Physics (MPhys)

You’ll be taught through lectures, tutorials, labs and a range of computer-based, project-based and skills-based exercises. Physics is a hierarchical discipline so the structure of the course is systematic, building on fundamental understanding.

Exercises are an integral part of all lecture-based modules, giving you the opportunity to apply your knowledge, increase your critical awareness and enhance your problem-solving skills.

You’ll undertake weekly laboratory classes in the first two years, to prepare you for an experimental study as part of your year-three project and for your major final-year Physics project.

 We teach mathematics alongside the major physics and astrophysics concepts in all years, with specific modules in the first year. It is fundamental to understanding the subject and is incorporated into many physics modules.

Key IT skills are taught throughout the course as well as basic programming. You may also have the opportunity to take further computing and numerical-methods modules as the course develops.

Regular small-group tutorials are held in years one and two. These allow you to meet with other students in small groups (typically four or five students to one tutor) and receive feedback on your continuous assessment. In the first year these sessions are usually on a weekly basis; in year two they take place fortnightly.

Throughout the course, wherever possible, we aim to use recent research results to illustrate and illuminate the subject.

How will I be supported?

You’ll be allocated a personal tutor, a member of academic staff who can provide pastoral support and academic advice during your course. You’ll also regularly interact with academic staff through your lectures, laboratory practical sessions, workshops and tutorials.

You’ll be able to contact your lecturers to resolve specific queries about your course either through our ‘open door’ policy or system to book meeting times.

You’ll be given access to relevant programming languages, such as python, multimedia material, presentations, lecture handouts, bibliographies, further links, electronic exercises and discussion circles through the University’s virtual learning environment, Learning Central. Opportunities for you to reflect on your abilities and performance are available through the Learning Central ‘Personal Development Planning’ module. The School currently also provides the core first-year physics and maths textbooks.

The University offers a range of services including the Careers Service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service, and excellent libraries and resource centres.

Our flexible degree structure means there is the possibility of adding a professional placement year at the end of your first year.

How will I be assessed?

Throughout each year of study, our assessment strategy is designed to support, engage, and challenge students through three key types of assessment: assessment for learning, assessment as learning, and assessment of learning.

Assessment for learning provides timely, constructive feedback to help students understand their current progress and identify ways to improve. These assessments are closely aligned with both the module learning outcomes and graduate attributes, offering feedback not just on academic performance, but also on key employability skills valued by employers.

Assessment as learning encourages students to reflect, engage, and grow through the assessment process itself. These activities are embedded in the learning journey, helping students take ownership of their progress and build confidence in their capabilities.

Together, these approaches prepare students for assessment of learning, which evaluates achievement against learning outcomes. These summative assessments are used to assure both the University and accrediting bodies that students have developed the required knowledge, skills, and professional competencies.

Examples of Assessment for and as Learning:

• Weekly quizzes and short tests: Reinforce core concepts, encourage regular engagement, and support revision.
• Laboratory diaries (Practical and Computing): Promote scientific thinking and professional development by encouraging reflection and documentation of practical work.
• Creative assignments such as presentations, posters, videos, or letters: Develop communication skills, visual storytelling, and the ability to tailor messages for specific audiences.

Examples of Assessment of Learning:

• Final reports: Showcase practical skills and the ability to communicate findings to professional standards.
• Timed assessments, including exams and in-class tests.
• Oral presentations: Assess subject knowledge, clarity of communication, and the ability to respond to questions with confidence.

In your final-year project you’ll submit a fixed-format summary of your work plus a self-assessment at the end of the Autumn Semester. You’ll submit your final dissertation at the end of the Spring Semester. Part of your assessment will involve an interview with your supervisor and assessor (viva) and you’ll be asked to give a short research seminar about your project. All of these elements are assessed.

Our holistic assessment approach not only supports academic success but also helps students grow into confident, capable professionals ready to make an impact.

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Establish a deep and coherent understanding of advanced concepts in classical and modern physics, integrating knowledge across domains to solve complex and interdisciplinary problems.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of mathematical and computational techniques used to derive physical laws, develop models, and predict system behaviour in complex scenarios.
• Critically evaluate the interdisciplinary contributions of physics to other sciences, including chemistry, engineering, materials science, and environmental studies.
• Systematically understand and appraise advanced concepts in quantum mechanics, condensed matter, thermodynamics, and other specialist areas, informed by recent developments in physics research.
• Critically assess the role of physics in addressing global challenges, including energy, climate, health, and technological innovation, and reflect on its societal and ethical implications.

Intellectual Skills:

• Critically assess and apply the scientific method to formulate, design, and carry out sophisticated theoretical, experimental, and computational physics investigations.
• Critique and appraise scientific arguments and methodologies in your own work and that of others, drawing on a comprehensive understanding of the field.
• Propose and refine original hypotheses in response to complex and emerging physics challenges, showing creativity and independence of thought.
• Evaluate, adapt, and synthesise analytical and numerical approaches to investigate highly complex systems.
• Critically assess and enhance numerical/theoretical/computational models to explore emerging physical phenomena and interpret experimental results.

Professional Practical Skills:

• Develop software and hardware systems to support highly sophisticated experimental and computational investigations in physics.
• Analyse and synthesise complex datasets, applying appropriate statistical and computational techniques to draw meaningful conclusions and inform decision-making.
• Conduct independent research that adheres to rigorous scientific, ethical, and safety standards, producing high-quality scientific outputs.
• Critically evaluate and apply complex experimental and/or computational projects that apply original physics knowledge to fundamental problems or technological innovation.
• Evaluate and deploy modern technologies in the characterisation and analysis of physical systems, demonstrating autonomy and creativity in scientific practice.

Transferable/Key Skills:

• Communicate highly complex physical concepts to specialist and non-specialist audiences both orally and in writing.
• Apply advanced computational, theoretical, and experimental techniques to address real-world and interdisciplinary challenges in academic or applied contexts.
• Work both independently and collaboratively in diverse and multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating sensitivity to diverse perspectives, ethical awareness, and professionalism.
• Demonstrate autonomy in identifying, synthesising, and evaluating relevant sources from scientific literature and databases to inform and support high-level enquiry.
• Demonstrate leadership and autonomy in the orchestration of highly complex research tasks, fostering collaborative and interdisciplinary research environments.