The appliance of science

Having a physics degree allows you to use what you’ve learnt in a whole variety of fields.

A physics degree can open doors to exciting future prospects.

From designing space probes or searching for sub-atomic particles to diagnosing disease or inspiring the next generation of scientists, a physics degree leaves you with a wide array of options. Just have a look at the range of careers a physics degree can lead to in the illustration below.

In recent years, there has been a surge in popularity for physics degrees – not least because of TV physicists like Brian Cox who have shown off the beauty of the subject.

Physicists are involved in finding solutions to many of our most pressing challenges – physicists don’t just study atoms or stare into space, they diagnose disease, model the climate, design computer games, predict markets and design hi-tech goods – and it’s a physics degree that will give you the toolkit necessary to join in these endeavours.

However, places on physics courses are, unsurprisingly, in high demand which gives universities the ability to ask for quite high grades from applicants. Not only do applicants for physics courses generally require a strong result in physics A-level (C or above) or equivalent qualification, they also require a good result in maths A-level, as so much of a physics degree also requires a strong understanding of maths.

If you’ve studied the right subjects and you’re on course for the grades, the next question is which university to apply to. The good news is that the Institute of Physics (IOP) – a charitable organisation that accredits physics degrees – has a site you can use to browse the range of physics courses available. You can search by choosing your preferred course structure, your predicted grades or your preferred location and then browse the options open to you, go to www.myphysicscourse.org.

You’ll find a range of course combinations on the site, from straight physics to physics with specialisms, such as astrophysics, to physics combined with other subjects, such as a modern language. The truth, however, is that no combination is much more respected than another. IOP has undertaken research among employers and found that it is the degree in physics itself, rather than the university or combination, which employers respect.

Physics graduates from all of the accredited courses are valued for their numeracy, analytical skills, capacity to problem-solve, work successfully in a team and grasp and grapple with complicated concepts. This means you can just choose the physics course that excites you the most and rest assured it’s a solid choice.

What if you haven’t got the grades but would like to study physics? Many of the universities offer foundation courses (available to students with D and E grades in their A-levels). Go to www.myphysicscourse.org and click the search tab to browse the foundation courses available. With a foundation course under your belt, you will be eligible for a wide range of accredited physics degrees.