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 Mathematics.
David McGhee, Astrophysics with Business Management (2015)
"I am very proud to be working with such a reputable brand in the dynamic gaming industry. My job utilises the skills I developed as an astrophysics undergraduate at Keele University to identify and solve complex problems."
"I also have the satisfaction that the work I do genuinely impacts people’s lives. I have been lucky enough to spend some time working in hospitals whilst at Elekta and to see the machines that we make in use in a clinical setting gives me great satisfaction."
Elizabeth Jones, Astrophysics with Mathematics (2014)
"A background in physics is extremely useful for this role. This has enabled me to quickly understand how the company’s products operate based on fundamental principles, and the effects of environmental factors on the different materials within the products. "
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 Mathematics where will explore the beauty, elegance and practicality of pure mathematics, applied mathematics and statistics. 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 recognise the need for making the transition from A Level to University Mathematics as smooth as possible and have a carefully designed first year curriculum and a multi-layered student support structure.
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.
GCSE requirements
Maths at C (or 4) if not taken at A Level or AS-Level
30 points to include Higher level Physics and 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. You must have taken 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.
Employers value numerate, versatile graduates who can communicate. 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:
Research Scientist
Geophysicist
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 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.
