Physics at Aberystwyth

I was just wondering whether going to Aberystwyth uni for physics would hinder my job prospects and limit the places I could get a PhD at, over a University like Birmingham or Lancaster. I'm curious because I feel like I will get an unconditional for Aberystwyth.

Very difficult to answer that question. In principle any IOP accredited physics course should allow you to do a PhD in physics, at least in areas of physics which you are exposed to. People with degrees from Universities which are lower in the league tables do go on to do PhDs all the time, often at institutions which are ranked higher. They obviously do so in much lower numbers than people who study at 'higher ranked' departments.

I haven't seen any evidence that teaching at the higher ranked universities is massively superior (other than the Oxbridge tutorial system). However, the general academic environment and undergraduate research opportunities that you will have been exposed to probably won't be as good, which is relevant if you want to go on to a PhD. But how much an individual takes advantage of those opportunities varies, and some people may actually find it easier to take advantage of opportunities in a smaller, more-relaxed department.

If you are interested in an academic career in physics, and this is your only consideration when applying, then my general advice would be that you should apply for the largest and most prestigious department which you can get into. It's an incredibly competitive career so you should get used to being around high-achieving people as soon as you can.

In reality there are lots of personal factors which affect which place is best for you, which only you know about. Some people thrive in intense environments, other people less so.