Cardiff University - open day event
26 Jun 2026, 08:00
Cardiff
Physics
- Master of Physics
- 4 Years
- Full-Time
- 27 September 2027
- Undergraduate
- Main Site - Cardiff
- Awarded by:
- Cardiff University (Prifysgol Caerdydd)
Course summary
During this four-year course with an emphasis on research, you'll explore the fundamental laws underpinning the Universe from the subatomic level to entire galaxies.
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.
Although this course is designed to help you achieve your potential as an academic researcher, the problem-solving skills you'll develop are highly sought-after in a wide range of careers from data science, IT, education, finance and more.
Join us and 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
13 January 2027
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:
- F303
- Institution code:
- C15
- Campus name:
- Main Site - Cardiff
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A levelAAA-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.
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.
UCAS TariffNot accepted
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.
Extended ProjectA
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.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme36-32
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.
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.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
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.
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.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
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course 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.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland | £9790 | |
| EU & International | £30700 |
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
Fees stated are for the 2026/7 academic year.
Tuition fees cover all reasonable costs required to complete the stated programme. Optional study trips, placements, or equipment are at your own cost. Tuition fees exclude living costs such as accommodation, subsistence and travel.
UK and Islands:
The University may increase fees as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. We will notify you of changes by the end of June in the preceding academic year.
EU, EEA, and Switzerland:
Unless eligible for UK fee status, fees will align with international fees. Check eligibility at: https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student-advice/fees/full-list-of-categories-for-he-in-wales/
International:
Fees are fixed for the programme duration, excluding Medicine and Dentistry programmes. During the pre-clinical element of Medicine and Dentistry programmes the fee rate will be fixed, after which the clinical fee rate is charged. Further details: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/funding-and-fees
Sponsorship information
Scholarships and bursaries
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.
Course contact details
Admissions Team
Email:admissions@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:029 2087 9999
Cardiff University
PO Box 921
Cardiff
CF10 3XQ
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