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Astrophysics and Forensic Science - BSc (Hons)

Year of entry: 2021
Course type: Combined Honours
Duration of study: 3 years / 4 years with international or placement year

Location: Keele University campus
Subject area / School: School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
UCAS code: FF54

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Course overview

This programme will be made up of a combination of modules from both Astrophysics and Forensic Science. You will gain an in-depth understanding of forensic science and in Astrophysics, you will learn to formulate and tackle problems – from below the level of the atomic nucleus to astronomical scales.

Keele Undergraduate Enquiries Form

Please submit your question in the form below and a member our enquiries team will be in touch with you shortly.

Your Name

Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy)

Please provide a contact telephone number *

Country of Residence

Year of Entry

Please Select a Course

Are you interested in a Foundation Year

YesNo

Please enter your question below:

Your Preferences

Please keep me informed using email

YesNo

Please keep me informed using phone

YesNo

Please keep me informed using messages/texts

YesNo

What we’re going to do with your data and why?

We will securely store your data and send you essential information (examples include updates on an application or booking confirmations for events such as Open Days).

How long are we keeping it?

We will keep your data for the year that you first enquire with us plus 6 subsequent years. This is to ensure that you are legally protected should you have any issues with the use of your data.

Unsubscribe

What to do if I change my mind?

Gold

In the Teaching Excellence Framework Also Top 5 in the UK (THE ranking, broad-based universities)

Top 3

in England for overall Student Satisfaction NSS 2019 (broad-based universities)

97%

of research world leading, or of international importance Research Excellence Framework, 2014

Student testimonials

David McGhee, Astrophysics with Business Management (2015)

"My job utilises the skills I developed as an astrophysics undergraduate at Keele University to identify and solve complex problems." - read more about David McGhee, Astrophysics with Business Management (2015)

Katherine Gorman, Reporting Forensic Scientist - BSc Forensic Science

"A forensic course is a perfect opportunity for you to explore the different disciplines within forensic science and gain an understanding about which path is right for you. The facilities and knowledge available at Keele is excellent and would provide a great foundation for a career in this industry." - read more about Katherine Gorman, Reporting Forensic Scientist - BSc Forensic Science

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." - read more about Emily Sage, Astrophysics with Mathematics (2012)

Carlie Whiting, BSc Forensic Science and Criminology

"I definitely feel that the degree course I studied at Keele provided me with an excellent advantage when applying for this job due to the amount of instrumentation we were able to use and the breadth of information we were taught." - read more about Carlie Whiting, BSc Forensic Science and Criminology

Mark Clowes, Astrophysics with English (2008)

"A high attention to detail, good numeracy and scientific and technical skills are very important. The work is very varied and the ability to rapidly solve new problems is a skill that studying astrophysics certainly prepared me for. " - read more about Mark Clowes, Astrophysics with English (2008)

BSc Biology and Forensic Science student quote

Richard Bridgett, BSc Biology and Forensic Science

"After initially graduating I spent time working for the forensic investigations unit of Cheshire Police and for a global pharmaceutical company where I utilised the instrumental skills I acquired through study of chemical analysis." - read more about Richard Bridgett, BSc Biology and Forensic Science

Greg Iceton, Physics with Astrophysics (2007)

"Understanding the scientific and technical descriptions of patents is essential (however, this comes with experience on the job). A 2.1 degree is usually necessary to enter into the profession." - read more about Greg Iceton, Physics with Astrophysics (2007)

Dr Rachel Sparks, Physics and Astrophysics (2007)

"A background in physics is essential, including a BSc & PhD. For my current research the required components are a good understanding of computational physics, quantum mechanics and condensed matter theory. In the future I also hope to bring in some of my astrophysics knowledge to expand my research area." - read more about Dr Rachel Sparks, Physics and Astrophysics (2007)

Course content

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 combined course is accredited by the Institute of Physics.

