How to Apply to Physics at Keele University: IoP-Accredited BSc Degrees in Physics, Astrophysics, Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence and Renewable Energy Routes Plus a Four-Year MSci in Astrophysics, With Entry Requirements for UK, International (Including Chinese) and Transfer Applicants

Keele University is on a campus in Staffordshire, England, and its physics degrees are taught in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences. This guide uses Keele's 2027-entry course pages and its application, fees, scholarship and transfer pages, and sets out what you need to know for September 2027 entry as a UK applicant, an international applicant (including students at Chinese high schools) or someone hoping to join in Year 2.

1. Which physics degrees there are and how you are admitted

• Five single-honours BSc degrees, three years or four with an international or placement year: Physics (F300); Physics with Astrophysics (F301); Physics with Mathematics (F3G1); Physics with Artificial Intelligence (F3G4); and Physics with Renewable Energy (FH32).
• Four-year integrated master's: the course listed is Astrophysics with Integrated Master's (MSci, F512), four years or five with an international year. Keele does not list a separate Physics MPhys or MSci. The page says the programme has recently been refreshed and the new structure will be reviewed by the IoP for accreditation, so ask the School about its accreditation status.
• Accreditation: the BSc course pages for Physics, Physics with Astrophysics, Physics with Renewable Energy, Physics with Mathematics and Physics with Artificial Intelligence say they are accredited by the Institute of Physics (IoP), and that accredited BSc programmes partly meet the educational requirements for Chartered Physicist status.
• You apply to a specific course in UCAS. In all the BSc routes Year 1 covers gravitation and relativity, matter, electricity, magnetism and waves, with Python programming, laboratory work, mathematics and scientific writing. Physics with Astrophysics adds an introductory astronomy module and measurements at the on-campus observatory; Physics with Renewable Energy adds an introduction to climate change and renewable energy; Physics with Mathematics adds calculus and differential equations; Physics with Artificial Intelligence combines physics with programming and computational methods in the first two years and then data science, machine learning and AI techniques.
• Years 2 and 3: Year 2 covers optics, quantum mechanics and nuclear physics with individual experiments and team investigations; in the final year there is a substantial experimental, computational or theoretical research project (the Physics with Artificial Intelligence page also mentions an industry placement in the final year), and advanced modules such as electromagnetism, solid-state physics and quantum mechanics. Keele says its research is concentrated in astrophysics and condensed matter physics, including exoplanets and stellar physics.
• Placements and time abroad: you can spend a year between Years 2 and 3 with a physics-focused company or organisation, or an international year or semester at an exchange partner.
• Foundation year: Physics, Physics with Astrophysics, Physics with Artificial Intelligence, Physics with Renewable Energy and the Astrophysics MSci each have a foundation-year version (UCAS codes F306, F307, F3G5, FH33 and F513), described as the route for UK/Home applicants, needing 56 UCAS points including at least one Level 3 qualification plus GCSE or Functional Skills English and Maths at C or above; for Physics with Artificial Intelligence you are contacted after applying to confirm your second subject. The foundation-year section on the Physics with Mathematics page refers to a Mathematics with Foundation Year (G101) and 40 UCAS points, which does not match the other physics pages; confirm with the admissions team. International students use the KUIC International Foundation Year (below).
• Admissions tests and interviews: the physics course pages do not mention an admissions test or an interview.
• Related degrees: Keele also offers joint courses such as Chemistry with Mathematics, which are not covered here.

2. Prior study and grades (as written on the course pages)

• A-Level: Physics, Physics with Astrophysics, Physics with Artificial Intelligence, Physics with Renewable Energy and the Astrophysics MSci all ask for ABB in three A-Levels including a B in Maths or in Physics; the contextual offer is BBC with the same subject condition and applies to Home students only. Physics with Mathematics asks for ABB including a B in Maths. The "typical offer" panel reads A-Level ABB, BTEC DDM, T Level Distinction.
• IB Diploma: 655 in three Higher Levels including a 5 in Maths or Physics, or 32 points including a 5 in Higher Level Maths or Physics; contextual 554 or 30 points. Physics with Mathematics needs a 5 in Higher Level Maths (either course).
• Scotland: BBBBC in five Highers including Maths or Physics; or BC in two Advanced Highers plus CC in two Highers including Maths or Physics; or BCC in three Advanced Highers including Maths or Physics; plus a B in National 5 Maths or a 6/B in GCSE Maths.
• BTEC and others: the BTEC Extended Diploma must be in Engineering at DDM; T Level Distinction; Access to HE 128 UCAS points with maths-related content and at least 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction, plus GCSE Maths 6/B. Qualifications from Canada, the USA, Singapore, India and elsewhere have their own figures in the course page drop-down.
• English: the physics courses need Group A (IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in each component).
• For Core Maths and EPQ alternative offers and for contextual offers see the UK applicants section below; Keele states these schemes are for Home students only.

