BSc (Hons) Astrophysics and Medicinal Chemistry

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education or equivalent with a minimum overall average of 60% or above.  

English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with no sub-score below 6.0.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 87, with a minimum score of 21 in each section.
• PTE Academic: Overall score of 64, with no sub-score below 58.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Keele University offers a range of scholarships and financial support options to attract and assist international students in pursuing their studies. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, promote diversity, and provide financial assistance to deserving students.

International Excellence Scholarship: The International Excellence Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international undergraduate students. The scholarship provides a tuition fee discount of up to £2,500 per year for the duration of the undergraduate program. Eligibility is based on academic merit and applicants are automatically considered when they submit their application for admission.

Keele International Student Scholarship: The Keele International Student Scholarship is available to international students enrolling in a postgraduate taught master's degree program. The scholarship provides a tuition fee discount of up to £3,000. Eligibility is based on academic achievement, and applicants are automatically considered when they apply for their chosen postgraduate program.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme: Keele University participates in the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme, which is funded by the UK government. The scheme provides full tuition fees, airfare, and living expenses for students from developing Commonwealth countries. The scholarship is available for selected master's degree programs in specific fields of study.

Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is awarded to international students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and contribute to the global community. The scholarship provides a tuition fee discount of up to £5,000 for the first year of study. Eligibility is based on academic merit, and applicants are automatically considered when they apply for an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate program.

Country-Specific Scholarships: Keele University also offers scholarships specifically tailored to students from certain countries or regions. These scholarships may vary in terms of eligibility criteria and funding amounts. Examples include the Keele Nigeria Scholarship and the Keele ASEAN Scholarships, which provide financial support to students from Nigeria and Southeast Asia, respectively.

It's important to note that scholarship availability and eligibility criteria may vary each year.

Graduating with a BSc (Hons) Astrophysics and Medicinal Chemistry from Keele University opens up diverse and exciting career opportunities at the intersection of space science and pharmaceutical research. This interdisciplinary degree equips graduates with a unique skill set combining astrophysical knowledge with expertise in medicinal chemistry, making them well-suited for roles in drug discovery, biotechnology, healthcare, and academia.  

1. Pharmaceutical Research Scientist: Graduates can work as pharmaceutical research scientists, conducting research on drug development, molecular interactions, and pharmacological mechanisms. They may contribute to the discovery of new medicines and therapies.

2. Medicinal Chemist: Graduates can pursue careers as medicinal chemists, designing and synthesizing chemical compounds with therapeutic potential. They use their understanding of chemical structures and biological targets to optimize drug candidates.

3. Astrobiologist: Graduates with a focus on astrochemistry can work as astrobiologists, studying the potential for life beyond Earth and investigating the chemistry of extraterrestrial environments. They may contribute to space missions exploring habitable zones and astrobiology research.

4. Biotechnology Specialist: Graduates can work in the biotechnology industry, applying their knowledge of chemical biology and drug discovery to develop biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, or therapeutic technologies.

5. Healthcare Consultant: Graduates with expertise in medicinal chemistry can pursue careers as healthcare consultants, advising pharmaceutical companies, regulatory agencies, or healthcare providers on drug development, safety, and efficacy.

6. Research and Development (R&D) Scientist: Graduates can work in research and development departments of pharmaceutical companies, conducting studies to identify novel drug targets, optimize drug formulations, and assess drug performance.

7. Academic or Industry Scientist: Graduates may pursue academic or industry positions as scientists, lecturers, or researchers, specializing in areas such as chemical biology, astrochemistry, or pharmaceutical sciences.

8. Science Communicator or Writer: Graduates can work as science communicators, educators, or writers, sharing their knowledge of astrophysics and medicinal chemistry with the public through museums, science centers, media outlets, or educational institutions.