find your perfect postgrad program
Search our Database of 30,000 Courses
Cardiff University: School of Physics and Astronomy
http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/physics-astronomy
At Cardiff University’s School of Physics and Astronomy, we’re pushing the boundaries of discovery — from the mysteries of gravitational waves to breakthroughs in compound semiconductor technology.
Join our vibrant community at a top 10 UK university for physics*, where our flexible postgraduate programmes are designed to help you specialise, innovate, and connect with industry leaders.
*The Guardian, Best UK Universities 2025
Our postgraduate taught courses
We offer five postgraduate taught courses, with a number of funding and scholarship opportunities.
MSc Physics
MSc Astrophysics
MSc Compound Semiconductor Physics
MSc Data Intensive Physics
MSc Data Intensive Astrophysics
“The best thing about the course is the modules - the way they are designed not only covers everything we need to know about astrophysics but prepared me for a research career. The staff are very friendly, and although I was a long way away from my family, I feel as though I have a little family here now. Cardiff is really green, and the Student Union has loads of activities every day where you can make friends so it’s not just about studying, it’s everything – the whole package.”
Gauri Verma, MSc Astrophysics graduate
YouTube: hear from our student
Our postgraduate research courses
We provide supervision and/or research projects in the following areas:
- Astronomy (Observational and Theoretical)
- Astronomy Instrumentation
- Gravitational Waves (Detection and Instrument Development)
- Brain Imaging
- Quantum Materials
- Advanced Compound Semiconductor Technologies
Our facilities
We’re a European leader in compound semiconductor research, providing excellent student placement and job opportunities for our students through the Institute for Compound Semiconductors, based in the state-of-the-art Translational Research Hub), to drive the next generation of technology used in smartphones, satellites and more.
Home to one of the largest astronomy and astrophysics groups in the UK, our Gravity Exploration Institute is a founder member of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) which first detected gravitational waves in 2015. Our Professor Stephen Fairhurst was elected to lead the LIGO Scientific Collaboration in 2025.
And, we work with CUBRIC, Cardiff University’s £44m Brain Imaging Centre, Cardiff University Brain Imaging Centre (CUBRIC) which brings together world-leading expertise in brain mapping with the very latest in brain imaging and stimulation.
A student-friendly city
Cardiff – one of the UK’s most welcoming, affordable, safe and student-friendly cities – offers students a vibrant environment in which to live and study. With students making up around 20% of the city’s population, Cardiff has a youthful, inclusive feel and a strong sense of community.
Beyond campus, the city boasts world-class sporting events, arts and culture, excellent shopping, and a thriving food scene. Beaches, national parks, and mountains are all within easy reach, offering students a unique balance of urban and outdoor living.
Cardiff is exceptionally well connected, with excellent public transport links and direct train services to London and other major UK cities – all just around two hours away – making it an ideal base for international students.
Supportive and inclusive student experience
With over 2,200 postgraduates from more than 115 countries, Cardiff University offers a truly global experience.
Cardiff offers a supportive environment through personalised academic mentoring, free IT tools and software, and extensive student services. The Centre for Student Life offers a wide range of services to support students. These include financial advice, visa and immigration guidance, career support for international students, and help with health and wellbeing.
Additionally, students can access disability support, mentoring, academic skills coaching (including English and maths), and residence support. Assistance with settling into university is also available. For students with families, the university offers childcare services, providing essential support for those balancing studies and parenting.
Postgraduate students benefit from tailored services including exclusive events, social opportunities, postgraduate-only study areas, and networking opportunities through the Postgraduate Association.
The Doctoral Academy provides additional resources and tailored support for research students, while all students are assigned a personal tutor to guide them through academic matters.
For those interested in learning more about life in Cardiff, prospective students can chat online with current Cardiff University students to get firsthand insights about living and studying here.
Instagram @cuphysicsastronomy
YouTube videos
Cardiff University astrophysicists talk James Web Space Telescope:
Experimental Gravitation Laboratory Tour:
Taster Lecture - Gravitational Waves:
Gravity Exploration Institute:
The Fundamental Physics of Semiconductor Nanocrystals:
Institute for Compound Semiconductors:
Post Grad Taster Lecture - Galaxy Evolution:
Virtual Open Day:
Available courses
Postgraduate Bursary Opportunity with Postgrad.com
Are you studying as a PG student at the moment or have you recently been accepted on a postgraduate program? Apply now for one of our £2000 PGS bursaries.
Click here