How to apply and key dates

• All applications go through UCAS. Keele states that every undergraduate course is applied for online through UCAS; Keele's UCAS institution code is K12, and one UCAS application can include up to five course choices. An application contains your personal details and qualifications (including GCSE-level or equivalent), your course choices, a personal statement (Keele has a separate personal-statement guidance page) and a reference from a teacher, adviser or professional who knows you academically. Keele only says the UCAS fee is "small"; check the amount on the UCAS website.
• Dates for September 2027 entry (Keele's "2027 entry" application page): the 2027 UCAS cycle opens for submission from September 2026; the equal consideration deadline is 18:00 GMT on 13 January 2027, and applications in by then are reviewed in the same way. Keele adds that for most courses it welcomes applications after that date, so check the course page (one sentence on that page refers to the "2025 entry cycle", which looks like a typo; confirm with the admissions team). UCAS Extra opens on 25 February 2027, and 18:00 GMT on 30 June 2027 is the last date in the main cycle; later applications go into Clearing, which opens on 2 July 2027. Keele says that if you apply by the January deadline you will normally hear by the end of March.
• After you apply: offer holders can attend an Applicant Visit Day, choose their first and second choice in UCAS when UCAS asks, apply for accommodation once an offer is accepted, and have the place confirmed on results day.
• Interviews: Keele lists these courses as interviewing all applicants: Medicine, Midwifery, Nursing (all routes), Occupational Therapy, Paramedic Science, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Social Work, Speech and Language Therapy and Veterinary Medicine. For other courses only some applicants with non-traditional qualifications may be invited. The physics course pages used for this guide do not mention an admissions interview or test.

International applicants: English and qualifications

• English requirements are set by group. Keele's "English language entry requirements 2027/28" page sorts courses into Groups A to F, and each course page says which group it needs. The physics courses are in Group A, that is IELTS Academic 6.0 with 5.5 in each component or the equivalent. For applicants who need a visa, a test must be dated within the two years before the course start date, results from different tests cannot be combined, and the most recent English qualification is the one considered.
• Group A scores on Keele's table: IELTS Academic 6.0 with 5.5 in all components; Pearson Academic 59 with 54 in each component; Cambridge English 169 with 162 in all components; LanguageCert Academic 65 with 60 in all components. Other tests, including TOEFL iBT, are on the official table. Group B is IELTS 6.5 (5.5 in each component), Group D is 7.0 (6.5 in each) and Group E is 7.0 in reading, listening and speaking and 6.5 in writing.
• Exemptions: the list of countries exempt from an English test is stated to apply to postgraduate students only; the undergraduate page has no country-based exemption list. Listed qualifications such as GCSE or IGCSE English at 4/C, A-Level English Language or Literature at D, and IB English at SL4 or HL4 can meet the requirement.
• If your English is not yet high enough: Keele runs a Pre-sessional English course, and the International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). KUIC's own entry requirements are on a separate website and are not given on the pages used for this guide; check it before applying.
• Foundation routes: the China page says applicants who do not meet direct entry to Year 1 can apply for a Foundation Year. For several countries (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan) the course pages state that the national secondary certificate is not accepted for direct entry and point to the KUIC International Foundation Year.
• Other national qualifications: each course page gives a figure for dozens of qualifications, including Canada, the USA (AP and non-AP), Singapore, Hong Kong (HKDSE), India and the IB; the figures differ by course, so follow the page of the course you apply to.
• International enquiries: international@keele.ac.uk. Where a subject requirement applies, use the qualification drop-down on the course page.

Applicants from China

• How the gaokao is used: Keele's China page says direct entry to Year 1 requires the Senior Secondary School Graduation Certificate plus the gaokao, or a recognised pre-university or foundation course. For courses at ABB to BBC level it asks for 80% overall on the graduation certificate and 75% in the gaokao; for courses at BCC to CCC level, 75% on the certificate and 70% in the gaokao. Courses with a subject requirement are considered individually.
• The course pages state it differently: each course page gives its own gaokao percentage and does not mention a graduation-certificate percentage. For physics the course pages read: gaokao 72%, including 69% in Maths or Physics (Physics with Mathematics: gaokao 72% including 69% in Maths). Keele does not explain how the two statements fit together, and this guide does not try to reconcile them; ask the admissions team (enquiries@keele.ac.uk or international@keele.ac.uk) which one applies to you.
• English: the China page asks for IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each component for Year 1 entry (the exact level follows the English group of your course, see above).
• Foundation route: applicants who do not meet direct entry can apply to the International Foundation Year at Keele University International College (KUIC); its requirements are on the KUIC website and are not given on the pages used for this guide.
• China office: Keele states that it has a China office that now manages all agents operating in China; the China regional manager's email and the official WeChat account ("英国基尔大学") are listed on the China page. The pages used here do not spell out transcript authentication, huikao (academic proficiency test) materials or any interview for Chinese applicants; ask the admissions team or the China office.
• Keele also states that international students starting in September who apply by 30 June are guaranteed on-campus accommodation.

Fees and scholarships

• International tuition fees (2027/28): Keele groups undergraduate courses into Bands 0 to 7 with annual fees of £18,900 (Band 0), £20,700 (1), £21,800 (2), £22,900 (3), £23,400 (4), £23,900 (5), £24,400 (6) and £26,600 (7); Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and a few other courses sit outside the bands and are priced on their own course pages. The physics course pages, including the Astrophysics MSci and Physics with Mathematics, show Band 1, £20,700 for 2027/28. The course pages also say that "international fees for 2027/28 entry have not yet been confirmed", while the banding page is headed 2027/28; both statements stand on the website, so confirm with Keele before you apply. For courses longer than one year the fee may rise with inflation; Keele states that for continuing international students the rise is in line with RPI and capped at 5% a year.
• UK Home fees: the course pages say the UK Home fee is set by the UK Government and print two figures, £10,050 and £9,790, next to the academic years 2027/28 and 2026/27; read in that page order, £10,050 is the 2027/28 figure, but verify it. The pages do not split England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check the position for your home nation with the relevant student-finance body and Keele.
• Placement year fee: a placement year spent entirely on placement is charged at 20% of the UK Government-regulated undergraduate fee, for both Home and international students; a part-year placement pays the full fee.
• Scholarships for international students (2027/28 entry): Keele lists three, all awarded for academic achievement and assessed automatically: the Undergraduate Global Scholarship (£3,000 a year off tuition), the Advanced Entry Scholarship (£3,000) and the International Baccalaureate Global Scholarship (£1,000). Global Scholarship terms: awarded automatically to students who meet or exceed the entry requirements published on the course page, as a tuition discount for up to four years (excluding placement years); only self-funding students with international fee status, not those funded by external bodies, and not combinable with other awards; not available on Foundation Year study, Medicine, veterinary programmes or fully online courses; progression students from KUIC, NCUK, INTO and EF pathways also qualify. The China page says "up to £5,000", which does not match the £3,000 on the scholarship page; rely on the scholarship page and confirm with Keele.
• Deposit and other costs: Keele has a separate deposit page for international students, whose amount is not given on the pages used for this guide, so check it on the website. Course pages also list optional costs, and students on placement may have to pay their own travel, accommodation and subsistence.

UK applicants: A-Levels, Highers and other qualifications

• Keele lists these UK qualifications as accepted: A-Levels, BTEC Extended Diploma, National Diploma and National Extended Certificate, T Levels, the IB Diploma, the IB Career-related Programme, Access to HE Diploma, the Welsh Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers, the Irish Leaving Certificate and the NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma. Each course page gives qualification-by-qualification requirements, which the subject sections below set out.
• For most UK students the English requirement is met with a 4 or C in GCSE English.
• Contextual and alternative offers are stated to be available to Home students only. The indicators include attending a state school and living in an area with low participation in higher education or relative deprivation, care leavers, refugees or asylum seekers, free school meals, young carers, being first in the family in higher education, and armed-forces connections; if you meet one, the offer is normally set at the contextual grades shown on the course page (for example BBB standard and BCC contextual for mathematics, ABB and BBC for physics), which differ by course. There is also a "Keele region" scheme. See Keele's contextual and alternative offers page for the exact rules. They do not apply to international applicants.
• If you do not meet the published grades but believe you are suitable, Keele invites you to email admissions@keele.ac.uk and says it considers applications on their individual merits.

Transfer and direct entry to Year 2

• Keele's transfer guidance (the document is marked "Version 2 May 2025"; check that it applies to 2027 entry) says that for the majority of courses (excluding Medicine) it will consider an application for direct entry to Year 2 as long as your first-year studies were on a similar course and covered similar content. You need to supply a transcript and details of course and module content; the reference should come from a tutor at your current university and the personal statement should explain why you want to move. Apply through UCAS and state the year of entry. Direct entry to the final year in other subjects is handled case by case: email admissions@keele.ac.uk first. Keele's own top-up final-year degrees are in Nursing, Business and Computing.
• Keele also considers applicants who completed a Foundation Year at another provider; where the course has a subject requirement you must send the foundation module details.
• The admissions-policy page adds Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): you can ask to enter with advanced standing, normally at the start of Year 2 and in some cases at the start of the final year, by describing prior learning on the application.
• Changing course inside Keele: you must meet the new course's entry requirements, have passed or be able to pass the core modules of the new subject, there must be places, and the change must be requested within the first three weeks of Semester One or Semester Two. Start by talking to your academic mentor and the new course director.

What to check before you apply

• Use Keele's physics course pages for 2027 entry as the source; grades, English requirements, fees and dates change each year.
• The gaokao requirement is stated differently on the China page and the course pages; the Astrophysics MSci accreditation status and the Physics with Mathematics foundation-year wording are worth confirming with the admissions team.
• The UCAS fee, the deposit amount and the KUIC foundation requirements are not given on the pages used for this guide; check them on the official website.