Physics and Astronomy at Kent is a friendly and welcoming community for those who share a passion for understanding the physical world. We offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in physics, astronomy and space science, conduct fundamental and applied research, and engage with the wider community through our outreach programme.
In the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), an impressive 93% of Kent's Physics research outputs were judged to be world-leading or internationally excellent.
Our vision
We aspire to be
recognised for delivering world-class research and teaching excellence
in physics and astronomy, transforming our society through our innovative
and interdisciplinary research, and educating our students to enhance
and improve the local and global community.
At Kent, academics, researchers and students are all part of the
same close-knit scientific community. We welcome staff and students from
all over the world and have a strong commitment to equality and diversity within everything we do. Together we create success.
Inspirational teaching
Our world-leading research feeds directly into our teaching; our
courses provide cutting-edge content and you learn about the latest
breakthroughs in scientific research. We use a range of teaching
methods, from traditional lectures and laboratory classes to hands-on
work.
Our emphasis on problem solving and laboratory work allows you to
develop a confidence that can extend well beyond your studies, allowing
you to tackle new and unfamiliar challenges. This aspect of our teaching
has proved to be popular with many employers and we have an outstanding
record for graduate employment.
We have achieved national
and international recognition for providing high-quality teaching and
all our degrees are accredited by the Institute of Physics,
ensuring you have excellent job prospects.
Why study Physics and Astronomy at Kent?
Employability
We
are committed to helping you to make the best possible start in your career.
All our undergraduate courses offer the opportunity to spend a year on a work
placement (Professional Placement), which is a great way to boost your employability prospects by
putting your learning into practice and making contacts in industry.
The
subjects have a specialist employability and placements team and develop you skills for the future.
Our graduates are well equipped for careers across a range of fields and have gone on to work for companies such as BAE, Defence Science and Technology, Rolls Royce, Siemens and IBM.
All of the lecturers are lovely, they’re always helpful. There’s a variety of teaching styles but all of them are good at teaching. They’re happy for you to drop by their office and explain anything you’re having trouble with.
In Physics and Astronomy at Kent, 93% of our research outputs were judged as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
Research benefits all our students and we offer many opportunities for them to take part, for instance in final-year undergraduate or
postgraduate research projects and summer internships.
State-of-the-art facilities
At Kent, you have access to the most up-to-date resources and can
gain hands-on experience in our laboratories and Beacon observatory.
In Physics and Astronomy, we work hard to create a welcoming, supportive and diverse community for all our staff and students. The subjects are proud to be recognised as a Juno Practitioner by the Institute of Physics. This initiative recognises the work that is being done to address issues relating to gender equality. We are committed to supporting all staff and students to develop their skills and realise their potential more effectively, to the benefit of everyone.
We also received an Athena Swan Bronze Award for progressing gender equality work within the School, in consultation with staff and students.
Great location
Physics and Astronomy are based on our Canterbury campus with its first-class academic and leisure facilities. We are equipped with the latest resources and our beautiful setting offers plenty of tranquil spaces to study and relax.
Everything you need on campus is within walking distance, including a general store, a bookshop, bank, cinema, theatre, a medical centre and a pharmacy. You can go off campus to explore the city's medieval buildings, historic pubs and an array of shops; visit the seaside towns of Whitstable, Margate or Broadstairs with their beautiful beaches, or head to London, just an hour away by high-speed train.
