Cardiff University
Astrophysics BSc (Hons)
Cardiff University

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 25 graduates of Astrophysics BSc (Hons) and other courses in Astronomy at Cardiff University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Astronomy.

Overall student satisfaction
83 /100
25 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in Physics and Astronomy

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Astronomy at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £28000 £25500 £29500
25-75 percentile range £25000 - £30000 £22000 - £30000 £25000 - £37000


Salary of all UK Graduates of Physics and Astronomy

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £27000 £28084 £32418
25-75 percentile range £22000 - £31500 £18188 - £37948 £21337 - £45571

Course Description

The BSc Astrophysics degree covers core physical and mathematical concepts with a clear focus on our interpretation of the Universe. The course is designed to give a thorough education in theoretical aspects of physics and astrophysics and an understanding of observational astronomy.

In your first two years, you will study a core component of physics and astrophysics modules, delivered to you by a range of teaching methods. In your third year you will study advanced astrophysics and astronomy topics in detail, with additional optional modules. You will also undertake an astrophysics research project.

The course aims to prepare you for a career in industrial or academic research and development, education or other sectors which require a practical, numerate and analytical approach to problem solving.

You will be part of a friendly and welcoming department currently housed in the Queen’s Building complex, which contains a wide variety of purpose-built laboratories, lecture theatres and computing facilities.

Distinctive features

•The opportunity to learn in a department which has a strong commitment to research and is home to one of the UK’s largest Astronomy research groups

•The involvement of research-active staff in course design and delivery

•Frequent opportunities to conduct practical work in the School’s laboratory facilities

•An emphasis on independent learning

Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Astrophysics BSc (Hons) at Cardiff University

20% Administrative occupations
15% Sales occupations
10% Teaching Professionals
10% Media Professionals
10% Secretarial and related occupations
10% Artistic, literary and media occupations
5% Business and public service associate professionals
5% Finance Professionals
5% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
5% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals

Grading & Study Time

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Qualification requirements

M in T Level Health, Healthcare Science, or Science.

Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be BBB-ABB at A Level (preferably including a foreign language) and grade A in the EPQ.

The Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate will be accepted in lieu of one A Level at the A Level grades specified, excluding any subject specific requirements.

Including a relevant subject/science @ C or above (80 UCAS tariff points)

31-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects. We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • MBA

Cardiff University has many scholarships on offer to our prospective students. Please see our website at http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/funding/scholarships for further information.
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Astrophysics, BSc (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Tuition Fees Astrophysics BSc (Hons)

England UK £9000 year 1
Northern Ireland £9000 year 1
Scotland £9000 year 1
Wales £9000 year 1
Channel Islands £9000 year 1
Ireland £9000 year 1
EU £25450 year 1
International £25450 year 1
EU £28200 year 1
International £28200 year 1

Additional fee information

Students from the UK and Islands:

Fees stated are for the 2024/25 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.

Fees for entry in subsequent years are subject to increase and will be confirmed by the end of October in the year preceding your start date of your programme.

Tuition fees cover all reasonable costs required for you to complete to the degree programme stated. Please note that you may choose to participate in study trips, associated placements or purchase equipment while studying on your degree programme which will be at your own cost. Tuition fees do not include living costs such as accommodation, subsistence or travel.

Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland:

Students from the rest of the world (international):

Fees for entry in subsequent years are subject to increase and will be confirmed by the end of October in the year preceding your start date of your programme.

Tuition fees cover all reasonable costs required for you to complete the degree programme stated. Please note that you may choose to participate in study trips, associated placements or purchase equipment while studying on your degree programme which will be at your own cost. Tuition fees do not include living costs such as accommodation, subsistence or travel.

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of Cardiff University in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of Cardiff University in related subject specific rankings.

Natural Sciences

    • #1 
    • #10 
    Physics
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #201 
    Physics
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]

See all 34 university rankings of Cardiff University

About Cardiff University

Established in 1883, Cardiff University is located in the urban setting of the city of Cardiff, Wales. Some of the university’s most obvious advantages include world-leading research, a knowledgeable and proactive career services office, and the central location. Cardiff is a vibrant, modern city with a young and diverse population known for accepting people from all walks of life.

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Where is this programme taught

Main Site - Cardiff
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