Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics

Key facts
Location: Canterbury
Award: BSc (Hons), MPhys (Hons)
Type: Full-time
Options: Year in the USA
Further information
Online: Department

Kent runs a fantastic programme for students who are inspired by the wonders and vastness of the universe. In this course, there are opportunities to investigate the possibilities of life elsewhere in the universe. You get involved with real space missions from ESA and NASA and can work on Hubble Telescope data and images from giant telescopes.

In the MPhys programme, core knowledge and skills are enhanced with the further in-depth training required for a science-based career, including the practical aspects of research.

Our international exchange programme allows you to spend the third year of your degree studying in the USA at one of our partner universities, and our active student society organises trips and events such as virtual observing in Hawaii by remotely controlling a telescope on the other side of the world.

Degree programmes

Single honours
Did you know?

Physics and Astronomy at Kent was ranked 5th in the UK for overall student satisfaction in the 2009 National Student Survey.

  • Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics BSc (F590)
  • Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics MPhys (F592)
  • Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Year in the USA MPhys (F591)
  • Physics with a Foundation Year* (F305)

* This foundation programme can lead to degree programmes F590, F591 and F592.

Core modules

Stage 1
Core modules
  • Astrophysics, Space Science and Cosmology
  • Computing Skills
  • Disasters
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Skills for Physicists
Stage 2
Core modules
  • Atomic and Nuclear Physics
  • Mathematical Techniques and Differential Equations
  • Multimedia for Astronomy, Astrophysics and Planetary Science
  • The Multiwavelength Universe and Exoplanets
  • Optics and Electromagnetism
  • Physics Lab
  • Quantum Physics
  • Spacecraft Design and Operations
Stage 3
Core modules
  • Image Processing
  • Physics Literature Review
  • Physics Group Project
  • Physics Project Laboratory
  • Relativity, Optics and Maxwell’s Equations
  • Stars, Galaxies and the Universe
  • The Sun, the Earth and Mars
  • Thermal and Statistical Physics
Stage 4 (MPhys only)
Core modules
  • Elementary Particles
  • Physics Research Project
  • Rocketry and Human Spaceflight
  • Space Astronomy and Solar System Science

Plus, depending on your chosen degree programme:

  • Physical Science Research Planning
  • The Sun, the Earth and Mars.
A year abroad

You spend a year in the USA between Stages 2 and 4, studying equivalent courses to those you take at Kent. Our partner universities include the Pennsylvania State University, several campuses of the University of California and the University of Indiana in Bloomington. If you take this course, you pay a reduced (50%) fee to Kent during your year abroad. You do not need to pay fees at the host university.

Foundation year

The Physics foundation year is for students who lack the qualifications needed for direct entry into Stage 1 of the degree programmes. It comprises lectures and practical classes, is taught entirely on the Canterbury campus and successfully caters for students with a wide range of backgrounds and experience. You apply for the Physics with a Foundation Year course (F305), but successfully completing the foundation year guarantees you entry into any of the Physics or Astronomy degree courses.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching is by lecture, laboratory sessions, and project and console classes. You have approximately nine lectures a week, plus one day of practical work. In addition, you have reading and coursework and practical reports to prepare. In the MPhys final year, you work with a member of staff on an experimental or computing project.

Assessment is by written examination at the end of each year, plus continuous assessment of written coursework. Practical work is examined by continuous assessment. If you do the year in the USA, this counts towards your final degree assessment.

Entry requirements

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Offer levels

F590, F591, F592,: A level 300 points, IB Diploma 33 points inc 5 in HL Physics or 6 in SL Physics and 5 in HL Mathematics or 6 in SL Mathematics (not Mathematics Studies) or IB Diploma with 15 points at Higher inc 5 in HL Physics or 6 in SL Physics and 5 in HL Mathematics or 6 in SL Mathematics (not Mathematics Studies).

F305: on an individual basis.

Required subjects

A level Mathematics and Physics at a combination of grades BC.

Careers

Professional recognition

Degrees recognised by the Institute of Physics.

Our students go into areas such as research and development, technical management, computing, software design, the media and teaching. Many also go on to postgraduate study.