Physics
About Physics
If you have watched any episodes of 'The Big Bang Theory' you will have an understanding of what a physics degree can lead you to. However, that is only a fraction of potential career paths you can go down with a physics degree, in fact a physics degree will provide you the most varied job opportunities.
A physics degree will mean you will be highly qualified and highly desirable by many companies and sectors. But a physics degree is not easy to achieve, so you will need to be ready to work hard.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements will vary from university to university, however, all will require AAB or higher with most asking for at least AAA. You will need to have maths and physics A-level qualifications.
GCSEs that suit this Degree
Regardless of what GCSEs you do you can always go down various career paths, but certain GCSEs will give you an advantage and some will be required. Below is a list of GCSEs which will help you with physics degree:
- English Language and Literature *(required)
- Mathematics *(required)
- Double or Triple Science *(required)
- Design and Technology
- Electronics
- IT
A-levels that suit this Degree
Regardless of what A-levels you do you can always go down various career paths, but certain A-levels will give you an advantage and some will be required. Below is a list of A-levels which will help you with physics degree:
- Mathematics *(required)
- Further Maths
- Physics *(required)
- Chemistry
- IT / Computer Science
Duration of Degree
The duration of the degree is 3 years for a bachelors and an additional year for a masters. You can also carry on and do a PhD which is usually 4 years.
Who This Degree Suits?
Every degree will be enjoyable and suit different personalities, below is a list of characteristics and personalities which will enjoy the physics degree:
- Enjoy Mathematics
- Enjoy Physics
- Interested in space
- Enjoy figuring out new discoveries
Module /Topics
Physics degree has many topics that need to be covered, below is a list of the topics that will be in all university curriculums:
- Aerodynamics
- Space systems and fundamentals of space
- Aircraft design and flight mechanics
- Heat transfer
- Thermodynamics
- Fluid mechanics
- Electrical systems and fundamentals
- High level mathematics
Industry Sectors
Physics degree allows you too apply to many different industries, below is a list of them:
- Aerospace (Military aircrafts, Missiles, Space, Commercial airliners and general aviation)
- Automotive
- Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG)
- Finance (Investment Banking, Retail Banking, HMRC, Insurance)
- Energy
- Telecommunications
- Oil and Gas
- Scientific research
Types of Jobs
Physics degree can apply to a wide variety of roles, below is a list of them:
- Aerospace engineer
- Manufacture engineer
- Aeronautical designer
- Mechanical engineer
- Structural engineer
- Automotive engineer
- Production engineer
- Supply chain management
- Data scientist
- Physicist
- Researcher
- Consultant
- HMRC Tax specialist
- Teacher
Work hours and Salary
As a physics degree graduate you will usually work 9-5 job, which is roughly 40 hours a week. Companies are more flexible now and would let you work from home for part of the week, which can help make work life balance more easy. The salary you will get will vary on your experience and which sector you go into, below is the average expected salaries:
- Graduate can expect £25,0000 - £35,000. This can be higher if you manage to enter certain sectors such as finance or investment banking;
- With experience (3-4 years) salaries will rise to £30,000 - £50,000;
- Senior level (5-10 years) can expect £45,000 - £90,000. This large range is due to the myriad of different sector a physics degree enables you to enter.
