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

Physics with Astronomy with Professional Placement (MPhys)
at Cardiff University

Cardiff, United Kingdom

Tuition Fee £ 23,450
Country Rank-
Duration60 Months
Score IELTS: 6.5

Program Overview

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

The course is designed to give you a broad understanding of physics and astronomy as well as gaining a wide range of mathematical and computational skills.

Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP), this five-year programme goes into greater depth than the BSc course, allowing you to further develop your sophisticated knowledge of the subject.

Studying alongside internationally respected physicists whose work is providing the basis for revolutionary innovations, you will be part of an exciting and friendly environment and have access to state-of-the-art apparatus, including lasers, X-ray sources and electronics.

This programme includes a professional placement year in industry, commerce, government or another relevant placement provider approved by the University which will give you the opportunity to gain relevant work experience in the field.

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

Distinctive features

The distinctive features of the course include:

You will be able to follow your passion for Astronomy while developing your key skills in Physics, Mathematics and Computing.
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 develop the understanding and skills needed to obtain your ideal career.
The involvement of research-active staff in course design and delivery
A large research project in your final year
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

The course contains all the core content required for the degree to be accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP).

Course Content
Course structure

This is a five-year full-time degree, the third year of which is 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 programme of choice or choose another of Cardiff’s single honours physics and astronomy degrees.

You will study core modules worth 110 credits and in the Autumn Semester you may take the Mathematical Practice for Physical Sciences module or, if you have an A grade or higher in Mathematics A-level, an alternative 10-credit module.

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 called 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 years three and four.

Year three: Sandwich year

Year three is spent on a professional placement in industry, commerce, government or another relevant placement provider approved by the University. It is designed to help you further develop your problem-solving skills and encourage 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 nine months in length) also allows you to appreciate the structure of the workplace environment and reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses.

Year four

Year four of your degree allows you to specialise and study selected topics in depth. You will also undertake an independent 20-credit physics-related research project.

Year five

The final-year project is a significant assessed part of our MPhys courses and we attach particular importance to it. It accounts for half of the year five content and provides training in analysis, synthesis and problem solving – the key skills needed by a professional astrophysicist. The project will be linked to the research work of the School and give you the opportunity to work alongside professional researchers and academic staff.
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, European Space Agency, National Instruments, Lockheed Martin, Tata Steel, and Barclays.

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

Check Loan Eligibility

Physics with Astronomy with Professional Placement (MPhys) at Cardiff University