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A physics or astrophysics degree from Cardiff University is a great launchpad for your career.
Why study with us
We aim to equip you with the skills for a rewarding and adaptable professional life as well as giving you a real insight into how the Universe works on the largest and smallest scales. Your learning experience and wellbeing is of the utmost importance to us, which is why we were voted top in the Russell Group for physics in the 2024 National Student Survey (NSS) for: teaching on my course; learning opportunities; assessment and feedback; and, academic support for physics.
In Cardiff we work with nanoscale devices at extremely low temperatures, and we apply the latest techniques in high-performance computing, data science and machine learning. We’re at the centre of one of the UK’s major compound semiconductor clusters, providing placement and job opportunities for our students to drive the next generation of technology used in smartphones, satellites and more. We host the Brain Imaging Group, applying physics to make more accurate measurements of processes in the brain, giving you a unique opportunity to explore digital imaging and medical physics.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Home to one of the largest astronomy groups in the UK, we build crucial parts for space telescopes for NASA and the European Space Agency, and are part of the international research team that made the first ever detection of gravitational waves – a discovery that confirmed Einstein’s theory of relativity.
Most of our courses come with the option to add a professional placement year, when you’ll be earning a salary while using physics in the workplace. Our graduates work in fields as diverse as the Royal Airforce, Hawk-Eye sports technology, KLA (compound semiconductor manufacturing), Hargreaves Lansdown, GCHQ and the NHS.
Postgraduate opportunities
Specialize in physics, data-intensive physics, astrophysics or compound semiconductor physics with our wide range of taught postgraduate courses. Many of our MSc students join us with backgrounds in engineering or related subjects.
We offer a range of funding support, including Master’s Excellence Scholarships, worth £3000 in the form of a tuition fee discount.


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Our PhD opportunities include gravitational waves, astronomy, quantum devices and brain imaging and we’re the lead university for the Centre for Doctoral Training in Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing, offering fully-funded studentships for selected students.
Location
Cardiff, UK
Number of researchers
52 academic staff
Desired degree disciplines/class
For undergraduate, generally A*AAA-BBB. For postgraduates, generally 2.1 minimum in a physical science/engineering/mathematics degree
Pre-requisites
Eligible to study in the UK
How To Apply
Postgraduates apply online at www.cardiff.ac.uk/physics-astronomy. Undergraduates apply through UCAS
Closing date
All year round
Contact
Tel +44 (0)29 208 76457
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