Physics

Studying physics gives you a range of technical skills that relate to different areas such as astrophysics, particle physics, electromagnetism, quantum and classical mechanics, statistical physics and thermodynamics, wave phenomena and the properties of matter.

Over the course of your degree you develop a wide mix of subject-specific and technical skills, you should consider these skills developed on your course as well as through your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile.

Working as an Inventor

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Prospects

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.

A 2010 HESA survey of 2009 graduates indicates that, six months after graduation, just over a third of new graduates were employed either full or part time. Of these, 16% were in business and financial roles, 9% were in scientific research and development and a further 8% were in engineering.

Approximately 8% were in management roles in the private and public sector and another 8% had secured work in other technical and professional areas. Nearly a quarter of the physics graduates who went straight into employment worked initially in administrative roles, retail or catering. This may have been to gain work experience or pay the bills while deciding which career to follow.

Where are the jobs?

Typical employers of physics graduates include:

• universities and government research institutions;
• commercial research organisations;
• the defence industry;
• the nuclear industry;
• The National Health Service (NHS);
• engineering, information technology and manufacturing companies.

Consider the following employment areas:

• Engineering - one of the largest and most diverse sectors in the UK, with most areas thriving.
• Information technology - doesn't just encompass the traditional roles, such as programming, but also includes other areas like technology development that are popular with physics graduates.
• Science - includes applied science, research and areas such as pharmaceutical and chemical, food and drink, and the NHS.

Jobs directly related to your degree

• Research scientist (physical sciences)
• Medical physicist
• Scientific laboratory technician
• Secondary school teacher

Jobs where your degree would be useful

• Electronics engineer
• Electrical engineer
• Materials engineer
• Meteorologist
• Geoscientist
• Software engineer
• Technical sales engineer

Oceanographer Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it's not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

You can find more about the skills you develop during your course, the jobs listed above, plus case studies and where to find these jobs at Prospects.

Included with the permission of AGCAS. For the latest version of this publication, see www.prospects.ac.uk. For permission to reproduce, contact copyright@agcas.org.uk