Skip navigation
Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Professional Placement at University of Kent - UCAS

University of Kent

Degree level: Undergraduate

Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Professional Placement

Course summary

Are you inspired by the wonders and vastness of the Universe? Do you want to investigate the possibilities of life elsewhere within it? Get involved with real space missions from ESA and NASA, and work on Hubble Telescope data and images from giant telescopes, or work with our own Beacon Observatory. Access our first-class research laboratories, which are equipped for synthetic and analytical techniques ranging from soft organic polymers to nanoparticles, to highly sensitive organometallic species. Develop the transferable skills to open up a world of job opportunities, leading to careers in research, engineering, aerospace/defence, medical physics, teaching, finance and data analytics. This course is fully accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP). Reasons to study Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics at Kent

  • Excellent teaching and research facilities including state-of-the-art laboratories, photonics centre and Beacon Observatory, which provides a fully automised system with both optical and radio telescope capability.
  • Our expert lecturers are both innovative teachers and active researchers working at the cutting-edge of research across a range of fields, from quantum materials to medical imaging.
  • Students meet regularly with their academic adviser to support their academic and career development.
  • Learn in a variety of settings, from lectures and interactive workshops to laboratory classes, computing sessions and team projects.
  • Flexible curriculum allows you to move between our courses in the earlier years, ensuring you are studying the best course for you.
  • Get involved with real space missions from ESA and NASA, and work on Hubble Telescope data.
  • Join our student-run societies: PhySoc, SpaceSoc and Amateur Rocketry Society, who organise talks, practical demonstrations and social events.
  • Build the connections that matter thanks to our links with optical laboratories, local health authorities, aerospace/defense industries and software and engineering companies.
  • A dedicated foundation year makes our course accessible to those without a science background.
Professional Placement Tailor your degree to suit you with a professional placement where you’ll work in industry for a year, giving you the chance to put into practice the skills you’ve learnt and build important connections. Taken between your second and final years, a professional placement provides an excellent opportunity to gain relevant work experience in industry in the UK or abroad. During your placement you are paid by your employer and produce an independent research project. From 2025 this course will be called Astronomy Space Science and Astrophysics with a Year In Industry BSc

Modules

Year 1 Compulsory modules currently include: Introduction to Astronomy and Light Mathematics I Mathematics II Mechanics and Relativity Waves and Fields Thermodynamics and Matter Laboratory and Computing Skills for Physicists Year 2 Compulsory modules currently include: Mathematical Techniques for Physical Sciences  Physics Group Laboratory Project  Quantum and Atomic Physics  Electromagnetism and Relativity  Observational Astronomy and Exoplanets  Spacecraft Design and Operations  Year in Industry Year 3 Compulsory modules currently include: Modern Optics and Photonics  Thermal and Statistical Physics  Stars, Galaxies and the Universe  The Solar System  Solid State Physics  Data Analysis and Investigation in Astronomy and Planetary Sciences


How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
F593
Institution code:
K24
Campus name:
Canterbury campus
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2

Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)

Direct entry into Year 2 of this programme is considered on a case by case basis.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements


English language requirements

Applicants should have grade C or 4 in English Language GCSE or a suitable equivalent level qualification.

Please visit our website for further information:

https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements.html


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
55%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
85%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
Channel Islands £9250 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
EU £22700 Year 1
International £22700 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Please see the programme page at www.kent.ac.uk for further information on fees and funding options. Please be aware that if the Government permits, the UK fee quoted may increase in line with inflation. Full-time fees for 2024/25 for international students are £22,700 for laboratory programmes and £18,600 for non-laboratory programmes
Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Professional Placement at University of Kent - UCAS