Physics (with Professional Placement)

UCAS code: F304

Here's what Cardiff University says about its Physics (with Professional Placement) course.

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.

This five-year MPhys degree course is ideal if you want to study physics in more depth than during a BSc course. You will spend your fourth year working as a company employee, during which you will earn a salary while gaining valuable skills and experience. Often, our students go on to work for the same organisation after graduating, but a wide range of careers from technology and finance to education are also open to you. If you’re interested in becoming a research scientist, an MPhys degree is a great route to this role.

During the 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. Our graduates are sought after by employers and go on to a range of careers from research science and aerospace to data analysis, finance and more.

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.