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Astrophysics
MPhys · 4 Years · Full-time · 28/09/2026 · UndergraduateMain Site - Cardiff
- Awarded by:
- Cardiff University (Prifysgol Caerdydd)
Course summary
As a future astrophysicist, you’ll apply the principles of physics to astronomical phenomena, exploring the Universe and investigating how it works in this four-year course with a focus on research.
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, 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.
Gain core physics and mathematics skills combined with an understanding of observational astronomy and deep dive into the theory of astrophysics.
As well as the confidence to design and conduct your own lab experiments, you'll develop your programming skills. In your final year, you'll align with one of our research groups and carry out an Astrophysics project using real-world research data in a subject you're interested in.
An ideal launchpad to become an astrophysicist and achieve your potential as a researcher, this course will also equip you for a career in a wide range of sectors – from data analysis and technology to finance and education.
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
Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP)
Our course meets the high-quality standards in education set out by the IOP.
Top 10
Ranked 8th in the UK for physics (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
1st for physics in the Russell Group for teaching on my course, learning opportunities, academic support, and assessment and feedback (National Student Survey (NSS) 2024).
Research-led teaching
We're home to one of the largest UK communities of astronomers and condensed matter physicists.
Research focus
Your final year will focus on research and include a major project with one of our leading research groups.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Physics, Institute of
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- F510
- Institution code:
- C15
- Campus name:
- Main Site - Cardiff
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAA - ABB
To include grade B in Maths and Physics. Applicants taking Maths without Physics will also be considered normally subject to achieving a grade A in Maths. You will need to pass the science practical element of the A-level if this is part of your programme of study.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD-DM in a BTEC Diploma in science and engineering subjects and grade A in Maths A-Level or D in any BTEC subject and grades AA-AB in Maths and Physics A-Level.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 36 - 32 points
36-32 overall or 666- 665 in 3 HL subjects. To include grade 5 in HL Maths and HL Physics. Applicants taking HL Maths without HL Physics will also be considered normally subject to achieving a grade 6 in HL Maths.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales will be accepted in lieu of one A level at the A level grades specified, excluding any subject specific requirements.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
The Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate will be accepted in place of one A-level at the A-level grades specified, excluding any subject specific requirements.
Extended Project - A
For applicants taking the EPQ qualification, an A in the EPQ can be recognised to lower the entry requirements by a single grade. For example, an AAB offer would be “AAB from 3 A-levels or ABB from 3 A-levels and a grade A in the EPQ”. Please note that any subject specific requirements must be met.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
You must have or be working towards:
- English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent (such as A-levels). If you require a Student visa, you must ensure your language qualification complies with UKVI requirements.
T Level
Acceptance of T Levels for this programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic School. Consideration will be given to the T Level grade/subject and grades/subjects achieved at GCSE/Level 2.
We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects.
We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.
English language requirements
All applicants are expected to have demonstrable English language skills. Most courses ask for GCSE English grade C/4 or equivalent, but some courses ask for GCSE English grade B/6 or equivalent.
To find out more, please go to: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements/undergraduate
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
At Cardiff we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, as part of this our contextual admissions policy aims to widen participation and improve access to Higher Education (HE).
For more information on Cardiff University contextual admissions, including how applications are scored and how we use that score, please see our website.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
- Data from:
- This course and 1 other astronomy course
- Date range:
- 2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
- A*A*A
- Highest grades
- BCC
- Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| EU | £30700 | Year 1 |
| International | £30700 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Students from the UK and Islands:
Fees stated are for the 2026/27 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.
Fees for entry in subsequent years are subject to increase and will be confirmed by the end of October in the year preceding your start date of your programme, or as soon as possible thereafter.
Tuition fees cover all reasonable costs required for you to complete to the degree programme stated. Please note that you may choose to participate in study trips, associated placements or purchase equipment while studying on your degree programme which will be at your own cost. Tuition fees do not include living costs such as accommodation, subsistence or travel.
Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland:
If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss national, unless you qualify for UK fee status, tuition fees for 2026/27 will be in line with the fees charged for international students. You can check whether you are eligible for UK (Home) fee status on the UKCISA website: https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student-advice/fees/full-list-of-categories-for-he-in-wales/
Students from the rest of the world (international):
Fees stated are for 2026/27 entry and are fixed for the duration of the programme, excluding Medicine and Dentistry programmes. Please note that during the pre-clinical element of Medicine and Dentistry programmes the fee rate will be fixed, after which the clinical fee rate will be charged. Further details are available on the university website at: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/funding-and-fees
Fees for entry in subsequent years are subject to increase and will be confirmed by the end of October in the year preceding your start date of your programme, or as soon as possible thereafter.
Tuition fees cover all reasonable costs required for you to complete the degree programme stated. Please note that you may choose to participate in study trips, associated placements or purchase equipment while studying on your degree programme which will be at your own cost. Tuition fees do not include living costs such as accommodation, subsistence or travel.
Sponsorship information
Cardiff University has many scholarships on offer to our prospective students. Please see our website at http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/funding/scholarships for further information.
Cardiff University
PO Box 921
Cardiff
CF10 3XQ
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Course contact details
Admissions Team
Email:admissions@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:029 2087 9999
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