BSc (Hons) Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Professional Placement

If you want to combine your passion for the cosmos with real-world industry experience, the BSc (Hons) Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Professional Placement at the University of Kent is the perfect fit. This four-year program is designed to immerse you in hands-on science from day one, while your professional placement year gives you a unique opportunity to apply your skills in a real workplace—either in the UK or abroad—before you graduate.

Experiential learning is at the heart of this degree, and you’ll benefit from Kent’s outstanding facilities, expert staff, and strong industry links. Here’s how your learning experience will stand out:

• Access to the Beacon Observatory: A fully automated, internet-connected facility with both optical and radio telescope capability, where you’ll conduct real astronomical observations and research projects.

• Dedicated data analysis laboratory modules: Teaching you to handle, process, and interpret astronomical and space science data using industry-standard software.

• Involvement in real space missions: From ESA and NASA, and hands-on work with Hubble Space Telescope data and images from major observatories.

• Practical laboratory sessions: In state-of-the-art teaching labs, equipped for synthetic and analytical techniques ranging from soft organic polymers to nanoparticles and highly sensitive organometallic species.

• Group projects and open-ended laboratory investigations: Fostering teamwork, communication, and problem-solving as you tackle real scientific challenges.

• A paid professional placement year: (Between your second and final years), where you’ll work in industry, produce an independent research project, and build valuable connections for your future career. Placements can be in the UK or abroad, and you’ll receive support from the university in finding a suitable role.

• Specialist modules: Covering spacecraft design, star formation, astrobiology, exoplanet detection, galaxy and star properties, and the physics of the solar system—all with strong practical components.

• Opportunities to join student-run societies: Like Space Soc, PhySoc, and the Amateur Rocketry Society, where you can participate in talks, demonstrations, and social events with fellow enthusiasts.

• Full accreditation by the Institute of Physics: Ensuring your degree is recognised by employers and professional bodies worldwide.

Graduates of the University of Kent’s BSc (Hons) Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Professional Placement are highly employable, moving into roles such as space scientist, research scientist, spacecraft engineer, data analyst, aerospace/defence specialist, medical physicist, teacher, and science communicator. Many alumni also pursue further study in astrophysics, space science, engineering, or related fields, or work in sectors including government agencies, research institutions, education, and industry.

Here’s how Kent specifically supports your future:

• Career Services & Experiential Learning: The program features a year-long professional placement (taken between your second and final years), where you work in industry in the UK or abroad. This paid placement allows you to apply the skills you’ve learned, gain valuable work experience, and build important professional connections. During your placement, you complete an independent research project and, upon returning, present your experiences to your peers. Teaching throughout the degree includes lectures, laboratory sessions, project and console classes, and group work, with assessment via coursework, exams, lab and project reports, and presentations.

• Industry Partnerships & Research: Kent students get involved with real space missions from ESA and NASA, analyze Hubble Space Telescope data, and use images from giant telescopes as well as the university’s own Beacon Observatory (with both optical and radio telescope capability). The program is supported by strong links to optical laboratories, the European Space Agency, NASA, local health authorities, aerospace/defence industries, and software and engineering companies. Students also benefit from Kent’s first-class research laboratories and the opportunity to join student-run societies like Space Soc and PhySoc for networking and skills development.

• Employment Stats & Salary: Graduates are equipped with highly transferable skills in problem-solving, analytical thinking, programming, and teamwork. They have gone on to work for employers such as Airbus, the Met Office, Defence Engineering and Science Group (MoD), and BAE Systems. The professional placement year significantly enhances employability and often leads to job offers upon graduation.

• Accreditation: The BSc (Hons) Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Professional Placement is fully accredited by the Institute of Physics (IoP), ensuring professional recognition and a pathway to further professional qualifications or postgraduate study.

• Graduate Outcomes: Students graduate with a robust foundation in physics, astronomy, and space science, and advanced skills in observation, computation, and data analysis. The curriculum covers spacecraft design, star and galaxy formation, astrobiology, planetary science, and cosmology, preparing you for both immediate employment and further academic or professional training.

Further Academic Progression: After your BSc (Hons) Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics with a Professional Placement at Kent, you can pursue an MSc in astronomy, astrophysics, space science, or related fields at Kent or other leading universities. The program also prepares you for professional roles in research, industry, education, or science communication, supported by Kent’s strong research environment, faculty mentorship, and extensive industry and global partnerships.