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Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics (MPhys 4 years)

  • MPhys
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 26 September 2026
  • Undergraduate
Canterbury campus
More about University of Kent

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics (MPhys 4 years)
Investigate the possibilities of life elsewhere within the universe and get involved with real space missions from ESA and NASA. This degree allows you to specialise in astronomy and space - from spacecraft design to star formation and astrobiology. Using our fantastic facilities, including the Beacon Observatory, and dedicated data analysis lab module, you'll learn from experts in the field and open up a range of careers in space science.

Our four-year integrated Master's programme (MPhys) allows you to hone the skills needed for research and technical roles in industry, or as a preparation for a PhD. Deepen your knowledge with specialised taught modules and work with an academic to carry out a real, open-ended research project.

If you don't have a science background or don't meet our entry requirements, you can take our foundation year.

Accreditation
This course is fully accredited by the Institute of Physics.

Your future
You’ll graduate with an excellent grounding in scientific knowledge and extensive laboratory experience, as well as a toolbox of transferable skills highly sought after by employers. These include excellent communication and problem-solving skills; analytical thinking; effective time management; and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. Our graduates have gone on to work for employers such as:

  • Airbus

  • The Met Office

  • Defence Engineering and Science Group (MoD)

  • BAE.

Location
Our city, your time.
It has never been a better time to study in Canterbury. Our high student population creates a vibrant, diverse and student-friendly atmosphere.
We are a hub of exciting new ideas emerging from a stunning historic city - join us and get involved!

Modules

You'll focus on the fundamentals of mathematics, physics and astronomy. You'll learn a broad range of subjects such as the multiwavelength universe and exoplanets, spacecraft design and operations, atomic and nuclear physics, and quantum physics. A combination of specialist modules and laboratory work on individual and group projects opens avenues for even deeper exploration: for example, stars, galaxies and the Universe, the Sun, the Earth and Mars and more. In the final year you can study advanced, specialist modules and work within one of our research groups to complete an in-depth research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Physics, Institute of

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Canterbury campus

Study options

  • MPhys • Full-time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 26 September 2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
F592
Institution code:
K24
Campus name:
Canterbury campus
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1, 2

University of Kent has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
F592
Institution code:
K24
Campus name:
Canterbury campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2

Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)

Direct entry into Year 2 of this programme is considered on a case by case basis.

International applicants

For further information about applying to Kent as an international student you can visit our International student webpages: https://www.kent.ac.uk/international. From here you will find useful information on country entry requirements, scholarship information, events and application guidance.
 
Kent has dedicated support available to international students through groups, networks, English language and more specialist services through our Student Support and Wellbeing team. Visit our guide for international students to find out more on how we can support you during your time at Kent: www.kent.ac.uk/guides/support-for-international-students

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff 112 - 128 points

including any required subjects as listed in the relevant qualification section

A level ABB - BBC

including any required subjects as listed in the relevant qualification section

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) DDM - DMM

including any required subjects as listed in the relevant qualification section

Access to HE Diploma

The University welcomes applications from Access to Higher Education Diploma candidates for consideration. A typical offer may require you to obtain a proportion of Level 3 credits in relevant subjects at merit grade or above.

Scottish Higher

Scottish Highers qualifications are considered on an individual basis

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme 32 - 28 points

32 points from the IB Diploma or 128 UCAS Tariff Points including either HL Maths/ Maths Methods or HL Maths: Analysis and Approaches at 5 OR SL Maths/ Maths Methods at 6

T Level

The University will consider applicants holding T level qualifications in subjects closely aligned to the course.

English language requirements

Applicants should have grade C or 4 in English Language GCSE or a suitable equivalent level qualification.

Please visit our website for further information: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements.html

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

As part of our commitment to widening participation at the University of Kent, we have a contextual admissions policy. We use data and indicators to help build a more rounded view of an applicant's achievements and potential, we are keen to ensure that we are able to identify talent using a range of applicant information in addition to prior attainment. We are also committed to ensuring that each applicant is assessed fairly. In general, contextual offers will be lower than our standard offer.

Learn more on the University of Kent website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

All fees for 2025/26 are to be confirmed. Please see the programme page at www.kent.ac.uk for further information on fees and funding options.

Sponsorship information

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. See our funding page for more details - https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/fees-and-funding

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