semester you take an Optics Laboratory and a short series of classes in developing your mathematical skills. In the second semester you take an Astrophysics laboratory.

Compulsory modules	Credits	Optional modules	Credits
Quantum Mechanics	15	None
Optics and Thermodynamics	15
Statistical mechanics and Solid State Physics	15
Stellar Astrophysics	15

Computer Science Year 2 (Level 5)

Compulsory modules	Credits	Optional modules	Credits
Software Engineering	15	Programming II - Data Structures and Algorithms	15
		Database Systems	15
		Mobile Application Development	15
		Computational and Artificial Intelligence I	15
		Web Technologies	15
		Advanced Programming Practices	15
		Individual Study Topic in Computer Science	15
		Digital Forensics	15

Year 3 (Level 6)

Astrophysics Year 3 (Level 6)

At level 6, you complete a group research project and follow one compulsory module plus two optional core modules of your choice from a list of available modules.

Compulsory Core modules	Credits	Optional core modules	Credits
Group Project and Science Communication	15	Cosmology	15
Electromagnetism	15	Physics of the Interstellar Medium	15
		The Physics of Compact Objects	15
		Quantum Physics of Atoms and Molecules	15
		Polymer Physics	15
		Particle Physics and Accelerators	15
		Binary Stars and Extrasolar Planets	15
		Life in the Universe	15
		Computational Methods in Physics and Astrophysics	15
		Data Analysis and Model testing	15
		The Physics of Galaxies	15
		Quantum Mechanics II	15
		Physics of Fluids	15
		Atmospheric Physics	15
		Plasma Physics	15

Computer Science Year 3 (Level 6)

Compulsory modules	Credits	Optional modules	Credits
30-credit Project	30	Software Engineering Project Management	15
		Advanced Information Systems	15
		Advanced Databases and Applications	15
		Games Computing	15
		Bioinformatics	15
		Evolution of Complex Systems	15
		Computational and Artificial Intelligence II	15
		Communications and Networks	15
		Advanced Web Technologies	15

You may, in addition to modules listed, include in level 6 of your Astrophysics course one suitable programme approved elective module from another Principal Course, provided that you are not taking the Principal Course from which that module is derived as part of your Combined Honours combination.

You will find that in teaching you we put emphasis on problem solving. This occurs in examples classes where you solve practice problems in Astrophysics in class with staff to assist you, in laboratory teaching where you will be expected to address practical problems and in your directed work for assessment. You are encouraged to call upon module leaders and the director of study for guidance. The academic staff will be willing to see you at almost any time and you will have one-to-one progress interviews each semester. The teaching team will monitor your progress and we will contact you if we find that you are not achieving all that you should and advise you on how to improve.

You will benefit from a flexible approach to learning the mathematical skills that are essential to the learning and application of Astrophysics. You will find that the classes on mathematics in level 4 are presented in a series of blocks. An assessment test is taken at the end of the class blocks. You will also attend supplementary supporting tutorials in mathematics.

If you choose to specialise in Computer Science in your final year you require at least 105 Computer Science credits. These 105 credits must include the compulsory 30-credit Project module.

In choosing options, students should also be mindful that some level 5 modules are required in order to be able to take certain level 6 optional modules.

For further information on the content of modules currently offered, including the list of elective modules, please visit: www.keele.ac.uk/recordsandexams/az.

The module details given above are indicative and will give you a good idea of the range of subjects that we teach. We regularly review our teaching to ensure that the modules we offer are up-to-date; therefore, the modules available to study are liable to change.

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, then a grade of C or better in AS-level Physics is also required.***

GCSE requirements

• Maths at C (or 4) if not taken at A level or AS-level.
• English Language at C (or 4)

BTEC

• BTEC requirements DDD
• You must have taken sufficient Physics and Mathematics units, please contact us for advice

International Baccalaureate

• 30 points to include Higher level Physics at 5 or above or Higher level Maths at 5 or above plus Higher level Physics at 4 or above.

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.

Please note

*     Reformed GCSE grades for England are stated in brackets
*** If applicant has not had opportunity to sit AS level in England, please contact the Admissions team

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.

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, 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.