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 School of Physics and Astronomy, we’re proud of our world-leading research exploring the frontiers of physics and astronomy.
Our flexible, innovative, and interdisciplinary postgraduate courses offer you the opportunity to specialise in many exciting areas, combined with a vibrant research culture and strong industry links.
Study at a top 10 for physics (The Guardian, Best UK Universities 2024) Russell Group university in the affordable capital city of Cardiff, with the UK’s 2nd best Students’ Union (2024 WhatUni Student Choice Awards).
Our research and facilities
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.
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.
And, we are at the centre of the UK Compound Semiconductor Cluster, 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.
Postgraduate taught courses
We offer six postgraduate taught courses, with a number of funding and scholarship opportunities.
MSc Physics
MSc Astrophysics
MSc Compound Semiconductor Physics
MSc Gravitational Waves
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, 2023
YouTube: hear from our student
Postgraduate research courses
We provide supervision and/or research projects in the following areas:
- Observational and Theoretical Astrophysics
- Astronomy Instrumentation
- Gravitational Wave Theory and Observation
- Experimental Gravitational Physics
- Biophotonics
- Brain Imaging
- Compound Semiconductor Devices
- Sensors and Instrumentation
- Fundamental and Theoretical Physics
- Nanoscale Diamonds
- Quantum Materials and Devices
Living in Cardiff
Our location in Queen's Buildings is right on the doorstep of Cardiff city centre, which is one of the UK’s most affordable cities with plenty of green public spaces. Cardiff is a cosmopolitan capital city with entertainment ranging from top sporting events, a wide variety of cultural activities, and a vibrant nightlife.
Discover what makes Cardiff so appealing.
Cardiff University offers a range of university accommodation to suit individual preferences and budgets. Overseas applicants arriving in September are guaranteed a single occupancy place in university accommodation for their first year if certain deadlines are met.
Contact details
physics-admissions@cardiff.ac.uk
+44 (0)29 208 76457
Queen's Buildings
The Parade
Cardiff University
CF24 3AA
X (formerly Twitter)
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
