Physics with a Foundation Year

Explore the fundamental laws underpinning the Universe from the subatomic level to entire galaxies and apply these principles to range of fields including astronomical phenomena or medicine.

This four-year programme explores the fundamental laws underpinning the Universe, and provides a supportive route into university study enabling you to progress into any of our Physics, Astrophysics or Medical Physics degrees after the initial Foundation Year.

The flexibility we offer means you have the option to extend your degree by an additional year by switching to an MPhys before the end of your second year (subject to academic achievement) or choosing a degree with a professional placement to gain experience in employment.

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.

We’re home to one of the largest astronomy groups in the UK and are proud to have led many new discoveries - from the detection of gravitational waves to the first images of black holes. This same team of academics will shape your learning if you choose our Astrophysics degree, giving you an insight into the theoretical physics and mathematical concepts describing space, time, energy and matter, and how to apply these to the cosmos.

If you choose Physics with Medical Physics, you’ll learn how to apply physics to the detection and treatment of medical conditions to improve people’s health and wellbeing. This exciting field is unique in its focus on practice rather than theory, and modules are delivered by NHS professional at the University Hospital of Wales and Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff.

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 physics and astronomy community with a dynamic student society.