Physics with a Professional Placement Year

UCAS code: F302

Here's what Cardiff University says about its Physics with a Professional Placement Year course.

During this four-year course, you'll explore the fundamental laws underpinning the Universe from the subatomic level to entire galaxies and gain an insight into real-world physics in the workplace.

You’ll explore how theoretical and experimental physics describes the Universe and gain an insight into how it shapes modern technologies – from the tiniest semiconductor chip to the most powerful laser.

As a budding physicist, you’ll learn with researchers working on some of the most exciting discoveries of our time, whether that's the detection of gravitational waves or breakthroughs in quantum technology.

We aim to provide a solid foundation in classical physics, mathematics and quantum mechanics and their relationship to technology, while emphasising the importance of modern physics concepts such as the space-time continuum and wave particle duality.

You’ll gain hands-on, paid experience of working in industry in your third year. A professional placement can be a life-changing experience, honing your skills and giving you an insight into real-world, applied science. Many of our students go on to work for the same organisation after graduating. Recent placements have included Vishay, EDF, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Merck and Rolls-Royce.

The flexibility we offer means there is the possibility of switching to an MPhys before the end of your second year (subject to academic achievement).

Join us and you'll not only develop the highly sought-after problem-solving skills valued by a wide range of employers, but become part of a welcoming, inclusive physics and astronomy community with a dynamic student society.

Distinctive features

Top 10 We’re ranked in the top 10 for physics in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2025).

95% employment 95% of our graduates are employed, in further study, or doing other activities such as travelling, 15 months after the end of their course (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2021/22).

Student satisfaction We’re consistently ranked in the top 5 UK physics departments for teaching satisfaction (National Student Survey).

Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) This programme meets the high quality standards in education set out by the IOP.

Research-led teaching We're home to one of the largest UK communities of astrophysicists and condensed matter physicists.