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. Study a Physics with Astronomy degree and you will investigate the science behind the development of the Universe – from how it began to astronomical events that we are now discovering for the first time. At Cardiff University, we are home to one of the largest astronomy groups in the UK and have led many new discoveries, from the detection of gravitational waves to the first images of black holes. You’ll be taught by staff whose research is leading to these discoveries, gaining both the fundamental skills in physics for a wide range of careers, and the more specific knowledge needed to become a professional astronomer or astrophysicist. An ideal grounding for a career as an astronomer, this degree also prepares you for a range of careers from data analysis and technology to finance and education. In year one, you’ll take core modules to lay the foundations of your physics, mathematics and computing knowledge, while gaining the confidence to design and conduct experiments in the laboratory. As you progress through the degree, you can choose optional modules along with your core modules to further your understanding and knowledge of both physics and astronomy in fascinating areas such as:
- the physical properties of the Earth and the observation and exploration of the planets and moons in other solar systems;
- observational techniques in astronomy;
- an understanding of quantum mechanics and nuclear physics;
- the formation and evolution of stars;
- solving unseen problems in astrophysics;
- the Big Bang and contemporary cosmology;
- the formation and evolution of galaxies.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Physics, Institute of
How to apply
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:
- F3F5
- 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
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAB - BBB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 34 - 31 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
Extended Project - A
GCSE/National 4/National 5
T Level
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
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 | £9000 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9000 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9000 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9000 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9000 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9000 | Year 1 |
EU | £28200 | Year 1 |
International | £28200 | 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
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.
Provider information
Cardiff University
PO Box 921
Cardiff
CF10 3XQ