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Physics at Cardiff University - UCAS

Cardiff University

Degree level: Undergraduate
Awarded by: Cardiff University (Prifysgol Caerdydd)

Physics

Course options

2025 - 2026
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Course summary

Join a top 10 university for physics in the UK (The Guardian Best UK Universities 2024) in the vibrant, welcoming capital city of Wales. Physics explores the fundamental laws underpinning the Universe, from the subatomic level to entire galaxies. Study physics and you’ll investigate some of the most exciting developments of our time. The four-year MPhys degree course is ideal if you want to study physics in more depth than during a BSc course. Our MPhys graduates go on to a wide range of careers from technology and finance to education, but if you’re interested in becoming a research scientist, an MPhys degree is a great route to this role. During this course, you’ll develop a broad understanding of how theoretical and experimental physics can be used to describe the Universe and gain an insight into how physics shapes modern technologies – from the tiniest semiconductor chip to the most powerful laser. At Cardiff University, we have been part of many new discoveries, from the detection of gravitational waves to the development of technologies around quantum dots, which will help scientists and engineers of the future optimise device efficiency fields from power generation to medical imaging. You’ll be taught by staff whose research is leading to these discoveries, gaining the fundamental skills for a wide range of careers which require a practical and analytical approach to problem-solving. In year one, you’ll take core modules from mechanics and matter to electromagnetism and waves, giving you a solid foundation in physics, mathematics and computing, while gaining the confidence to design and conduct experiments in the laboratory. In your second and third years, you’ll study a range of topics from quantum mechanics and optics to atomic and nuclear physics, with the option to specialise in what interests you most through a broad spectrum of optional modules. Key computing skills are taught throughout the course including programming using python. In the final year of your MPhys, you’ll carry out a significant research project as part of our research team, learning how to become a research scientist working on a real challenge, and developing the analytical and problem-solving skills needed by professional physicists.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Physics, Institute of

How to apply

29Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
F303
Institution code:
C15
Campus name:
Main Site - Cardiff
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects. We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.

English language requirements

All applicants are expected to have demonstrable English language skills. Most courses ask for GCSE English grade C/4 or equivalent, but some courses ask for GCSE English grade B/6 or equivalent.

To find out more, please go to:

https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements/undergraduate

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
60%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
90%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1
Channel Islands £9535 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9535 Year 1
EU £29450 Year 1
International £29450 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Students from the UK and Islands: Fees stated are for the 2025/26 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase. Fees for entry in subsequent years are subject to increase and will be confirmed by the end of October in the year preceding your start date of your programme, or as soon as possible thereafter. Tuition fees cover all reasonable costs required for you to complete to the degree programme stated. Please note that you may choose to participate in study trips, associated placements or purchase equipment while studying on your degree programme which will be at your own cost. Tuition fees do not include living costs such as accommodation, subsistence or travel. Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland: If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss national, unless you qualify for UK fee status, tuition fees for 2025/26 will be in line with the fees charged for international students. You can check whether you are eligible for UK (Home) fee status on the UKCISA website: https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--Advice/Fees-and-Money/Wales-HE-fee-status#layer-6099 Students from the rest of the world (international): Fees stated are for 2025/26 entry and are fixed for the duration of the programme, excluding Medicine and Dentistry programmes. Please note that during the pre-clinical element of Medicine and Dentistry programmes the fee rate will be fixed, after which the clinical fee rate will be charged. Further details are available on the university website at: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/funding-and-fees Fees for entry in subsequent years are subject to increase and will be confirmed by the end of October in the year preceding your start date of your programme, or as soon as possible thereafter. Tuition fees cover all reasonable costs required for you to complete the degree programme stated. Please note that you may choose to participate in study trips, associated placements or purchase equipment while studying on your degree programme which will be at your own cost. Tuition fees do not include living costs such as accommodation, subsistence or travel.

Sponsorship information

Cardiff University has many scholarships on offer to our prospective students. Please see our website at http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/funding/scholarships for further information.

Physics at Cardiff University - UCAS