Undergraduate BSc (Hons)
Physics with Astrophysics
with a Foundation Year
Excited by discovery? Passionate about exploring the cosmos? This is the degree for you.
Excited by discovery? Passionate about exploring the cosmos? This is the degree for you.
Physics gives you the tools to understand our world at a fundamental level, from the smallest sub-atomic particles to the large-scale structure of the universe. Our dedicated foundation year will give you the knowledge and skills needed for entry to any of our physics, astrophysics, astronomy or space science degrees.
This course is designed for science students who do not meet the requirements for direct entry to Stage 1 of our degree courses. It is also an excellent conversion course for applicants who have shown academic ability in non-science subjects. We consider applicants without traditional academic qualifications who have relevant professional experience.
Successful completion of the foundation year allows you to move on to any of our physics, astrophysics, astronomy or space science degrees, including the four-year integrated Master's (MPhys).
You'll also develop the transferable skills to open up a world of job opportunities, leading to careers in research, aeronautics, engineering, medical physics, defence, teaching, finance and data analytics.
This course is fully accredited by the Institute of Physics.
Your degree opens the door to lots of exciting careers; Year in Industry can help you discover which option is right for you.
Our dedicated Careers and Placements Team are here to help you develop employability skills and confidence.
Exploring all areas of physics was important to Lucy Abbott, which is why she chose to study at Kent – that and Kent's friendly atmosphere.
You'll discover the latest developments in areas such as quantum materials and medical imaging from innovative teachers who are also active researchers.
You'll use newly-refurbished physics and astronomy labs, a photonics centre and the Beacon Observatory with optical telescope.
Our typical offer levels are listed below and include indicative contextual offers. If you hold alternative qualifications just get in touch and we'll be glad to discuss these with you.
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.
The University will consider applicants holding/studying BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) in a relevant Science or Engineering subject at 120 credits or more, on a case by case basis. Please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.
80 tariff points - typically H5, H4, H4 at HL including HL Maths/Maths Method, HL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or HL Physics at 4 or HL Maths Studies at 5, or SL Maths or Physics at 5.
N/A
The University will consider applicants holding T level qualifications in subjects closely aligned to the course.
The University welcomes applications from Access to Higher Education Diploma candidates for consideration. A typical offer would be to Obtain Access to HE Diploma with 45 Credits at Level 3 with 9 Credits at Distinction and 12 Credits at Merit. A Science Access programme including Maths and Physics at Level 3 would be required.
Successful completion of the foundation year allows you to move on to any of our physics, astrophysics, astronomy or space science degrees, including the four-year integrated Master's (MPhys).
A solid grasp of algebra is a fundamental requirement for advanced study in any STEM subject. In this module, you'll study the foundational algebra and coordinate geometry required for Stage 1 entry into your chosen degree and explore why they are so vital to your subject area.
Calculus – the study of continuous change – is a pillar of advanced mathematics, with important applications in STEM and financial subjects. Calculus, and in particular differential equations, are central to real-life applications of mathematics in a wide variety of subject areas, ranging from physics and engineering to biology and finance.
In this module, you’ll develop your knowledge of mathematical functions to give you a solid foundation for understanding calculus and other advanced topics. You’ll then move on to study differential calculus and its applications, allowing you to quantify and model rates of change mathematically and consistently and find the gradient of any curve. Finally, you’ll look at integral calculus and differential equations, allowing you to find anti-derivatives and model real-life situations.
To become a scientist, you need to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical demonstrations. This is your chance to do that through hands-on experience in experimenting, measuring, and analysing physical phenomena, taking your first step towards becoming a scientist.
This experiential learning not only reinforces classroom theories but also fosters critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, presentation skills, and a deeper understanding of scientific principles, including measurement errors and uncertainties.
Beyond this, you’ll cultivate a curiosity and a sense of inquiry, essential qualities for aspiring scientists. By engaging in active experimentation, you’ll set a solid foundation for further exploration in the field, joining the next generation of scientific innovators.
The principles of matter and waves are important topics underpinning much of physics. So, to start your journey into physics, you will cover general wave behaviour as applied to several physical phenomena, including water waves, sounds waves and electromagnetic waves. After this, we will elaborate upon electromagnetics, covering principles of electrostatics and magnetism, as well introducing the topics of atomic, molecular and nuclear physics.
After finishing this module, you’ll be equipped with the elementary components of these topics appropriate for further study within your chosen degree.
You take all compulsory modules.
To ensure you make rapid progress in physics, you need to understand mathematics. You’ll undertake an in-depth study of calculus, complex numbers and vector mathematics, as well as statistical methods for data analysis.
