Computer Science and Physics - BSc (Hons)
Gain insight into how the world works and cultivate the hands-on expertise needed to address tangible challenges and shape the software systems of the future. Our Computer Science and Physics degree will provide you with sought-after analytical and problem-solving capabilities relevant for a career in a variety of industries.
Year of entry
- 2025
Course type
- Combined Honours
UCAS code
- FG34
Duration of study
- 3 years / 4 years with international or placement year
Why study Computer Science and Physics at Keele University?
Related courses
Accreditation and professional recognition
This programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics if Physics is studied for all three years and partly meets the educational requirements for Chartered Physicist Status.
Teaching Excellence Framework GOLD
Keele University has been awarded the highest rating of gold in the teaching excellence framework (TEF), 2023. The TEF assessment identifies excellence in the educational experience and outcomes of our students, focusing on all undergraduate courses and students.
Additional opportunities
There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.
Gain experience in industry
From a year working in industry to paid internships, there are opportunities available throughout the curriculum to develop and enhance your practical skills. Paid or voluntary experience in your area of interest will not only demonstrate your commitment and passion, but will also enable you to make meaningful connections by networking with experts in the field.
Study abroad
During years two and three of your studies you may choose to spend a semester or year studying abroad. This will enable you to experience and appreciate different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks. We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.
Societies
We have a wealth of student-led societies here at Keele which cover a diverse range of interests. Joining a society related to computer science or physics is a great opportunity to continue to develop your skills away from your studies and can be beneficial when it comes to applying for graduate roles.
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
A Level
ABB in three A levels including B in Maths or in Physics.
Contextual Offer: BBC in three A levels including B in Maths or in Physics.
You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma
Contextual Offer: DMM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas:
Engineering
You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC National Diploma / Diploma
Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in Maths or Physics A Level.
You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma
Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Level including Maths or Physics.
You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
T Level
You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
655 in three Higher Levels including 5 in Maths or Physics, or 32 points including 5 in Higher Level Maths or Physics
Contextual Offer: 554 in three Higher Levels including 5 in Maths (any) or Physics, or 30 points including 5 in Maths (any) or Physics
You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 3 Functional Skills Maths, or 5 in IB Middle Years Maths, or 4 in IB Diploma Standard Level Maths (any), plus an English language qualification (see below)
International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme
We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.
If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.
For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice
You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Access to HE Diploma
128 UCAS points in Access to HE Diploma with Maths related content, including Distinction in at least 30 Level 3 credits. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice on whether your chosen course would qualify.
You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru
The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A levels in a standard A level offer for this course (see A level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.
Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers
BBBBC in five Highers including Maths or Physics, or BC in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers including Maths or Physics, or BCC in three Advanced Highers including Maths or Physics.
You will also need: B in National 5 Maths, or 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below
Core Maths
If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below
Ireland - Leaving Certificate
H3, H3, H3, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate including H4 in Maths or Physics.
You will also need: O4 / H6 in Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
China - Gaokao
75% in the Gaokao including 70% in Maths or Physics.
You will also need: 65% in Senior Secondary School or Gaokao Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
India - Standard XII
Average of 75% from four subjects including 70% in Maths or Physics in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 80% from four subjects including 75% in Maths or Physics in any other Standard XII.
You will also need: 7 or C1 in Secondary School Examination Maths, or Pass in Standard XII Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Germany - Abitur
2.0 overall average in the Abitur including 12 in Geography, Psychology, Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Technology, Nutritional Science or Sports.
You will also need: 11 in Maths in the Abitur, plus an English language qualification (see below)
France - Baccalaureate
14 in the French Baccalaureate / International Option Baccalaureate including 14 in Physics or Maths, or 13 in the Baccalauréat Français International including 13 in Physics or Maths.
You will also need: 11 in Maths in the Baccalaureate, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Hong Kong - Diploma
544 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE including 4 in Maths or Physics.
You will also need: 3 in HKDSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Spain - Bachillerato
Overall average of 7.8 in the Título de Bachillerato including 8 in Maths or Physics.
You will also need: 6 in Graduado en Educación Secundaria (GES) Maths or 6.5 in Título de Bachiller Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato
85% in the Esame di Stato including 8 in Maths or Physics.
