Physics and astronomy
We are at the forefront of some of today's most exciting scientific discoveries which will provide you with an inspiring environment in which to study.
Why study with us
8th in the UK
We're ranked 8th for physics in the UK (The Guardian best UK universities 2025).
Valued by our students
Our students consistently give us high satisfaction ratings in the National Student Survey (averaging over 90% for the last five years).
Excellent career opportunities
95% of our graduates are employed, in further study, or both 15 months after completing their course (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2021/22 survey).
Internationally-acclaimed researchers involved in course design and delivery
99% of our research is world-leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework, 2021). You'll be taught by researchers at the forefront of their fields.
Professional placements
Both our Physics and Astrophysics degrees come with the option of a professional placement year, and you can do a summer placement on any of our courses.
Accredited by the IOP
Our programmes meet the high-quality standards in education set out by the Institute of Physics (IOP).
Courses
Entry year
Together, we can: change the world through physics
Kavetha has always been fascinated by how things work – from the smallest details to the grandest scales. Originally planning to study engineering, it was this curiosity for understanding how things work which instead led Kavetha to study Physics at Cardiff University.
Studying with us
Our videos
Discover more of our videos and find out what it's like to study Physics and Astronomy with us.
Our facilities
Our School
Located in Queen's BuildingsThe School of Physics and Astronomy is part of the multi-million pound Queen’s Buildings complex, located in the heart of the city, close to local and national transport links, with the main shopping centre, parks and entertainment all on our doorstep.
Trevithick Library
Located in Trevithick BuildingThe Trevithick Library provides information resources for engineering, computer science and informatics, and physics and astronomy. It is located on the first floor of the Trevithick Building in The Parade off Newport Road.
Trevithick Restaurant
Located in Trevithick BuildingThe Trevithick Restaurant is located on the ground floor of the Trevithick Building.
Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC)
A £44 million facility that opened in 2016, CUBRIC has a range of labs where our researchers work on brain imaging. Its impressive range of neuroimaging equipment has already led to world-leading research, and now helps us to do the same in applying the principles of physics to the biological processes of the brain.
Institute for Compound Semiconductors
Located in Queen's BuildingsThe Institute provides cutting-edge facilities that help researchers and industry work together. It is soon to be relocated to our new £300M Innovation Campus on Maindy Road.
Cleanrooms
Located in Queen’s BuildingWe have two class-1000 cleanrooms, with extensive experimental and theoreticalcapability. One of these is a £4m refurbished 225 square metre cleanroom; located in the Queen’s Building.
Centre for Student Life
Our School is walking distance to our new building for our Students' Union, student support services and a large selection of shops, restaurants and study spaces.
National Museum of Wales
We are just a short walk away from the National Museum of Wales, providing easy access to their impressive exhibition galleries and collections.
Laboratory
Located in Queen’s BuildingThis is a typical laboratory where physics students might conduct experiments and practical sessions.
Explore Cardiff University
Next steps
Download our brochure
Find out more with our Physics and Astronomy undergraduate brochure.
Contact us
Use our enquiry form to ask us a question and we will reply to you as soon as possible.
How to apply
Everything you need to know about our application process.
Undergraduate
Join a community of open-minded thinkers and doers, where everyone is empowered to reach their full potential. Together, we’ll work hard to build a better future—for you and the wider world.
Undergraduate prospectus 2027
Order or download a copy of our prospectus, subject brochures and other guides.
Contact us
Get in touch if you have a question about studying with us.