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). You will learn to use maths to develop precise and logical arguments, construct rigorous proofs, and formulate solutions to new problems. You will study in an intellectually stimulating environment amongst mathematicians producing world-leading research.

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.

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

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 Maths and Physics 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 Physics at 5 and Maths 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. You must have taken sufficient Maths/Physics 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.

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 many 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.

With a Keele Astrophysics and Mathematics degree you could take up roles as a research scientist, medical physicist, or enter the space, telecommunications or nuclear industries. You may instead find employment as a science writer, chartered accountant or IT consultant. Many of our graduates go onto further study at Master’s/PhD level.

Through the combined honours degree in Mathematics, it helps you to take novel approaches to problem solving and make critical interpretations of data and text; your skills will be in demand wherever there’s a need for logical thinking. An extremely wide range of career paths is open to mathematicians, where high levels of mathematical ability are desirable. This can include fields of work as diverse as finance, data analytics, teaching, engineering, medical statistics and management consultancy.

Recent employers

• Apple
• Center Parcs
• Jaguar Landrover
• BT
• Capita
• Co-op Bank
• Deloitte
• NHS
• RAC
• Local Government
• Edmundson Electrical
• Vitalograph Ltd
• Bet365

Jobs that a graduate of this course could go on to do:

• Geophysicist
• Research Scientist
• Science Teacher
• HE Lecturer
• Medical Physicist
• Operational Researcher
• Software Engineer
• Radiation Practitioner
• Aeronautical Engineer
• Operational Researcher
• Actuary
• Statistician
• Secondary Teacher

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 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.