Physicist

You can do a degree to start your career in physics. The course you choose will depend on your area of interest.

Course examples include:

• physics
• astrophysics
• mathematics
• medical physics
• computer science
• engineering physics

If you do not have the required entry qualifications to do a physics degree, you may be able to do a 1-year physics foundation course before moving onto a degree.

Some physics degrees combine an undergraduate course with a postgraduate master's qualification, like an MPhys or MSci. On these, you'll do more independent research, and courses can lead to further study for a PhD.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You could apply for a Degree Apprenticeship work-based training scheme. There are a lot of options available to develop your skills in physics.

Examples include:

• Robotics Engineer Level 6
• Nuclear Scientist Level 6
• Space Systems Engineer Level 6
• Scientist Level 6
• Research Scientist Level 7

These apprenticeships take between 3 and 5 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• apprenticeship levels
• guide to apprenticeships

You may be able to apply for a place on a graduate training scheme with a commercial company, government department or university, after completing your degree or postgraduate qualification.

Career tips

Try to get some work experience to find out more about job roles and the areas where you could apply your knowledge and skills as a physicist. Look out for:

• internships and vacation schemes
• EDT work placements

Further information

You can find out more about careers in physics through the Institute of Physics and Planet Possibility.