Astronomy Space Science and Astrophysics with a Year In Industry

Astronomy, space science, and astrophysics is the study of the universe beyond Earth, from the formation and evolution of stars and galaxies to the nature of dark matter and dark energy, the possibilities of life elsewhere in the cosmos, and the physics that governs everything from planetary systems to the large-scale structure of the universe itself. It is a discipline that asks the largest questions human beings can ask, and answers them through a combination of mathematical theory, observational astronomy, and space science.

At the University of Kent, this four-year, full-time programme with a year in industry gives you the opportunity to work in a professional scientific or technology organisation, applying the skills developed in your academic studies in a real-world context before you complete your degree. You will investigate the possibilities of extraterrestrial life, engage with real space missions from organisations such as ESA and NASA, work with data from the Hubble Space Telescope and images from major ground-based observatories, and use Kent's own Beacon Observatory for practical astronomical work. The combination of theoretical physics, observational astronomy, and space science gives you a broad and rigorous engagement with the discipline.

Graduates of astronomy and astrophysics programmes go on to careers in research, space agencies, aerospace and satellite technology, data science, scientific computing, defence, and education. The quantitative and analytical skills the degree develops are also valued in finance, technology, and consultancy. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in astrophysics, space science, or physics, and some pursue research careers that contribute to our expanding understanding of the universe.

The year in industry provides professional experience that distinguishes graduates in a competitive job market.