Physics and astronomy

Why study with us

Excellent career opportunites

Our graduates go on to all kinds of exciting careers from research and development and PhD study to finance and management.

Student centred learning

We value our students and provide a special learning space close to their tutors, so that both students and staff have plenty of opportunity to interact.

Vibrant research environment

Our postgraduate research students, who become an integral part of our world class research groups, benefit from the vibrant research culture of the School.

The MSc Astrophysics allowed me to expand and develop my skill set further than I expected myself to be capable of. This was chiefly due to the excellent teaching standards and endless support I received from the faculty.

Zak Smith, MSc Astrophysics student

Our postgraduate taught programmes

Course	Qualification	Mode
Astrophysics	MSc	Full time
Compound Semiconductor Physics	MSc	Full time
Data Intensive Astrophysics	MSc	Full time
Data Intensive Physics	MSc	Full time
Gravitational Wave Physics	MSc	Full time
Physics	MSc	Full time

Our postgraduate research programmes

Our talks

Watch our videos as we talk about the exciting and cutting-edge research that we are involved with

Galaxy evolution

Professor Stephen Eales describes the research being undertaken to discover how galaxies are formed.

The Gravity Exploration Institute

Professor Bernard Schutz describes the work carried out by researchers at Cardiff into gravitational waves and the future of this frontier science.

Have we discovered signs of life on Venus?

Professor Jane Greaves of Cardiff University describes the recent discovery she was part of, finding phosphine markers on Venus which indicate the existence of life

Low Energy Electron Microscopy

Dr Juan Pereiro Viterbo talks about his research in Low Energy Electron Microscopy and Semiconductors.

PhD student's record-breaking cosmic discovery

PhD student Charlie Hoy played a key role in a cosmic discovery which provided a breakthrough for an ongoing astrophysics mystery.

PhD opportunities in compound semiconductor manufacturing

Professor Peter Smowton, Director of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing, talks about the PhD opportunities available at Cardiff. Learn all about why compound semiconductors are so important, our interdisciplinary and practical approach, and the structure of the PhD itself.

Find out more about the School of Physics and Astronomy

Our MSc courses

Find out more about our exciting range of MSc courses.

Our research

We have some of the world's leading research groups working on the latest scientific discoveries.

Equality and diversity

We value equality and inclusivity and we have recently been awarded IOP Juno Champion status.

A student using our equipment in a laboratory.

Outstanding facilities

The funding we receive for our world leading research means that you will benefit from the latest equipment and facilities for your research project.

Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing

Take a look at our Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) CDT in Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing and find out about the range of funded PhD opportunities available.