| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Astrophysics (MPhys) program at Cardiff University is a four-year, full-time course that combines theoretical physics and astrophysics with observational astronomy. It features a strong research focus, with research-active staff involved in course design and delivery. Students benefit from frequent opportunities for practical work, an independent research project, and a significant final-year project linked to the School's research work. Graduates are highly valued in various fields, including research science, teaching, and finance.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Overview: The Astrophysics (MPhys) program is a four-year, full-time course designed for students who want to study astrophysics in greater depth than the three-year BSc program allows. It combines theoretical aspects of physics and astrophysics with observational astronomy.
- Objectives: The program aims to prepare students for careers in industrial or academic research and development, education, or other sectors requiring a practical, numerate, and analytical approach to problem solving.
- Distinctive Features:
- Strong research focus.
- Research-active staff involved in course design and delivery.
- Large research project in the final year.
- Frequent opportunities for practical work in the School's laboratory facilities.
- Emphasis on independent learning.
- Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP).
Outline:
- Year 1:
- Focus on core physics and astronomy concepts.
- Year 2:
- Continues to build on core physics and astrophysics material.
- Introduces Observational Techniques in Astronomy.
- Includes modules such as The Physics of Fields and Flows, Introductory Quantum Mechanics, Structured Programming, The Stars and their Planets, Observational Techniques in Astronomy, Thermal and Statistical Physics, Optics, and Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics.
- Year 3:
- 80 credits of core modules and 20 credits from a selection of optional modules.
- Includes an independent 20-credit physics-related research project.
- Core modules include Atomic and Nuclear Physics, Formation and Evolution of Stars, Galaxies and Galaxy Evolution, Particle Physics and Special Relativity, High-Energy Astrophysics, Cosmology, and Physics Project.
- Optional modules include Condensed Matter Physics, Computational Physics, Environmental Physics, Theoretical Physics, Science Communication, Radiation Protection and Diagnostic Radiology Physics, Semiconductor Devices and Applications, Laser Physics and Non-Linear Optics, Statistical Mechanics, and Commercialising Innovation.
- Year 4:
- Significant final-year project (60 credits).
- Focus on analysis, synthesis, and problem-solving.
- Project linked to the research work of the School.
- Opportunity to work alongside professional researchers and academic staff.
- Core modules include Introduction to General Relativity and Energy and Gas in Interstellar Space.
- Optional modules include Large Molecules and Life, Instrumentation for Astronomy, Quantum Theory of Many-particle systems, Data Science, Gravitational-wave detectors, Advanced General Relativity and Gravitational Waves, Physics and Reality, Observational Gravitational Wave Astronomy, Exoplanets and the Search for Life, Numerical Relativity and Waveform Modelling, and Techniques in Precision Measurement.
Assessment:
- Variety of assessment methods: combinations of continuous assessment, end-of-semester exams, and solely continuous assessments.
- Early years: clearly defined nature and methods of experiments.
- Later years: tackling more open-ended investigations.
- Final-year project: fixed-format summary, self-assessment, final dissertation, interview with supervisor and assessor (viva), and a short research seminar about the project.
Teaching:
- Teaching methods: traditional lectures, tutorials, laboratory work, computer-based, project-based, and skills-based exercises.
- Exercises: apply knowledge, increase critical awareness, and enhance problem-solving skills.
- Weekly laboratory classes in the first two years: prepare for an experimental study as part of the year-three project and the final-year project.
- Mathematics: taught alongside major Physics and Astrophysics concepts in all years, with specific modules in the first year.
- IT skills: taught in the first year, including elementary programming using Python.
- Regular small-group tutorials in years one and two: receive feedback on continuous assessment.
- Recent research results used to illustrate and illuminate the subject.
Careers:
- Highly valued graduates: work in various fields, including research science, medical physics and technology, teaching, finance and banking.
- Employers: UK and international universities, Rolls Royce, European Space Agency, Lockheed Martin, Tata Steel, National Instruments, and Barclays.
- Graduate careers: research scientist, teacher, finance and banking, project manager.
Other:
- The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible.
- Personal tutor provides pastoral support and academic advice.
- Students have access to Learning Central, the University's virtual learning environment.
- Feedback provided through class discussions, written comments, and solutions to problems.
- Skills developed: experimental, analytical, investigative, design, calculation, software, research, communication, teamwork, critical appraisal, independent learning, and time management.
Fees for home status
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 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.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
Additional costs
The School covers the cost of essential equipment, including core course textbooks in the first two years. All other suggested textbooks are available through the University libraries.
Course specific equipment
The University will provide all essential equipment. It currently also provides the core first-year physics and maths textbooks. You may choose to buy additional textbooks following advice from staff. You may also wish to consider purchasing a personal computer, laptop or tablet device, although specific computing facilities are available on site.
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget.
Living costs
We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