For the Forensic Science element of the course, you will be taught by academics and forensic professionals, and gain valuable lab and crime scene experience, helping you to stay ahead in this fast-moving science. You will be taught in our modern laboratory facilities and have access to state-of-the-art equipment and our dedicated Crime Scene House. Our forensic science combined honours programmes are recognised by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Forensic Science 2nd in Complete University Guide

This course will provide you with a broad education in the core areas of forensic science. Your studies will focus on key topics in forensic chemistry, analytical science, forensic biology and criminalistics science. You will develop your analytical science skills, enabling you to analyse a variety of forensic of evidence. This is complemented by additional emphasis on professional practice and an understanding of the roles of the crime scene investigator and the forensic scientist as an expert witness in the court. You may be able to study abroad for a semester (dependant on subject scheduling) or a year at one of our partner universities.

Astrophysics can also be studied in the following combinations:

Forensic Science can also be studied as a Combined Honours degree in the following combinations:

You may also be interested in:

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 Physics or Maths at grade B or above. If Maths is presented without A Level Physics, please contact Admissions.
A Level Chemistry or Biology at grade B or above.

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 or AS-Level
English Language or English Literature at C (or 4)

BTEC

BTEC requirements DDM
You must have taken sufficient Chemistry/Biology and Physics/Mathematics 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

30 points to include Higher level Chemistry at 6 and Higher level Physics or Maths at 6. If Maths is presented without Physics please contact Admissions.

Access Course

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/Biology units, please contact us for advice.

Please Note

Reformed GCSE grades for England are stated in brackets
If the 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.

Foundation year

Foundation Year Overview

If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into the BSc (Hons) Astrophysics and Forensic Science programme, our Foundation Year can provide an alternative route into your degree.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years’ experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you’ll study on campus, joining our community from the outset, and you will have access to a range of support.

Read on to find out about:

Foundation Year indicative modules for the September intake
Foundation Year entry requirements
How to apply
UCAS code for this course

The information within this page is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.

Course Content

Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

Our combined honours foundation year is a two semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BSc (Hons) Astrophysics and Forensic Science degree. For example, the Foundations of Physics module will introduce you to the mathematical skills needed to solve problems in physics at level 3 while studying fundamental equations and concepts in classical physics. Meanwhile, the Advancing Chemistry module aims to increase your knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts of chemistry in a theoretical context, while also demonstrating the application of concepts in a practical environment. All of the modules you take will prove useful in your degree and professional career. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.

Find out more about the Keele Foundation Year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the Foundation Year homepage.

Course Structure

The module details given below 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.

Semester One

FYO-00185	Practical and Academic Skills in Science	15 credits
FYO-00215	Foundations of Mathematical Methods	15 credits
FYO-00189	Foundations of Chemistry	15 credits
FYO-00205	Foundations of Physics	15 credits

Semester Two

FYO-00209	Advancing Physics	15 credits
FYO-00231	Advancing Mathematical Methods	15 credits
FYO-00191	Advancing Chemistry	30 credits

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Between 40-56 UCAS points from at least 1 A level/level 3 qualification or equivalent, or
Relevant work experience

AND

GCSE English Language at grade 4 (C), or Level 2 Functional Skills, or
IELTS 5.5 (with 5.5 in all subtests)

AND

GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above

How to Apply

UK or EU students will need to apply for BSc (Hons) Astrophysics with Foundation Year (UCAS code: F513) through UCAS at www.ucas.com. You will then be contacted to confirm your second subject by a member of our team.

Direct Entry Students

If you are a UK or EU student, already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

International Entry

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.

All applications for the International Foundation Year and International Degree Programme can be made through UCAS using the UCAS codes below.

Y002 - International Foundation Year (IFY)
Y008 - International Degree Programme (IDP)

Career prospects

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

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.

Our teaching strategy is designed to enable you to become an independent scientist who will have a great deal to offer prospective employers.

Our graduates have entered careers in a range of professional forensic science sectors, including DNA profiling to digital forensics, or as analytical scientists and researchers within the broader business sector, such as chemical analytical consultancies, pharmaceuticals or environmental monitoring.

Some of our graduates also undertake postgraduate qualifications such as an MSc, PGCE or PhD qualification prior to entering employment.

Recent employers

2030 Labs LTD
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
North Yorkshire Police
Sandwell and Dudley Hospital
Nottinghamshire Health
Edmundson Electrical
Vitalograph Ltd
Bet365

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
Forensic Scientist
Scene of Crime Officer
Scientific Laboratory Technician
Analytical Chemist
Police Officer
Scientific Publishing

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.

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