Astrophysics with Integrated Master's - MSci

Keele University

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 with Integrated Masters MSci, gaining the advanced research, professional, practical and employability skills to pursue PhD study or employment in a wide variety of industrial sectors.

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 degree 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 with Integrated Master's MSci, 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.

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.

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.

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

Academic researcher

Communications engineer

Data scientist/analyst

Financial technology

NHS scientist

Nuclear physicist

Physics teacher

Radiation safety officer

Renewable energy

Software designer

Typical employment sectors include:

Data science and analysis

Defence

Education

Engineering

Finance

Health and medicine

Manufacturing

Nuclear power

Renewable energy generation and distribution

Telecommunications

Transferable skills you will acquire include:

Advanced research

Collaboration

Communication

Cost-benefit analysis

Critical thinking

Estimation

Independent learning

Information literacy

IT

Numeracy

Problem solving

Research

Self-directed learning

Foundation year

Studying a Foundation Year, for whatever reason, offers an alternative route to Keele, and provides a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree. That extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge and, perhaps most importantly, build your confidence.

Duration of study

4 years or 5 years with International Year