Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Physics with Professional Placement (MPhys) program offers a comprehensive education in physics and astronomy, with a focus on developing transferable skills valued by employers. Students benefit from a professional placement year, research-active staff, and state-of-the-art facilities, preparing them for careers in research, industry, and beyond. The program is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) and provides a solid foundation for a successful career in physics.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Title: Physics with Professional Placement (MPhys)
- Subject area: Physics and astronomy
- UCAS code: F304
- Duration: 5 years
- Mode: Full-time with sandwich year
- Accreditations: Institute of Physics (IOP)
- Distinctive features:
- Opportunity for a professional placement year in industry
- Development of key transferable skills valued by employers
- Involvement of research-active staff in course design and delivery
- A substantial research project in the final year
- Frequent opportunities for practical work in the School's laboratory facilities
- Emphasis on independent learning
- Content: Covers all the core content required for the degree to be accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP).
Outline:
- Year one:
- Core modules: Mathematical Methods for Physicists 1 & 2, Mechanics and Matter, Planet Earth, Experimental Physics, Electricity, Magnetism and Waves, Computational Skills for Problem Solving
- Optional module: Introduction to Astrophysics, How the Human Body Works, Communicating Science
- Year two:
- Core modules: The Physics of Fields and Flows, Introductory Quantum Mechanics, Structured Programming, Intermediate Practical Physics, Thermal and Statistical Physics, Optics, Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics, Physics in Action: Real-World Problem Solving
- Optional module: The Stars and their Planets, Pathways to Success in the Physics Workplace, Biophysics
- Year three: Professional placement year in industry, commerce, government, or other relevant placement provider.
- Year four:
- Optional modules: Computational Physics, Environmental Physics, Introduction to Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Theoretical Physics, Science Communication, Radiation Protection and Diagnostic Radiology Physics, Semiconductor Devices and Applications, Laser Physics and Non-Linear Optics, Statistical Mechanics, Commercialising Innovation, Cosmology, Non-Ionising Radiation in Medicine, Radiotherapy
- Year five:
- Core module: Project
Assessment:
- Variety of assessment methods used, including continuous assessment, end-of-semester exams, and solely continuous assessment.
- Some modules combine both types of assessment, while others are solely based on continuous assessment.
- Nature and methods of experiments are clearly defined for students in the beginning and become more open-ended as they progress through the program.
- In the final-year project, students submit a summary of their work, a self-assessment, a final dissertation, and give an oral presentation.
- Placement year assessment includes a reflective assessment, initial and final reports, and an oral presentation of the technical outcomes.
Teaching:
- Range of teaching techniques used, including traditional lectures, tutorials, laboratory work, computer-based exercises, project-based exercises, and skills-based exercises.
- Weekly laboratory classes in the first two years prepare students for an experimental study as part of their year-three project and for their major final-year project.
- Mathematics is taught alongside the major Physics and Astrophysics concepts in all years, with specific modules in the first year.
- IT skills are taught in the first year, including elementary programming using Python. Students may take further computing and numerical-methods modules in later years.
- Regular small-group tutorials are held in years one and two.
- Throughout the program, recent research results are used to illustrate and illuminate the subject.
- Students receive feedback through a combination of discussion in class, written comments on submitted work, and review of outline solutions to problems.
- Students are encouraged to discuss any queries with individual lecturers.
Careers:
- Physics and Astronomy graduates are highly valued by employers and work in a wide range of fields, including research science, medical physics and technology, teaching, and finance and banking.
- The program provides support to help students find career opportunities, including a Careers Adviser, on-site careers fairs, and employer visits.
- Students are prepared for job-seeking by developing skills such as experimental, analytical, investigative, and communication skills, as well as teamwork and critical appraisal abilities.
- Contacts made and work experience gained during the placement year enhance students' CVs and may lead to employment opportunities.
- Employers include UK and international universities, as well as organizations like Rolls Royce, European Space Agency, Lockheed Martin, Tata, National Instruments, and Barclays.
Other:
- The course is designed to give students a broad understanding of both theoretical and experimental physics, while attaining real-world, professional experience.
- The program is taught by internationally respected physicists whose work is providing the basis for revolutionary innovations.
