BSc Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Foundation Year
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Foundation Year, an undergraduate degree centred on the study of astronomical systems, space science, and astrophysical principles. Core topics include Programming, Signal Processing, Microelectronics, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Critical & Analytical Thinking, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The course includes a compulsory foundation year designed for students who do not meet direct entry requirements or those transitioning from non-science backgrounds. The first year covers fundamental mathematics and introductory physical concepts through modules such as Mathematics I, Introduction to Optics, Astronomy and Relativity, Laboratory and Programming Skills, and Mechanics. The second year progresses into specialized physical theories and methods with modules including Mathematical Techniques for Physical Sciences, Physics Group Laboratory Project, Quantum and Atomic Physics, Electromagnetism and Relativity, Observational Astronomy and Exoplanets, and Spacecraft Design and Operations. The final year focuses on advanced astrophysical topics and applications, featuring modules such as Modern Optics and Photonics, Thermal and Statistical Physics, Stars, Galaxies and the Universe, The Solar System, Condensed Matter Physics, and Data Analysis and Investigation in Astronomy and Planetary Sciences.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: For those with a relevant science qualification our standard offer is CDD with one of these to be Maths or Physics. For those without a relevant science qualification, our standard offer is BCC. IB: 24 points in the IB Diploma or 80 UCAS tariff points, including HL Maths/Maths Methods, HL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or HL Physics at 4 or HL Maths Studies at 5 or SL Maths or Physics at 5.
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What students say
Based on about 13 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 79%
- Learning opportunities: 75%
- Assessment and feedback: 62%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 70%
- Learning resources: 86%
- Student voice: 64%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 40%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 35%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Information Technology Professionals: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 95 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 15%
- London: 30%
- South East: 34%
- South West: 8%
- Wales: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Access course: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of partially meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
- Recognised by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of eligibility for Associate Membership.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Mathematics I
- Introduction to Optics, Astronomy and Relativity
- Mathematics II
- Laboratory and Programming Skills
- Mechanics
- Introduction to Waves, Fields and the Quantum World
- Mathematical Techniques for Physical Sciences
- Physics Group Laboratory Project
- Quantum and Atomic Physics
- Electromagnetism and Relativity
- Observational Astronomy and Exoplanets
- Spacecraft Design and Operations
- Modern Optics and Photonics
- Thermal and Statistical Physics
- Stars, Galaxies and the Universe
- The Solar System
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Data Analysis and Investigation in Astronomy and Planetary Sciences
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Foundation Year at University of Kent earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £28,000 after 3 years, £36,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,500 and £42,500. The £36,000 median after five years is £2,500 less than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of BSc Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Foundation Year at University of Kent do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Foundation Year at University of Kent?
79% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Foundation Year at University of Kent?
The typical offer is CDD at A level, or 24 points in the IB. The average entrant had 109 UCAS points.
Is BSc Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Foundation Year at University of Kent accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of partially meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist. Recognised by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of eligibility for Associate Membership.
How many students continue on BSc Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Foundation Year at University of Kent?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.