Through the calculus component, you will delve into the fundamental principles of differentiation and integration, emphasising their relevance in physics applications. This foundation will pave the way for mastering key techniques directly applicable to physics problems and scenarios. Additionally, you will be introduced to scientific programming in Python, expanding your horizons in the application of computer and IT packages used to build mathematical models of physical behaviour.
This gives you the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to go on in your degree and produce your best work both now, and later in your career.
You’ll dive into all the important topics in astronomy, optics and special relativity using straightforward mathematics to help you master the concepts.
You’ll study light focussing on the key principles of geometrical optics, and how they allow us to design and understand instruments including astronomical telescopes. This will lead into an exploration of important topics in modern astronomy, such as determining distances and observational properties of stars, beginning with our own solar system and extending to objects at the very limits of the observable universe.
You’ll also receive an introduction to the fascinating subject of special relativity, encountering concepts such as space-time, time dilation and the relativity of simultaneity. After completing this module, you’ll be well-prepared for more advanced topics in astrophysics, optics and theoretical physics.
Building on your knowledge developed through ‘Mathematics I’ you’ll explore key mathematical techniques involving multiple independent variables. These include the topics of differential equations, multivariate calculus, non-Cartesian coordinates, and vector calculus that are needed for further study in physics.
Use of numerical approaches towards mathematical problem-solving is also introduced, demonstrating use of computational algorithms and techniques to solve diverse problems and graphically present and interpret data. This further exploration of mathematics gives you the skills you need to explore pressing questions throughout the universe and sets you up for further study, and later, your career.
This is your chance to get hands-on through a series of experiments giving you experience in using laboratory apparatus and equipment. This will also teach you how to accurately record and analyse data in laboratory notebooks and write scientific laboratory reports. You’ll carry out experiments covering subjects found in the Physics degree program and are run parallel with Computing Skills workshops in which you will be introduced to the fundamentals of using programming/scripting, and its application to analyse and report data from their experiments.
By completing this module, you’ll become a competent user of experimental, computational and communication tools, understanding the inherent uncertainties of empirical science and what this means in relation to scientific findings, and knowing the standards expected of you in reporting scientific results, in readiness for more advanced laboratory work.
Embark on an exciting and comprehensive journey into the intricate world of motion, energy, and momenta and thoroughly understand the fundamental laws of motion, including the mathematical principles underpinning them.
Explore concepts such as momentum, energy, rotational motion, angular momentum, and gravitational forces, and gain an appreciation of the mathematical description of harmonic oscillations and learn how to apply them to real-world scenarios. In addition to these core topics, you’ll cover a range of related subjects essential for understanding key concepts in physics and how they underpin natural phenomena. Through delving into associated areas such as static equilibrium, elastic properties of objects, and fluid mechanics, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the physical world and make connections between seemingly disparate phenomena.
With a solid foundation in these concepts, you’ll be well-equipped to launch careers in engineering, technology, and other fields that require a strong understanding of fundamental physics principles.
You’ll explore waves, fields and the quantum world through two parts, giving you the chance to make rapid progress and get the knowledge you need for further investigation and exploration.
The first part of the module introduces you to electric fields, magnetic fields, and electro-magnetic phenomena including the behaviour of electric circuits and electromagnetic radiation. This will culminate in a fundamental, classical understanding of light as an electromagnetic wave, connecting what you have learned about optics with your knowledge of waves from earlier modules.
The second part of the module breaks out of the mould of Classical Physics to introduce its successor, Quantum Physics, according to which light can behave as discrete units. You’ll also explore how a new type of wave, called a "wave function", can be used to describe the behaviour not of light, but of particles. This is what will set you up for a fuller exploration of the quantum world later in your studies, opening up a whole universe of possibilities.
You take all compulsory modules.
Mathematical techniques are essential for solving problems in physics and related fields. You will gain comprehensive grounding in the mathematical methods necessary for solving differential equations, understanding special functions, and conducting harmonic analysis. You’ll also get a grounding in numerical methods and asymptotic analysis, preparing students for the analytical challenges they will encounter in their studies and professional lives.
Building on a strong mathematical foundation for further study and research, the skills you develop will not only benefit you academically but also enhance your employability, preparing you for technical roles in research, engineering, data analysis, and beyond, where rigorous mathematical reasoning and problem-solving abilities are highly valued by employers.
Modern science is a collaborative effort, requiring physicists to work in teams of varying sizes, and to communicate their results to a wide range of audiences. We ensure you will develop your ability to conduct complex investigations as a team, and to disseminate your outcomes.