- Students study in a friendly environment and have access to state-of-the-art apparatus, including lasers, X-ray sources, and electronics.
- The course aims to prepare students for a career in industrial or academic research and development, education, or other sectors that require a practical, numerate, and analytical approach to problem-solving.
Fees for home status
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees 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.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
Costs for sandwich years
During a sandwich year (e.g. year in industry, placement year or year abroad) a lower fee will apply.
Additional costs
The School covers the cost of essential equipment, including core course textbooks in the first two years. All other suggested textbooks are available through the University libraries.
Course specific equipment
The University will provide all necessary equipment. It will also provide the core first-year physics and maths textbooks. You may choose to buy additional textbooks following advice from staff. You may also wish to consider purchasing a personal computer, laptop or tablet device, although specific computing facilities are available on site.
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget.
Living costs
We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Cardiff University
Overview:
Cardiff University is a leading research-intensive university located in the heart of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. It is known for its strong academic reputation, diverse range of programs, and commitment to community engagement.
Services Offered:
Study:
Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and international programs across various subject areas. They also provide support services for students, including funding, tuition fee information, and career guidance.Research:
The university is renowned for its research excellence, with a focus on tackling major challenges facing society, the economy, and the environment. They offer various research facilities and support for researchers.Work with us:
Cardiff University collaborates with businesses and organizations to provide consultancy services, funded opportunities, and workforce development programs.Community:
The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering various projects, resources, and events to support learning, promote Welsh language and culture, and contribute to the green recovery.Global:
Cardiff University has strong global partnerships with universities and organizations worldwide, fostering international research collaborations and student exchange programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Living in Cardiff:
Cardiff is a vibrant city with a thriving student population, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences, entertainment options, and social activities.Welsh Language and Culture:
Students have opportunities to learn Welsh and experience the rich Welsh language culture, which is prevalent in Cardiff.Campus Facilities:
The university provides excellent campus facilities, including libraries, sports facilities, and conference spaces.Key Reasons to Study There:
World-class Campus Facilities:
Cardiff University offers modern and well-equipped facilities to support student learning and research.Excellent Career Prospects:
The university has a strong track record of producing graduates who are highly sought after by employers.Vibrant Student Life:
Cardiff is a lively city with a thriving student community, offering a diverse range of social and cultural experiences.Research Excellence:
Cardiff University is renowned for its research excellence, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.Community Engagement:
The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering students opportunities to contribute to social and environmental initiatives.Academic Programs:
Undergraduate:
Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various subject areas, including Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering, and Medicine.Postgraduate:
The university provides a diverse range of postgraduate programs, including taught courses and research degrees.International:
Cardiff University welcomes international students and offers specific programs and support services tailored to their needs.Other:
Rankings:
Cardiff University consistently ranks highly in national and international rankings, reflecting its academic excellence.Quality Marks:
The university holds various quality marks, including the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) diamond logo, demonstrating its commitment to quality assurance.Russell Group:
Cardiff University is a member of the Russell Group, a prestigious group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.Entry Requirements
Qualifications and Grades
EU Home Students
- A-Level: A AA-AAA (including A in Mathematics)
- Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): Applicants with grade A in the EPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer.
- International Baccalaureate: 37-36 overall or 766-666 in 3 HL subjects (including grade 6 in HL Maths)
- Baccalaureate Wales: 3 A Levels (including A in Mathematics)
International Overseas Students
- A-Level: A AA-AAA (including A in Mathematics)
- International Baccalaureate: 37-36 overall or 766-666 in 3 HL subjects (including grade 6 in HL Maths)
Additional Requirements:
- GCSE: Grade C/4 in GCSE English Language or Welsh language.
- Science subjects: Preference will be given to applicants with strong backgrounds in science subjects.
Language Proficiency Requirements
English Language Proficiency
All applicants, regardless of their nationality, must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. This can be achieved by meeting one of the following requirements:
- GCSE English Language: Grade C/4 or higher
- IELTS: Score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill
- TOEFL iBT: Score of 90 overall with a minimum of 17 in writing, 17 in listening, 18 in reading, and 20 in speaking
- PTE Academic: Score of 69 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills