About us

There has been a long tradition of teaching Physics and Astronomy at Aberystwyth since the University was first established in the Old College on the sea front in 1872. 150 years later, we continue to offer our students a high quality teaching and learning experience and are rated in the Top 10 in the UK for Student Experience for the subject of Physics and Astronomy (The Times & The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022). 94% of our Physics subject students agreed that their course is intellectually stimulating, 90% sector wide (NSS 2022).

Our aim is to provide the highest quality education in a friendly and supportive environment and to undertake internationally competitive, collaborative research in Space Physics, Materials Physics and Quantum Physics. Our lecturers are research-active, involved in projects ranging from engineering new materials and novel instruments to planetary missions and ground-breaking studies of the Sun’s activity. Their research feeds into their teaching so that you can be assured that you will be taught the latest ideas by some of the leading experts in the UK in their fields.

The Department is housed in one of the most distinctive and architecturally renowned buildings on Penglais campus, where lecture theatres, laboratories, study areas and the Physical Sciences Library are located together. Recent refurbishment ensures that we continue to provide a stimulating learning environment for a growing body of students from all over the world. The Department is now home to over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate students.

A degree in Physics is an excellent preparation for careers in areas such as teaching and engineering as well as providing the first step to becoming a professional scientist. The majority of our Physics courses are accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) and the curriculum enables you to take joint courses with other departments in the university and to specialise in areas such as mathematical physics and astrophysics. All our single honours courses are also available as Integrated Masters (MPhys and MMath) courses, and some are available with an integrated year in industry, enabling you to gain a head start when entering the competitive job market.

Working closely with Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, the Department plays a leading role in the provision of physics in higher education through the medium of Welsh.

We encourage those interested in studying with us to visit us on an Open Day or Applicant Visiting Day to see what makes Aberystwyth such an incredible place to live and learn.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Department.

Professor Andrew Evans
Head of Department