| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-09-28 | - |
| 2027-09-28 | - |
Program Overview
Introduction to the MSc Data Intensive Physics Program
The MSc in Data Intensive Physics is a postgraduate program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in academic research in physics, as well as technical, development, and engineering positions in related scientific fields. By combining data analysis and computational techniques with a core science discipline, the course aims to satisfy the increasing demand for well-qualified postgraduates who can respond to challenges arising from this exciting field.
Why Study This Course
The MSc in Data Intensive Physics has been designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed for a career in a range of areas, including academic research in physics and technical, development, and engineering positions in related scientific fields. The course is delivered by members of the Data Innovation Research Institute, which conducts research into managing, analyzing, and interpreting massive volumes of textual and numerical information.
Distinctive Features
- Central to the design of the course is the opportunity for students to acquire real research experience in connection with world-leading scientists, greatly enhancing their CV and prospects for employment or further study.
- The program allows a choice of elective modules and project work that can be tailored to suit whatever specialism the student is interested in, whether that be gravitational waves, star or galaxy formation, or cosmology.
- Students will join a well-established and growing cohort of MSc students and be based in a dedicated teaching facility that encourages a "research group" community atmosphere.
- As a successful graduate of this course, students will be ideally placed to take advantage of the growing employment opportunities being generated by the demands of "Big Data".
Course Structure
The MSc Data Intensive Physics is a two-stage (120 credits taught, 60 credits research project) postgraduate taught program delivered over three terms (autumn, spring, and summer) for a total of 180 credits.
- Autumn Term (60 credits, taught): Students undertake three core modules covering core skills and one elective module in a physics specialism of their choice.
- Spring Term (60 credits, taught): Students undertake two core modules covering core skills and two elective modules covering a physics specialism of their choice.
- Summer Term (60 credits, research project): The summer term consists of a single 60-credit research project module of 3 months' duration, where students produce a research dissertation and present their research to the School.
Core and Optional Modules
Core Modules for Year One
| Module Title | Module Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Research Project | PXT999 | 60 credits |
| Applied Machine Learning | CMT307 | 20 credits |
| Principles of Machine Learning | CMT311 | 20 credits |
| Data Science | PXT146 | 10 credits |
| Advanced Techniques in Physics and Astrophysics | PXT991 | 20 credits |
| Advanced Study and Research Skills | PXT992 | 20 credits |
Optional Modules for Year One
| Module Title | Module Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Low Dimensional Semiconductor Devices | PXT126 | 10 credits |
| Physics and Reality | PXT128 | 10 credits |
| Quantum Statistical Mechanics | PXT139 | 10 credits |
| Advanced Particle Physics | PXT142 | 10 credits |
| Laser Physics and Non-Linear Optics | PXT143 | 10 credits |
| Theoretical Physics | PXT158 | 10 credits |
| Advanced General Relativity and Gravitational Waves | PXT224 | 10 credits |
| Quantum Theory of Many-particle systems | PXT234 | 10 credits |
| Numerical Relativity and Waveform Modelling | PXT904 | 10 credits |
| Observational Gravitational Wave Astronomy | PXT907 | 10 credits |
Learning and Assessment
- Teaching Methods: Students are taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, and practical computer sessions.
- Assessment: Summative assessments typically involve coursework and/or an unseen examination. Formative feedback is provided to improve understanding and learning before summative assessments.
- Support: MSc Coordinators act as personal tutors, providing support in research and study techniques, module selection, and career planning.
Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry
- Home Status: £12,200 per year, with no deposit required.
- Overseas Status: £30,700 per year, with a £2,500 deposit.
Funding
- Master's Scholarships: Available for UK students.
- Postgraduate Loans: Available for students starting their master's degree in September 2026 or later.
- Alumni Discount: Available for Cardiff University graduates.
Careers and Placements
- Career Opportunities: Theoretical, experimental, and computational doctoral research; numerate, technical, research, development, and engineering positions in related scientific fields; physics, mathematics, and general science education.
- Placements: Flexible number of external projects for the summer research project module, which may be carried out in the School with external supervision or involve work at a collaborating institute.
Additional Information
- Equipment: Students are recommended to bring a relatively modern laptop computer to tackle coding, literature review, and dissertation writing activities.
- Living Costs: Cardiff is one of the UK's most affordable cities.
- Language Requirements: IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 and 5.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent.