Options with your subject: Physics

While a physics degree is based in practical work, it also includes a good deal of theoretical learning, preparing you for research-based roles and positions in the other sciences, as well as business and finance...

Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

• Geophysicist/field seismologist
• Higher education lecturer
• Medical physicist
• Radiation protection practitioner
• Research scientist (physical sciences)
• Scientific laboratory technician 
• Secondary school teacher 

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• Meteorologist
• Operational researcher
• Patent attorney
• Product/process development scientist
• Systems developer
• Technical author

Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here. To find out what jobs would suit you, log in to My Prospects.

Work experience

Work experience is expected by most employers so being able to provide relevant examples in your job applications will greatly enhance your chances of success.

Some physics degrees include a year in industry to help students obtain work experience. If your degree does not offer this option, you could look at gaining relevant experience in other ways. Summer internships or vacation work are an option, although some scientific organisations do not offer short-term placements. You will need to research this option well. You may have the opportunity to undertake an industrially sponsored project.

If you are considering a career unrelated to your subject, think about any skills gaps and look for opportunities that will enable you to develop in these areas. These include voluntary work, internships, work shadowing and further study.

Search for placements and find out more about work experience and internships.

Typical employers

Employers of physics graduates include academic institutions, government research organisations and industry.

Industries employing physicists include aerospace and defence, education, energy, engineering, instrumentation, manufacturing, oil and gas, science, communication, space exploration and telecommunications.

Physics graduates not directly using their physics degree can pursue careers in a range of sectors such as IT and consultancy, the environmental industry, financial services, and the legal sector, transport and utilities.

Find information on employers in engineering and manufacturing, IT and information services, science and pharmaceuticals, and other job sectors.

Skills for your CV

Studying physics can help you to develop a range of skills that can be applied in many areas, both scientific and non-technical. These skills include:

• problem-solving - studying physics gives you a pragmatic and analytical approach to problem-solving;
• reasoning - you can construct logical arguments, apply analytical skills and grasp complex problems;
• numeracy - you gain skills in using mathematics to find solutions to scientific problems, create mathematical modelling and interpret and present information graphically;
• practical skills - you  plan, execute and report experiments, using technical equipment and paying attention to detail;
• communication - you can convey complex ideas and use technical language correctly;
• information and communication technology (ICT) - this includes specialist software packages and some programming.

Further study

Some of the most popular physics-related courses at postgraduate level include:

• astrophysics;
• quantum physics;
• particle physics;
• mathematical physics;
• thermodynamics;
• nanotechnology.

There are also many other postgraduate opportunities for graduates from any subject. Physics graduates can pursue postgraduate study in marketing, finance, business, law, IT, journalism and other areas. Another option is to pursue the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or the Scottish Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) in preparation for a teaching career.

For more information on further study and to find a course that interests you, see postgraduate study in the UK and search courses and research.

What do physics graduates do?

Physics graduates are employed in many industries. Only a small minority use their physics knowledge or technical skills as a major part of their work.

Well over a third of new graduates are employed either full or part time six months after graduation. Of these, just over 19% are in business and financial roles, 13%  work as IT professionals, 9% in scientific research and development and a nearly a further 9% in engineering.

Nearly half of all physics graduates go on to full or part-time study after graduation. The majority are in full-time study, while 9% work and study together.

For a detailed breakdown of what physics graduates are doing six months after graduation, see What Do Graduates Do?  

Graduate destinations data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

AGCAS

Written by AGCAS editors

Date: 

January 2013

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