You’ll do this through producing more comprehensive written reports and using computational scripts to analyse and visualise data. A key focus is on analysis of experimental uncertainties and comparison with underlying physical theories. Your team-working skills will be developed through a group project focused on a real, open-ended research topic, with problems chosen from a list drawn from the research interests of academics, problems set by industry, and areas such as physics education and outreach.
The skills developed in this module will help prepare you for more in-depth investigations later in your degree and for collaborative working in your future career.
Dive into the fascinating world of quantum mechanics, where you will develop a comprehensive understanding of wave functions, the Schrödinger equation, and quantum numbers, essential for describing the properties of key physical systems.
This module introduces you to critical terminology and mathematical concepts fundamental to quantum mechanics, such as eigenstates, eigenvalues, and expectation values. You will explore the Schrödinger equation through various important systems, including two-state systems, particles in simple potentials, and the simple harmonic oscillator. You will also learn how to use the Schrödinger equation in different coordinate systems to understand the concept of angular momentum in quantum mechanics.
In the realm of atomic physics, you will investigate solutions for atoms, with a particular focus on the hydrogen atom, and study their interactions with electromagnetic radiation. These methods extend to the study of molecules and nuclei, providing a robust framework for understanding a wide range of physical phenomena.
This module offers a detailed and accurate portrayal of atomic structures, which are the fundamental building blocks of numerous physical processes and phenomena.
Electromagnetism and Relativity are two fundamental classical theories in Physics. You'll be introduced to a range of important laws and principles that lay the foundation for studies in these fields. You'll develop an understanding of magnetic and electric fields and how to apply Maxwell’s laws to describe all phenomena involving electromagnetic waves (from radio waves to visible light, X-rays and gamma rays).
Once the propagation of light has been discussed and understood in the context of Electromagnetism, you will study the consequences of the constant velocity of light in the context of Einstein’s theory of Special Relativity. The theory will be applied to understanding concepts such as time dilation and event horizon.
You'll acquire a deeper understanding of highly formalised theories, and how these are powerful tools to solve a diverse range of problems. You'll also develop your skills for formal reasoning and fundamental mathematical tools (vector fields in particular), applying these to solve problems in the context of the systems studied in the module and will contribute to the skills set of a physicist for your future career.
Build on the introduction to astronomy taught in earlier stages. You will enhance your knowledge of astrophysics through the study of the theory, formalism and fundamental principles, developing a rigorous grounding in observational, computational and theoretical aspects of astrophysics.
In particular, you will study topics such as properties of galaxies and stars, the detection of planets outside the solar system, and CCD cameras. There is the opportunity to take part in observations with the Beacon Observatory. This deepening of your knowledge and practical, hands-on experience in astronomy is valuable for you to kick-start a career in the field.
The rise of artificial intelligence is greatly impact every field, including natural sciences. Gain the practical skills you need to apply artificial intelligence techniques across various natural sciences disciplines. Acknowledging the critical need for machine learning expertise in fields ranging from medical sports to chemistry and physics, you’ll gain hands-on learning, preparing you to meet the demands of industry and academic research that increasingly rely on artificial intelligence for data analysis, forecasting, and classification tasks.
Building on key concepts in machine learning, you’ll gain understanding and learn about application of deep neural networks through active learning. Indicative topics include advances to convolutional and recurrent neural networks, including language models and transformers, leveraging tools like Keras, TensorFlow, and HuggingFace libraries. As a natural science student you’ll become proficient and responsible practitioners of artificial intelligence technologies, ready to contribute to advancements in whatever field you want to make a difference in.
You take all compulsory modules.
All modern technologies rely on the use of light in some way or another, which makes understanding light absolutely essential. This module provides you with an immersive experience, allowing you to discover fundamental and contemporary concepts that shape our understanding of how light interacts with matter. You'll explore the practical applications of optics and photonics in various fields, such as telecommunications, medicine, manufacturing, and computing, giving you experience aligned with a range of potential careers.
Throughout the module, you'll acquire knowledge and skills in designing and analysing optical systems, becoming proficient in using tools such as lasers and fibre optics and enhancing your problem-solving skills. In doing so, you'll understand how your developing expertise can be applied in practice, including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts, to make a positive difference to the world around you.
Explore the classic theory of thermodynamics and how the thermal properties of physical objects can be described in terms of their microscopic properties through the application of statistical mechanics. You'll learn the three laws of thermodynamics and how to use them to understand physical phenomena, such as the conversion of heat into work in an engine or the cooling cycle in a refrigerator.
