Physics with Professional Placement (MPhys)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Cardiff University

Program Overview

Cardiff’s MPhys Physics with Professional Placement is designed for students who want to master advanced physics while gaining real-world experience in industry or research.
You’ll study everything from quantum mechanics to particle physics, and spend a full year applying your skills in a professional setting—perfect for those aiming for careers in research, technology, or data science.

Curriculum structure

Year 1: Core Foundations in Physics and Mathematics
You’ll begin with Mechanics and Matter, Electricity, Magnetism and Waves, and Mathematical Methods for Physicists 1 & 2, which build your understanding of classical physics and mathematical modelling. You’ll also take Experimental Physics and Computational Skills for Problem Solving, gaining hands-on lab experience and programming basics.

Year 2: Expanding into Quantum and Statistical Physics
This year introduces Introductory Quantum Mechanics, Thermal and Statistical Physics, and Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics. You’ll also study Scientific Programming, Optics, and Physics in Action: Real-World Problem Solving. Lab work continues with Intermediate Practical Physics, and you’ll choose one optional module to tailor your interests.

Year 3: Professional Placement Year
You’ll spend this year working full-time in a physics-related role within industry, research, or government. Cardiff’s School of Physics and Astronomy helps you secure placements with organisations across the UK and beyond, giving you valuable experience and professional insight.

Year 4: Advanced Topics and Independent Research
Returning to Cardiff, you’ll study Atomic and Nuclear Physics, Solid State Physics, and Particle Physics and Special Relativity. You’ll also complete a 30-credit Physics Project, where you’ll conduct independent research and present your findings. Optional modules include Radiation Protection and Diagnostic Radiology Physics.

Year 5: Integrated Master’s Year
This final year deepens your expertise with advanced modules such as Advanced Quantum Mechanics, Advanced Statistical Mechanics, and General Relativity. You’ll undertake a substantial MPhys Project, often aligned with Cardiff’s research strengths in theoretical physics, cosmology, or space instrumentation.

Focus areas: quantum mechanics, condensed matter, statistical physics, nuclear physics, scientific computing, general relativity
Learning outcomes: apply theoretical and computational methods to physical problems; conduct experiments; analyse data; communicate scientific ideas; collaborate in professional environments
Professional alignment (accreditation): accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP)
Reputation (employability rankings):

1st in the Russell Group for teaching, learning opportunities, and academic support in Physics (NSS 2024)
8th in the UK for Physics (The Guardian University Guide 2025)
95% of graduates in work or further study within 15 months (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Cardiff’s MPhys Physics with Professional Placement gives students the rare opportunity to combine advanced theoretical study with hands-on professional experience.
From your first year, you’ll build lab and coding skills, and by your third year, you’ll be working full-time in a physics-related role—ideal preparation for careers in research, technology, or data science.

Here’s how Cardiff delivers experiential learning for this program:

Experimental Physics (Year 1): Develops core lab skills in measurement, error analysis, and data interpretation using modern equipment.
Computational Skills for Problem Solving: Introduces programming and numerical methods using Python, preparing students for simulation and modelling tasks.
Intermediate Practical Physics (Year 2): Expands lab experience with more complex experiments in optics, quantum mechanics, and condensed matter.
Physics in Action: Real-World Problem Solving: Connects theory to application through group-based challenges and case studies.
Scientific Programming: Builds proficiency in coding and algorithmic thinking for physics applications.
Professional Placement Year (Year 3): Students work full-time in a physics-related role within industry, research, or government. Cardiff supports placements with organisations across the UK and internationally.
Final-Year Physics Project (Year 4): A 30-credit independent research project where students investigate a topic of their choice, often aligned with Cardiff’s research strengths.
MPhys Project (Year 5): A substantial research project that may involve collaboration with Cardiff’s theoretical physics, cosmology, or space instrumentation groups.
Libraries and Study Spaces: Access to the Science Library and dedicated physics study areas within the School of Physics and Astronomy.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Cardiff’s MPhys Physics with Professional Placement emerge with deep scientific expertise and real-world experience—making them highly sought after across research, technology, and data-driven industries.
Typical roles include research physicist, software developer, data scientist, and space or instrumentation specialist. The integrated master’s year and professional placement give students a competitive edge in both academic and applied settings. Here’s how Cardiff supports your future success:

Careers and Employability Service: Offers tailored support through the School of Physics and Astronomy, including CV guidance, employer networking, and interview preparation.
Graduate Outcomes: 95% of Cardiff physics graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22).
Industry Connections: Cardiff collaborates with organisations like CERN, the UK Atomic Energy Authority, and the European Space Agency, giving students exposure to frontier science and innovation.
Accreditation Value: The degree is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP), supporting your path to Chartered Physicist (CPhys) status.
Placement Support: Cardiff helps students secure placements with research labs, tech firms, and government agencies across the UK and internationally.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates often continue with PhD study in theoretical physics, cosmology, quantum technologies, or space instrumentation. Cardiff offers a range of doctoral opportunities, including research aligned with its world-leading work in gravitational wave detection and theoretical modelling.