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.

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.

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

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

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)

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.