You'll learn how to derive measurable, bulk properties such as temperature, heat capacity, entropy or magnetisation from the behaviour of the microscopic components in a gas or a paramagnet. Statistical mechanics bridges the gap between the microscopic and macroscopic description of the physical world; you'll apply theoretical principles, alongside a range of mathematical skills, to contemporary issues such as how heat pumps work, the effect of temperature on defects in a crystalline solid, heat capacity due to electrons in a metal, to address real-world problems and potential solutions.
Building on your studies in observational astronomy, this module provides a balanced and rigorous course in astrophysics for BSc students. You'll develop and enhance your knowledge of astrophysics through the study of the theory, formalism, and fundamental principles.
You'll also delve into the equations describing the internal structure of stars, energy transport mechanisms, nuclear fusion processes, and the evolution of stars off the main sequence. The second half of the module explores topics such as high-redshift galaxies, galaxy clusters, and active galactic nuclei (AGN), general relativity, cosmological principles, the age and stages of the universe, dark matter, dark energy, and the cosmic microwave background.
You'll finish the module having embarked on a thrilling journey through the cosmos, equipped with essential skills and understanding needed for astronomy at a professional level and be on a firm footing should you wish to pursue further studies in astrophysics at MPhys level and beyond.
Explore the constituents of matter and how the structured arrangement of atoms in a solid gives rise to their properties. You'll start by looking at the structure and properties of the nucleus, as well as its stability and fission and fusion processes. You'll then study how the regular arrangement of atoms in a lattice gives rise to crystalline solids and proceed to investigate how the behaviour of electrons in crystals is responsible for many of the properties we find in the materials driving technology (such as metals, semiconductors, magnetic materials). The theoretical principles taught in the lectures, as well as a range of mathematical skills, will be applied to solving problems, including those related to electronics and optoelectronic devices.
Become more fluent and adept at solving and discussing general problems in Physics (and its related disciplines of mathematics and engineering). This includes the use of numerical approximations to solve problems, building on the programming skills already gained , complementing the analytical methods that students have been trained to use in earlier stages.
There is no formal curriculum for this course, which uses and demands only physical and mathematical concepts with which students at this level are already familiar.
Problems are presented and solutions discussed in small seminar groups, covering topics spanning several areas in the undergraduate physics curriculum (Mechanics and statics, thermodynamics, and optics, etc), as well as those involving the application of formal logic and reasoning, simple probability, statistics, estimation and linear mathematics.
You'll develop your ability to think flexibily, enhancing your readiness to find analytical or computational solutions to many professional challenges and contemporary issues.
This computational Astrophysics and Machine Learning laboratory provides an overview and practical experience in several distinct topics of astrophysics research and builds on earlier skills development in programming. The topics of experimental and project work include data reduction, virtual observatories, big data, machine learning techniques, Astrometry, Photometry and Spectroscopy. Students are expected to take part in at least two observing nights with our Beacon Observatory. This on-campus facility offers hands-on astronomical experience with a research-grade dome and telescope, enhancing the quality of your degree experience and better preparing you for a career in the space and astronomy sector.
You'll gain a practical underpinning to your theoretical astrophysics work. Working through the experiments provided, using authentic data, will leave you with a richer appreciation and understanding of the subject matter, equipping you with skills to succeed as working astronomers, which are also transferable to many other professional disciplines.
Teaching is by lectures, practical classes, tutorials and workshops.
A mix of approaches will be employed to measure accomplishment in subject knowledge, problem-solving, practical and communications skills.
For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200 learning hours which include both direct contact hours and private study hours. The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules.
Methods of assessment will vary according to subject specialism and individual modules.
Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.
For course aims and learning outcomes please see the course specification.
You graduate with an excellent grounding in scientific knowledge and extensive laboratory experience. In addition, you also develop the key transferable skills sought by employers, such as: excellent communication and analytical skills; problem-solving and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. This means you’re well equipped for careers in a range of fields.
Our graduates have gone on to work for companies such as:
Read some of their stories and find out about the range of support and extra opportunities available to further your career potential.
*The Government announced on 4 November 2024 that tuition fees in England for Home students will increase to £9,535 from £9,250 for the academic year 2025/26. This increase requires Parliamentary approval, which is expected to be given in early/mid 2025.
Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy.
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
Students will require regular access to a desktop computer/laptop with an internet connection to use the University of Kent’s online resources and systems. Please see information about the minimum computer requirements for study.
Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. See our funding page for more details.
We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.
Next steps
If you are from the UK or Ireland, you must apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not from the UK or Ireland, you can apply through UCAS or directly on our website if you have never used UCAS and you do not intend to use UCAS in the future.
We welcome applications from students all around the world with a wide range of international qualifications.
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