Program start date | Application deadline |
2024-09-01 | - |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Through research-led teaching, students delve into topics like black holes and the existence of Earth-like planets, while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The program offers a range of optional modules and access to state-of-the-art facilities, preparing graduates for diverse careers in science, technology, and beyond.
Program Outline
Students will delve into topics such as the existence of Earth-like planets, the formation of galaxies, and the nature of black holes. The program is also designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, all highly sought after by employers.
Year Two:
- Modules: Quantum Mechanics, Optics and Thermodynamics, Stellar Astrophysics, Statistical Mechanics and Solid State Physics, Differential Equations
- Optional Modules: Probability, Computational Mathematics, Exploring Algebra and Analysis, Complex Variable I and Vector Calculus, Dynamics, Abstract Algebra, Analysis II, Professional Mathematics and Data Science
Year Three:
- Modules: Electromagnetism, Astrophysics Group Project and Science Communication - ISP
Assessment:
The program employs a diverse range of assessment methods to evaluate student progress and knowledge acquisition. These include:
- Assessed problem sheets
- Dissertation
- End-of-module examinations (both unseen and open-book)
- Group oral presentations and reports
- In-class exercises and tests
- Laboratory and project reports
- Mini-projects
- Observation of laboratory skills and laboratory notebooks
- Oral and/or poster presentations
Teaching:
The teaching approach emphasizes small cohort sizes, fostering a more personalized learning environment and opportunities for individual guidance. Key instructional methods include:
- Computational laboratory classes
- Directed reading and independent study
- Exercise/problem-solving classes
- Group and individual projects
- Individual progress interviews
- Laboratory classes
- Lectures
- Literature research tasks
- Problem sheet assignments
- Tutorials and team-based learning
- Use of e-learning/the Keele Learning Environment (KLE)
Careers:
Graduates of this program are prepared for a wide range of careers in diverse fields due to the development of transferable skills in problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication. Some specific career paths include:
- Academic researcher
- Communications engineer
- Data scientist/analyst
- NHS scientist
- Nuclear physicist
- Physics teacher
- Radiation safety officer
- Renewable Energy consultant
- Software designer
Other:
- The BSc (Hons) Astrophysics and Mathematics program at Keele University offers students access to state-of-the-art facilities such as the Central Science Laboratories and the Observatory.
- The Keele Observatory provides hands-on experience with telescopes and astronomical research.
- The program offers a variety of optional modules allowing students to tailor their studies towards specific interests.
- International Year opportunities are available for students to study abroad and gain global perspectives.
- Keele's Careers and Employability team offers career advice and support to help graduates find employment opportunities.
Overall:
The BSc (Hons) Astrophysics and Mathematics program at Keele University provides a comprehensive and well-rounded education that equips students for successful careers in various fields.
Keele University: A Summary
Overview:
Keele University is a public research university located in Staffordshire, England. Established over 70 years ago, it is renowned for its wide range of teaching and research, tackling global issues. Keele is known for its commitment to sustainability and its positive impact on the local economy.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
Keele University offers a vibrant campus experience. Students can expect a beautiful setting in the Staffordshire countryside, just five miles from Stoke-on-Trent. The university is known for its strong sense of community and its commitment to student well-being.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Research Excellence:
Keele University is recognized for its high-quality research, with 80% of its research classified as world-leading or internationally excellent.Teaching Excellence:
The university has achieved a Gold award in the Teaching Excellence Framework, demonstrating its commitment to providing excellent teaching and learning experiences.Student Satisfaction:
Keele University has been ranked number one in the UK by students, according to Studentcrowd.Sustainability Focus:
Keele is dedicated to sustainability and has a strong commitment to environmental responsibility.Strong Local Impact:
The university contributes significantly to the local economy, generating £345 million annually.Academic Programs:
Other:
Keele University is a modern university that has played a significant role in shaping higher education in Britain. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university is also a partner with the NHS, providing opportunities for students to gain practical experience in healthcare.
