Physicist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• a graduate trainee scheme

University

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. You'll do more independent research and courses can lead to further study for a PhD.

Entry requirements:

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

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could apply for a work-based training route through a degree apprenticeship. There are a lot of apprenticeship options to develop your skills in physics.

Examples include:

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

These apprenticeships take between 3 and 4 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

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

OtherRoutes

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.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Skills:

• knowledge of physics
• maths knowledge
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• to be flexible and open to change
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• persistence and determination
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• science skills
• analytical thinking skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to learn through your work
• excellent written communication skills
• concentration skills
• a good memory
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses

What you'll do:

Physicists study the behaviour of matter and energy and construct theories to explain how everything fits together.

As a physicist, you could:

• design and conduct experiments, and supervise research
• solve problems, make new discoveries and develop products
• analyse data and build computer simulations, using mathematical modelling
• develop theories to explain observations and predict natural phenomena
• publish and present research findings

Location : You could work at a research facility, in a laboratory or at a university.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £28,000
Experienced : £51,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays occasionally

Career Path:

With experience, you can lead and manage the work of a research team. This could be in one of many different areas, for example:

• education, teaching the scientists of tomorrow
• materials science, investigating the properties of superconductors
• energy engineering, developing alternative fuels
• medical research, building more sensitive scanners
• aerospace, designing instruments for satellite systems

Physicists play an important role in the economy. You can learn more about the different career options from the Institute of Physics.