MPhys Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Year Abroad
About this course
MPhys in Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Year Abroad, an astrophysics degree centered on astronomical and planetary systems. Core topics include Programming, Signal Processing, Microelectronics, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Research Methods, Critical & Analytical Thinking, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The third year of the course is spent studying abroad at a partner institution. The first year covers the foundations through Mathematics I, Introduction to Optics, Astronomy and Relativity, Laboratory and Programming Skills, and Mechanics. The second year builds upon this with Mathematical Techniques for Physical Sciences, Physics Group Laboratory Project, Quantum and Atomic Physics, and Spacecraft Design and Operations. The third year continues with Modern Optics and Photonics, Thermal and Statistical Physics, Stars, Galaxies and the Universe, and The Solar System. The final year features advanced study and independent investigation through modules including MPhys Research Project, Astrobiology and Astrochemistry, Space Exploration: the 21st Century Space Industry, and Star Formation and Galactic Structure.
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: ABB including A level Mathematics at B (not Use of Mathematics) IB: 32 points in the IB Diploma or 128 UCAS tariff points , including HL Maths/Maths Methods or HL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches at 5 or SL Maths/Maths Methods at 6 (not Maths Studies/SL Maths: Applications & Interpretations).
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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 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 20%
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 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 85%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Access course: 5%
- A degree: 5%
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
- MPhys Research Project
- Astrobiology and Astrochemistry
- Space Exploration: the 21st Century Space Industry
- Star Formation and Galactic Structure
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MPhys Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Year Abroad 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 MPhys Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Year Abroad 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 MPhys Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Year Abroad 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 MPhys Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Year Abroad at University of Kent?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 113 UCAS points.
Is MPhys Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Year Abroad 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.
Does MPhys Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Year Abroad at University of Kent include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on MPhys Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Year Abroad at University of Kent?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.