Astrophysics with Integrated master Keele University

Overview

The Astrophysics with Integrated master MSci degree from Keele University 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. An introductory module in astronomy explores planets, stars and galaxies, and the tools and techniques that Astronomers use to investigate them. You will make your own measurements at our on-campus observatory.

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. A specialist module in astronomy explores how stars and galaxies form and evolve, and how they can be modelled with fundamental physics, mathematics and computation.

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. Core advanced modules include electromagnetism, data-analysis and modelling, and working in groups to produce a report aimed at policy-makers on a problem of current or potential future concern.

In your final year of study, you will focus on developing advanced research skills through a Master's-level research project, conducting a literature review, and studying topics at the forefront of current research. You will also enhance your data analysis abilities and learn how to conduct research at an international level. This experience will equip you with a toolkit of technical and transferable skills, preparing you for employment across a range of professions that highly value analytical, computational, statistical, communication, and experimental expertise.

Career opportunities:

A degree in astrophysics opens up careers in diverse areas, including the academic, industrial research, data analysis, technology and medical technology, IT, telecommunications, electronics, space science, finance and energy sectors. To help you understand and explore the diverse career opportunities within the field, we have a dedicated physics and astrophysics careers tutor based in the school.

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