Physics and Astronomy
The wide range of expertise within the School of Physics and Astronomy enables the School to offer a variety of opportunities for higher degrees by research.
The School specialises in a wide range of research areas and postgraduate students are fully integrated into these areas.
We aim to offer a challenging and supportive environment, in which our students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in industry, research or academia. We have an established track record of research excellence and host world-class laboratories to support our wide range of research activities. Research in the School also involves worldwide collaborations and the use of leading-edge national and international facilities.
You will be supervised by a team of experts who will support your progress and help you to achieve your potential. You will be assigned a mentor from another research group who will act as your personal tutor.
Programme aims
To offer knowledge and expertise for a career in the academic world, industry or to pursue a variety of other opportunities in which a strong background in physics, astrophysics or computing is useful and important.
Distinctive features
- Research students take specialist academic courses and courses to develop their communication and personal skills.
- There is a full programme of seminars and the individual research groups hold regular meetings where members present new results and discuss their research in detail.
- There is an annual postgraduate conference and a research student poster competition.
- There are active collaborations with research groups overseas and regular attendance at major international conferences by staff and students.
Key facts
| Mode of study | Full-time, part-time |
|---|---|
| Qualification | PhD, MPhil |
| Full-time duration | PhD 3-4 years, MPhil 1-2 years |
| Part-time duration | PhD 5-7 years, MPhil 2-3 years |
| Start dates | January, April, July, October |
Research areas
UK government postgraduate doctoral loans
Candidates for the Professional Doctorate programme may be eligible to apply for a UK government postgraduate doctoral loan.
Find out more about UK government postgraduate doctoral loansFunding
See our latest PhD studentships and projects and find out more about other funding opportunities.
Tuition fees
Students from the UK
Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.
Students from the rest of the world (international)
Funded project
If you are applying for an advertised funded project then you don't need to provide a research proposal. You only need to provide the following:
- Funded project title
- Personal statement
- CV
- Certificates and transcripts for all post high school education to date. If you are still studying for your undergraduate degree you will probably not have any certificates or final transcripts, but you should submit any end of year interim transcripts that you have so far.
- Two academic references. Your reference letters should ideally be uploaded with your application, or alternatively your referees can email their reference letter to physics-admissions@cardiff.ac.uk or admissions@cardiff.ac.uk if they would prefer.
Self-funded project
If you are applying for a self-funded project then you need to provide the following:
- Research proposal
- Personal statement
- CV
- Certificates and transcripts for all post high school education to date. If you are still studying for your undergraduate degree you will probably not have any certificates or final transcripts, but you should submit any end of year interim transcripts that you have so far.
- Two academic references. Your reference letters should ideally be uploaded with your application, or alternatively your referees can email their reference letter to physics-admissions@cardiff.ac.uk or admissions@cardiff.ac.uk if they would prefer.
Suitable for graduates with a first or upper-second class honours degree in Physics, Astrophysics, Mathematics, Electronics or a related subject, depending on the research area.
English language requirements
IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or equivalent. Please see our English Language Requirements guidance for more details.
Contacts
Administrative contact(s)
Postgraduate Admissions Team
School of Physics and Astronomy
Academic contact(s)
Dr Matthew W L Smith
Senior Lecturer
Director of Postgraduate Research Studies
Astronomy Group
Cardiff Hub for Astrophysics Research and Technology
- matthew.smith@astro.cf.ac.uk
- +44 (0)29 2087 5106
