Physics with Professional Placement (BSc)

at Cardiff University

Course structure

 

This is a four-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 our single honours physics and astronomy degrees.

 

You will study core modules worth 110 credits and an optional 10-credit module.

 

In the Spring Semester you can choose between optional modules such as Introduction to Astrophysics, How the Human Body Works or Communicating Science.

 

Year two
Year two of the course continues to build on the core physics material and offers a choice for your one optional module.

 

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

The final year of our degree allows you to specialise and study selected topics in depth. A research project gives you the opportunity to apply your physics learning and to develop skills in independent research, making presentations, report writing and information management.

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.

Tuition fees for 2022 entry

Fees for home status

• £9,000    

 

Fees for overseas status

• £23,450

Physics and Astronomy graduates are highly valued by employers and our students go on to work in a wide range of different fields including research science, medical physics and technology, teaching and finance and banking.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

Graduate careers

• Research scientist
• Statistician
• Data Analyst
• Science Communicator
• Finance and Banking
• Airline Pilot
• Software Engineer
• Teacher