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

Here at Cardiff's School of Physics and Astronomy, not only will you discover exciting scientific research at its cutting-edge, but you will also be part of a friendly, approachable School, where staff will do their very best to help you develop the skills and abilities which will allow you to be successful in your future career. There are so many reasons to study with us!

Top 10

We're ranked in the top 10 for physics in the UK (The Guardian best UK universities 2024)

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

94% 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.

Astrophysics (MPhys)

Full time, 4 years

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 Astronomy (BSc)

Full time, 3 years

Our Physics and Astronomy degree offers you the opportunity to study the science behind the evolution of our Universe while gaining solid skills in physics, mathematics and computing, all of which are sought after in many professions.

Physics with Astronomy with Professional Placement (BSc)

Full-time - Sandwich (Thick), 4 years

You will be able to pursue your interest in Physics and Astronomy, while developing skills in mathematics and computing, and taking a placement year which will enhance your employability skills.

Physics with Astronomy with Professional Placement (MPhys)

Full-time - Sandwich (Thick), 5 years

This degree course with a placement opportunity allows you to pursue your interest in Astronomy and Physics, while giving you the employability skills needed to obtain 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.

Dr Chris North Senior Lecturer
Director of Recruitment and Admissions
Head of Public Engagement

Hear from our staff

Listen to Dr Chris North, our Director of Admissions and Recruitment, as he takes you through our courses in physics and astronomy, and outlines the support we provide for you.

Prof. Haley Gomez at TEDxCardiff - We Are All Stardust

Prof. Haley Gomez wraps up TEDxCardiff 2015 with an incredible talk about the important place dust has in our understanding of the universe.

Have we discovered signs of life on Venus?

Professor Jane Greaves of Cardiff University and Dr David Clements of Imperial College London describe their discovery of phosphine on Venus, indicating the possibility of life in the clouds above the planet.

Introducing our new 2021 modules

Find out more about the exciting modules you'll study in 2021

Taster Lecture: Black Holes

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

Careers in Physics

A degree in physics opens the doors to so many different careers. We build employability skills into our curriculum and have a dedicated careers service to help you every step of the way.

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).

Hear from our students

What makes us special?

Our current students share their views and tell you what makes us stand out.

What advice do our current students have?

Students share their advice, valuable for anyone thinking about applying for a Physics and Astronomy course at Cardiff University.

What's the best thing about physics at Cardiff?

Student Jenifer talks about the amazing opportunities she's benefitted from here at our School.

Physics and Astronomy: A graduate's view

Joelle tells you what it was like studying in the School of Physics and Astronomy and talks about what she is doing now.

Physics and Astronomy: A graduate's view

Joe graduated in 2018 with a Physics degree and now runs his own aerospace company building rockets. Listen to Joe's story.

Physics and Astronomy: A graduate's view

Recent MPhys graduate Lille shares her experiences and gives an insight into studying Physics at Cardiff University.

Learn more about the School of Physics and Astronomy

Our buildings and 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.

Graduate case studies

A physics degree gives you the power to make a difference. It teaches you to think, problem-solve, explain, and to grow your mathematical and engineering skills, allowing you to follow many different career paths. Check out where previous graduates have ended up.

Secondary school children in a classroom using an ipad.

Add to your CV

Students are encouraged to share their passion and enthusiasm for science and to develop skills in public engagement if they desire. This might include attending local events, developing educational resources for teachers, working with schools, or seeking public input into research.

Two students working in the UG Physics lab.

We value equality and diversity

The School of Physics and Astronomy is strongly committed to equality and diversity and values all of its students and staff. We have recently been awarded Juno Champion status from the Institute of Physics for our commitment to women in physics.