Physics with Astronomy with Professional Placement (BSc) Featured Image

Universities United Kingdom Cardiff University Courses Physics with Astronomy with Professional Placement (BSc)

Physics with Astronomy with Professional Placement (BSc)

Cardiff University

Cardiff, United Kingdom

Tuition Fee £ 23,450
Country Rank#19
Duration48 Months
Score IELTS: 6.5

Program Overview

The BSc Physics with Astronomy has an emphasis on astronomy and observational techniques and is ideal for those interested in fundamental questions about our Universe.

Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP), this four-year course offers a professional placement year in industry, commerce, government or another placement provider. This valuable experience will give you the opportunity to engage in real-world work environments, using your knowledge to full effect.

The course aims to prepare you for a career in industrial or academic research and development, education or other sectors that require a practical, numerate and analytical approach to problem solving.

In your first two years, you will study a core component of physics and astrophysics modules, delivered to you through a range of teaching methods. In your final year you can study advanced astrophysics and astronomy topics in detail, with additional optional modules. You will also undertake an astrophysics research project.

You will be part of a friendly and welcoming department currently housed in the Queen’s Building complex, which contains a wide variety of purpose-built laboratories, lecture theatres and computing facilities.

Distinctive features

The distinctive features of the course include:

The opportunity to learn in a department which has a strong commitment to research and is home to one of the UK’s largest Astronomy research groups
You will be able to follow your passion for astronomy while developing your key skills in physics, mathematics and computing.
The involvement of research-active staff in course design and delivery
Frequent opportunities to conduct practical work in the School’s laboratory facilities
An emphasis on independent learning
The opportunity to follow a professional placement year in industry

Course Content
Course structure

This is a four-year full-time degree with the third year spent on a professional placement. The course includes a carefully chosen balance of core modules, along with some optional modules. Modules are typically worth 10 or 20 credits and you need to earn 120 credits a year.

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/2023 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.

Year one

The range of modules in year one is designed to stimulate your interest in physics while giving you a sound foundation upon which to build in later years. At the end of the first year, you may continue with your original degree choice or choose another of our single honours physics and astronomy degrees.

You will study core modules worth 120 credits.

Year two

The second year of the course continues to build on the core physics and astrophysics material. You will also take a 20-credit module on observational techniques in astronomy. This introduces the theory and practice of making and interpreting astronomical observations and provides the necessary skills to undertake your astronomy or astrophysics research project in year three.

Year three: Sandwich year

Year three is spent on a professional placement in industry, commerce, government or some other institution approved by the University. It is designed to help you further develop your problem-solving skills and encourages the use of initiative to gain a professional work methodology and practical experience.

As well as enhancing your transferable skills such as report writing and oral presentations, you may experience team working, increase your self-confidence and better understand the importance of Health and Safety.

The placement (usually for nine months) also allows you to appreciate the structure of the workplace environment and reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses.

Year four

The final year of your degree allows you to specialise and study selected topics in depth. You will also undertake an independent project on a related topic of astronomy or astrophysics research.
Entry Requirement
A level
AAA-AAB including Maths and Physics or A*AB-A*BB including 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.

Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.

International Baccalaureate
36-34 overall or 766-666 in 3 HL subjects. Must include grade 7 in HL Maths or grade 6 in HL Maths and Physics.

GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.

TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.

PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.

Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.
Fees & Scholarships
Tuition fees for 2022 entry

Fees for home status
- £9,000
Fees for overseas status
- £23,450
Career Prospect
We provide a range of support to help our students to find the career opportunities that suit them best, such as a Careers Adviser who is located part-time in the School, on-site careers fairs and employer visits. We also aim to prepare our students by providing them with the skills they need to succeed in obtaining jobs and feeling confident in their chosen workplace.

The contacts you make and the work experience you gain during your placement year will enhance your CV and may even lead directly to employment or provide enhanced references for other job applications.

Employers included UK and international universities plus a range of organisations such as Rolls Royce, Barclays, Bank of England, Tata Steel, European Space Agency, and Lockheed Martin.

Graduate careers
- Research Scientist
- Statistician
- Data Analyst
- Science Communicator
- Finance and Banking
- Airline Pilot
- Software Engineer
- Teacher

Cost Of Studying At Cardiff University

Interest rates as low as 8.9% ^*

250K+

Students Assisted

800Cr+

Loan Amount Disbursed

5000+

Loans Sanctioned

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