Physics (with Professional Placement)

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.

During this four-year 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.

Your third year will be spent working as a company employee, during which you will earn a salary while gaining valuable skills and experience, helping you to stand out from the crowd. Often, our students go on to work for the same organisation after graduating.

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 final 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 BSc, you’ll also undertake a physics project with one of our top researchers, choosing from the wide range of research activities in the department.