Astrophysics is active wherever the laws of physics are being tested to the limit – and beyond. Keele will help you to use astronomical observations, mathematical models and computer simulation to develop theories explaining some of the most complex phenomena.

You’ll develop your mathematics and computing skills, and apply them to solving a range of problems in the laboratory and beyond (you’ll have access to Keele’s own on-site observatory). We are committed to supporting you throughout your studies, providing you flexible access to our staff to seek advice or feedback.

Alongside this you will be studying Geology. The combined honours geology course at Keele covers a range of topics which may include looking at rocks, minerals and fossils and geological processes. On this course, we aim to focus particularly on applied research skills which will encourage you to collect, analyse and interpret different types of geological data, and to carry out your own research using specialist software and equipment. It may also cover geological processes such as earthquakes, volcanoes and plate tectonics, and how these processes produce different geological materials.

Geology is a practical subject with applied problem-solving laboratory classes and field courses where you will learn how to interpret and map geological features, and explore for future geological resources. You will acquire a wide range of transferable skills, including communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills, and the ability to research, evaluate and synthesise information from diverse sources. You will also explore subject specific-skills like the ability to manipulate, analyse and present geospatial data using industry standard GIS and drawing software.

This combined course is accredited by the Institute of Physics and is also accredited by the Geological Society of London.

An Astrophysics combined honours degree from Keele aims to prepare you for many different careers, which need not be directly related to astrophysics. You could take up all sorts of roles in industry, management, and public services, including teaching, health and finance. Many employers recognise that the versatility and flexibility of astrophysics means that graduates possess a wide range of valuable skills, from independent and critical thinking to the solving of sophisticated problems.

Geology graduates are likely to be high in demand as modern society requires increasing amounts of energy, raw materials and other resources such as water, the vast majority of which are discovered by geoscientists. Geologists are also needed for civil engineering in designing foundations and tunnels and in environmental projects such as carbon dioxide sequestration. You could go on to work in the mining, oil and gas, hydrogeology or geotechnical sector.