| The award | How you will study | Study duration | Course start | Domestic course fees | International course fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSci | Full-time | 4 - 5 years | - | - | - |
From the discovery of extrasolar planets, to the study of gravitational wave events and the evolution of the universe, you'll deepen your curiosity and develop a solid foundation of astrophysical knowledge on our 4 year Astrophysics degree, gaining the advanced research, professional, practical and employability skills to pursue PhD study or employment in a wide variety of industrial sectors. Course overview Astrophysics is a fundamental, curiosity-driven science with a huge diversity of ongoing research and a strong public interest. It spans an extraordinary range of scales, from meteorites burning up in Earth's atmosphere, through the richness of the solar system, our sun and space weather, extrasolar planets, cataclysmic variables, X-ray binaries, to supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, gravitational waves, grand-design galaxies and the structure and age of our Universe. Our Astrophysics with Integrated Master's combines a solid grounding in core physics concepts, graduate skills and attributes defined by the Institute of Physics (IoP) accreditation framework with exploration of frontier topics, informed by the interests of our world-class research teams, and the advanced research skills and experience to enhance your employability.
In your first year on our Astrophysics degree, you will gain a solid grounding in the fundamentals of physics, including gravitation, relativity and matter, electricity, magnetism and waves. You will also begin to develop the skills and practical experience that underpin this programme, including computer programming with python, laboratory work, mathematical skills required to understand and analyse physical phenomena, and the arts of problem-solving and scientific writing. An introductory module in astronomy explores planets, stars and galaxies, and the tools and techniques that Astronomers use to investigate them. You will make your own measurements at our on-campus observatory.
Year two continues to build on your understanding in the principle of physics with exploration of optics, quantum mechanics and nuclear physics. You will further your laboratory, mathematics and career skills by working on individual experiments and team investigations, building your CV, and gaining important new applied mathematical skills. A specialist module in astronomy explores how stars and galaxies form and evolve, and how they can be modelled with fundamental physics, mathematics and computation. In year three you will have the opportunity to apply skills developed during your degree to an independent astrophysics research project.
Working on world-class astronomical research material in a small group, and as an individual, you will plan, execute and report your results, including a presentation aimed at potential employers. Core advanced modules include electromagnetism, data-analysis and modelling, and working in groups to produce a report aimed at policy-makers on a problem of current or potential future concern. In your final year of study, you will focus on developing advanced research skills through a Master's-level research project, conducting a literature review, and studying topics at the forefront of current research. You will also enhance your data analysis abilities and learn how to conduct research at an international level.
This experience will equip you with a toolkit of technical and transferable skills, preparing you for employment across a range of professions that highly value analytical, computational, statistical, communication, and experimental expertise. This programme has recently been refreshed, and the new structure will be reviewed by the IoP for accreditation. Industry-ready graduates Designed to provide you with the specialist skills you will need as an astrophysicist, our programme has core practical, academic and professional employability modules embedded throughout the curriculum. From hands-on practice in conducting experiments and learning computer programming, to dedicated career-focused sessions and innovative assessments, we will provide you with a strong foundation of key skills for your future career.
Keele Observatory To apply the theory you have learnt during your studies, practical classes will include time spent in our observatory. Founded in 1962 to host a 31cm refracting telescope dating back to 1874, it has since acquired a 60cm reflecting telescope for research, and undergone significant expansion and refurbishment. Find out more about Keele Observatory . Our experts Research-led teaching is at the heart of our programme.
Our academic staff specialise in two main areas: astrophysics and condensed matter physics, with many performing internationally renowned work in the fields of exoplanets, stellar physics and star formation (both observational and theoretical), nearby galaxies, and the study of soft condensed matter like polymers, biological molecules and of novel two-dimensional materials.? Our research specialisms feed into modules in the latter years of your degree and in your final year of study, you will have the opportunity to work on an individual student project, supervised by a member of academic staff. *We have compared the positivity ratings of all participating UK institutions using the NSS 2025 sector data to determine Keele's position relative to other broad-based universities (i.e. excluding specialist institutions and further education colleges). Astrophysics ranked Top 5 in England (NSS 2025, broad-based universities)* Individual, advanced projects will develop your skills of scientific inquiry, allowing you to make your mark as a researcher Core practical, academic and employability modules develop the skills to succeed as a professional astrophysicist Engage with frontier material informed by the interests of our world-class research teams Gain the master's level research skills to get ahead in industry or academia For more details, please see the course page on the Keele website.
Contact Keele University to find course entry requirements.
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As an international student you may require a valid visa to study at Keele University. Read more about the requirements in our Guide to the United Kingdom International Student Visa Requirements.