You will also need: 6 in Maths in the Diploma, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Cyprus - Apolytirion
18.5 / 88% in the Apolytirion including 18 in Maths or Physics.
You will also need: 15 in Maths in the Apolytirion, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Portugal
Overall average of 16 in a secondary certificate including 16 in Maths or Physics.
You will also need: 11 in secondary certificate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Canada - Diploma
70% / BBBBC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma including 70% in Advanced Functions and Calculus and Vectors or Physics.
You will also need: 60% in Grade 11 Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya - KCSE / Diploma
We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND
We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
USA - Advanced Placement
544 from three Advanced Placement subjects including 4 in Calculus (either) or, Physics (any).
You will also need: B in Grade 12 High School Diploma Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Sri Lanka - Advanced Level
ABB in three Advanced levels including B in Combined Maths or Physics.
You will also need: B in O-level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Malaysia - STPM
ABB in three Principal level subjects in the STPM including B in Maths or Physics.
You will also need: B in SPM Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate
We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Singapore - A Levels (H2)
ABB in three H2 levels including B in Physics or Maths.
You will also need: B in O-level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
European Baccalaureate
75% overall with 7 in Maths (5 period) or Physics.
You will also need: 6.5 in European Baccalaureate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
NCUK
Pass NCUK Foundation Year with ABB including B in Maths or Physics. Grade C in EAP English Language module.
You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or international equivalent
Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education
ABB in three Principal level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education including B in Maths or Physics.
You will also need: 4 in UACE or UCE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE
ABB in three Advanced Level subjects including B in Maths or Physics.
You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or B in O Level Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.
Alternative and contextual offers
We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
"My degree has helped me become a part time coding tutor, teaching young minds how to code. It has also helped me get on to the master’s course I am studying right now. I chose Keele because of the campus, and because of the AI modules. The department has great opportunities, as well as great staff who are very understanding and helpful."
"Studying Physics at Keele is a very enjoyable experience filled with opportunity and self-progression. Support is there for every turn whenever it is needed. Whenever I got so stuck on a problem or module that it seemed impossible, a lecturer has always been able to provide a clear, understandable explanation which has greatly helped me progress."
Central Science Laboratories
Develop your practical skills in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories
Foundation year
Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.
This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.
Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.
The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.
The information within this page is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.
Course content
Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.
The Keele Foundation Year is a two semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BSc (Hons) Computer Science and Physics degree. For example, in the Advancing Programming module you will learn some advanced techniques appropriate to the programming language. In addition, the Advancing Physics module introduces a whole new set of mathematical skills. You will begin to look at more complex algebra and introduce calculus into your physics equations. All of the modules you take will prove useful in your degree and professional career. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.
You will develop subject-specific and broad based skills that will be invaluable in your academic career and beyond. You can find out more about our Foundation Year, including information on learning, teaching and assessment methods and further opportunities available to you by visiting our homepage.
Module summary
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Semester one modules
| FYO-00275 | Foundations of Computational Theory and Programming | 15 credits |
| FYO-00215 | Foundations of Mathematical Methods | 15 credits |
| FYO-00205 | Foundations of Physics | 15 credits |
| FYO-00185 | Practical and Academic Skills in Science | 15 credits |
Semester two modules
| FYO-00225 | Advancing Programming | 15 credits |
| FYO-00227 | Advancing Computing: Client-Led Collaborative Design | 15 credits |
| FYO-00209 | Advancing Physics | 15 credits |
| FYO-00231 | Advancing Mathematical Methods | 30 credits |
Entry requirements
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements.
- 56 UCAS points including at least one Level 3 qualification (such as an A Level, BTEC, Access Course, or T Level).
- Plus C in GCSE English / Level 2 Functional Skills English and C in GCSE Maths / Level 2 Functional Skills Maths.
How to apply
Applicants will need to apply for BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Foundation Year (UCAS code: G401) through UCAS www.ucas.com. You will then be contacted to confirm your second subject by a member of our team.
Direct entry students
If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.
The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.
We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science, Health and Business courses.
Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.
In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.
Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but on a compressed timescale and tailored to a blended learning approach (with the majority of learning taking place online).
For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.
Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.
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