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 Physics with Astronomy 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

Astrophysics (BSc)

Full time, 3 years

The BSc in Astrophysics is a three-year undergraduate degree that covers the core physical and mathematical concepts with a clear focus on our interpretation of the Universe.

The MPhys in Astrophysics is a four-year undergraduate degree where you can explore the fields of astronomy and astrophysics in depth while developing a solid grounding in physics and maths that will give you excellent career opportunities.

Physics (BSc)

Full time, 3 years

The BSc Physics degree is designed to give you a broad physics education and, in addition, supply you with a wide range of mathematical and computational skills.

Physics (MPhys)

Full time, 4 years

This is an ideal course for those who have a passion for physics and wish to explore the subject in greater depth, while developing advanced mathematical, computing and problem solving skills.

Physics with Astronomy (MPhys)

Full time, 4 years

Our four year undergraduate degree in Physics with Astronomy will allow you to follow your passion for astronomy while developing your skills in the core disciplines, which will help you to achieve your ideal career.

Physics with Medical Physics (BSc)

Full time, 3 years

The course is designed to give you the core skills you need in physics, mathematics and computing, as well as an understanding of how they are applied to the many specialist areas of medical physics.

Physics with Professional Placement (BSc)

Full-time - Sandwich (Thick), 4 years

This four year course is for people who take a real interest in the world around them and who have enquiring minds, but who also want to acquire the core skills most valued by employers.

Physics with Professional Placement (MPhys)

Full-time - Sandwich (Thick), 5 years

You will explore the physics that helps us understand the Universe, acquire advanced skills in physics, mathematics and computing, and have the opportunity to spend a placement year in industry, business or the public sector.

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

Drs Chris North, Sarah Ragan and Naresh Gunasekar give an overview of our physics and astronomy courses and the different options available to you.

Taster Lecture: Black Holes

Let Dr Chris North take you on a journey into the science behind black holes.

Careers

A physics or astronomy degree gives you the power to make a difference. Physicists are employed on an increasingly wide scale in a variety of sectors from data science to medical physics. Depending on your interests you may want to go on to become an aerospace engineer, astrophysicist or pilot, or work in the banking, compound semiconductor, nuclear or research sectors.

94% of our graduates were in employment and/or further study, due to start a new job or course, or doing other activities such as travelling 15 months after the end of their course (HESA data).

Our facilities

All facilities Teaching spaces Libraries and study spaces Laboratories Social spaces Specialist facilities

List view
Map view

Our School

Located in Queen's Buildings

The 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 Building

The 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.

Front of the new Brain Research Imaging Centre 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 Buildings

The 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.

Technician holding a transparent wafer in cleanroom

Cleanrooms

Located in Queen’s Building

We 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.

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 Building

This is a typical laboratory where physics students might conduct experiments and practical sessions.

Physics has the power to change the world, from understanding the universe to improving healthcare. My experiences at Cardiff have shown me that collaboration and shared knowledge are the keys to making a meaningful impact.

KavethaPhysics (BSc)