University of Kent

Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Year Abroad - MPhys

University of KentCanterbury, United Kingdom

Course overview

Investigate the possibilities of life elsewhere within the universe and get involved with real space missions from ESA and NASA. You'll also work on Hubble Telescope data and images from giant telescopes, as well as working with our own Beacon Observatory. You'll have access to 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.

On this four-year MPhys course, you'll work with an academic in one of our research groups, carrying out an in-depth project connected with our research. You'll have the opportunity to spend your third year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions. This provides a wealth of personal and professional benefits.

You'll experience a different culture, establish international contacts, grow in self-confidence and enhance your employability. In addition, you'll develop the transferable skills to open up a world of job opportunities, leading to careers in research, aeronautics, engineering, medical physics, defence, teaching, finance and data analytics. If you don’t have a science background or don’t meet our entry requirements, you can take our foundation year.

If you'd like to understand our world at a fundamental level, from the smallest sub-atomic particles to the large-scale structure of the universe, you'll be interested in our MPhys Physics course. This course is fully accredited by the Institute of Physics.

Key highlights

  • Work on real ESA and NASA space missions
  • Analyse Hubble Telescope data and images from giant telescopes
  • Observe with the department's own Beacon Observatory
  • In-depth research project with an academic in a research group
  • Third year spent studying abroad at a partner institution
  • Fully accredited by the Institute of Physics

Entry requirements

  • UCAS tariff points: 112-128 — Typical offer 112-128 UCAS points A level ABB Contextual offer: BBC Contextual offers consider personal circumstances as well as academic grades.
  • A-level: ABB — Typical offer 112-128 UCAS points A level ABB Contextual offer: BBC Contextual offers consider personal circumstances as well as academic grades.
  • A-level: BBC — contextual offer
  • BTEC: DDM — BTEC DDM IB 128 Tariff points, Typically H5, H6, H6 30 points overall View all requirements
  • UCAS tariff points: 128 — BTEC DDM IB 128 Tariff points, Typically H5, H6, H6 30 points overall View all requirements

Scholarships

  • Kent Ambition to Succeed Scholarship

    Scholarship holders can expect to receive between £500-£2,000 for each year of study (pro-rata for part-time students), subject to satisfactory academic progress.

  • Kent International Scholarship for Undergraduates

    Scholarship value - £5,000

    Up to £5,000

  • KMMS Christopher and Henry Oldfield Academic Scholarship

    Tuition fee waiver for 4 years at the home rate (£9, 790 for 26/27).

  • KMMS Christopher and Henry Oldfield Support Scholarship

    Tuition fee waiver for 4 years at the home rate (£9,790 for 26/27).

  • KMMS Kingsman Scholarship

    Tuition fee waiver for 4 years at the home rate (£9,790 for 26/27).

  • KMMS Widening Participation Scholarship

    £1,500 maintenance per annum for a maximum of 5 years.

    Up to £1,500

  • Music Performance Scholarship

    £1,000 awarded each year to talented instrumentalists and singers studying for any degree at the University of Kent.

    Up to £1,000

  • Sanctuary Scholarships

    Tuition fees waived for the duration of your programme of study, or until you are able to access other Student Finance funding.

Careers this course leads to

  • Research scientist
  • Aeronautical engineer
  • Medical physicist
  • Defence scientist
  • Physics teacher
  • Data analyst

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790 per year | International: £23,500 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Kent, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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