About us
Our strengths span the physics spectrum, from quantum technologies and compound semiconductors to astrophysics and the far reaches of the galaxy.
As a top 10 school for physics in the UK, our consistently high NSS (National Student Survey) scores show that teaching and student experience are a top priority for us.
Cardiff is a European leader in compound semiconductor research: we work with industry colleagues in our multi-million-pound Translational Research facility supporting careers using this cutting-edge technology in fields as diverse telecommunications, power generation and medical diagnosis.
We played a pivotal role in the 2015 detection of gravitational waves and are developing key technologies for future detectors. Home to one of the largest astronomy departments in the UK, we’re the worldwide supplier of embedded metal-mesh optical components and metamaterials to the far infrared astronomical community. We use images from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and others to reveal discoveries about the universe, including recent clues about how exploding stars develop over time.
We’re an inclusive community of approximately 400 undergraduate and 140 postgraduate and doctoral students. Equity and diversity are not simply boxes we tick: our active EDI staff and student committee constantly strive to build on our status as the first Welsh university to be awarded Institute of Physics Juno Champion status in 2020.
We know that science is for all, and that a love of science starts at a young age, which is why we are dedicated to engagement in schools and the community.
Our stats:
- 8th in the UK for physics (The Guardian University Guide 2025).
- 1st for physics in the Russell Group for teaching on my course, learning opportunities, assessment and feedback, academic support; and 2nd for student voice (2024 National Student Survey).
- 1st for astronomy in the Russell Group for academic support and 2nd for teaching on my course (2024 National Student Survey).
- 99% of our research rated as “world-leading or internationally excellent” (Times Higher Education analysis of REF 2021).
- 1st university in Wales to achieve Institute of Physics (IOP) Juno Champion status in 2020.
- One of 10 universities in the UK invited to pilot the IOP Inclusion Award.
- Our academic staff have a number of awards and honours including a Fellow of the Royal Society, two Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBEs) and numerous Institute of Physics and Royal Astronomical Society medals for excellence in research and engagement.