Entry Requirements:
UK/Home Students:
- A Levels: ABB in three A Levels including B in Maths. You will also need:
- 6/ B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths
- An English Language qualification (see below)
- BTEC Extended Diploma/National Extended Diploma: DDM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas:
- Engineering
- You will also need:
- 4/ C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths
- An English Language qualification (see below)
- BTEC National Diploma/Diploma: Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in Maths A Level
- You will also need:
- An English Language qualification (see below)
- BTEC National Extended Certificate/Subsidiary Diploma: Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels including B in Maths
- You will also need an English Language qualification (see below)
- T Level: Distinction in any of the following T Levels:
- Engineering and Manufacturing
- You will also need:
- 4/ C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths
- An English Language qualification (see below)
- International Baccalaureate Diploma: 655 in three Higher Levels including 5 in Maths (any), or 32 points including 5 in Maths (any)
- You will also need an English language qualification (see below)
- International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme: We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.
- You will also need:
- 4/ C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths
- An English Language qualification (see below)
- Access to HE Diploma: 128 UCAS points in an Access to HE Diploma with Maths related content, including Distinction in at least 30 Level 3 credits.
- You will also need an English Language qualification (see below)
- Welsh Baccalaureate/Bagloriaeth Cymru: The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A level).
- All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.
- Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers:
- BBBBC in five Highers including Maths Higher, or
- CC in two Advanced Highers and BD/CC in two Highers including B in Maths Higher or C in Maths Advanced Higher, or
- CCC in three Advanced Highers including Maths Advanced Higher.
- You will also need an English Language qualification (see below).
- Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer.
- Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
- Core Maths: If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer.
- Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
- Ireland - Leaving Certificate: H3, H3, H3, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate including H4 in Maths
- You will also need an English Language qualification (see below)
- China - Gaokao: 75% in the Gaokao including 70% in Maths
- You will also need an English Language qualification (see below)
- India - Standard XII: Average of 75% from four subjects including 70% in Maths in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 80% from four subjects including 75% in Maths in any other Standard XII.
- You will also need an English Language qualification (see below)
- Germany - Abitur: 2.0 overall average in the Abitur including 12 in Maths
- You will also need an English Language qualification (see below)
- Hong Kong - Diploma: 544 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE including 4 in Maths
- You will also need an English Language qualification (see below)
- Spain - Bachillerato: Overall average of 7.8 in the Título de Bachillerato including 8 in Maths
- You will also need an English Language qualification (see below)
- Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato: 85% in the Esame di Stato including 8 in Maths
- You will also need an English Language qualification (see below)
- Cyprus - Apolytirion: 18.5/ 88% in the Apolytirion including 18 in Maths
- You will also need an English Language qualification (see below)
- Portugal: Overall average of 16 in a secondary certificate including 16 in Maths
- You will also need an English Language qualification (see below)
- Canada - Diploma: 70% / BBBBC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma including 70% in Advanced Functions and 70% in Calculus and Vectors
- You will also need an English Language qualification (see below)
- We may accept a two year Diploma.
- We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit/Lower Credit.
- USA - Advanced Placement: 544 from three Advanced Placement subjects including Calculus (either)
- You will also need an English Language qualification (see below)
- Sri Lanka - Advanced Level: ABB in three Advanced Levels including B in Combined Maths
- You will also need an English Language qualification (see below)
- Malaysia - STPM: ABB in three subjects in the STPM including B in Maths
- You will also need an English Language qualification (see below)
- Singapore - A Levels (H2): ABB in three H2 Levels including B in Combined Maths
- You will also need an English Language qualification (see below)
- European Baccalaureate: 75% overall with 7 in Chemistry and a 7 in Maths (5 period) or Physics
- You will also need an English Language qualification (see below)
EU and International Students:
- We accept a range of alternative qualifications from EU and international students.
English Language Requirements:
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.