Physicist

Physicists study the workings of Earth and the universe. They help us to understand everything from the origins of the universe to the tiny particles we are made of. Many physicists apply their knowledge to solve problems and create useful products in a very wide range of areas, such as medical technology, aerospace, meteorology and the environment.

Work activities

Physicists help us to understand the workings of the Earth and universe. They study and observe natural phenomena, trying to understand them and predict how these physical things might work in new situations. They enable us to answer a huge range of questions about the world around us, from “why is the sky blue?” to “how does a mobile phone work?” Within physics, specialist areas of study and research include astronomy (the universe), meteorology (weather and climate) and acoustics (the physics of sound). Many physicists apply their knowledge to solve problems and create useful products, in a very wide range of areas. Physicists are vital to engineering and to the manufacturing industries. Developments in manufacturing technology such as electronics, computer-controlled equipment and robotics all rely on physics. In the automotive industry, physicists develop cars that are more fuel-efficient, safer and quieter. In the aerospace industry, physicists research and develop lighter, stronger and safer aircraft, spacecraft and satellites. Physics is also essential to agriculture: farmers depend on knowledge of the physics of the soil, weather and agricultural machinery.

Research into energy is increasingly important to the environment. Physicists study and develop alternative ways to produce energy, for example, from solar, tidal or wind power. Physicists play an essential role in health services. Medical physicists design, develop and maintain equipment used in the diagnosis of disease and treatment of patients. This equipment includes X-ray machines, electronic instruments for monitoring the heart and brain, artificial limbs, radiotherapy equipment and implants, such as heart valves. Physicists can work as university lecturers and researchers, science teachers, journalists and staff in museums.

They also work in a huge range of areas outside science. For example, investment banks favour physicists for financial modelling roles. Physicists also work in law, dealing with patents for inventions. A physicist’s day-to-day work will vary depending on the area they are involved in. Laboratory work will include experiments, observations and analysis, using a wide range of technology. Physicists are able to use software to model complex processes, monitor and control experiments, and to analyse and display results. While physicists might spend time working alone on laboratory experiments or desk-based research, they are also likely to work in teams alongside other scientists and engineers with different specialist knowledge from their own. Physicists often lead teams of laboratory technicians, who support their work and look after the day-to-day running of the lab.

Personal qualities and skills

To be a physicist, you’ll need:

An enquiring, logical mind.
Curiosity about the world.
An interest in problem solving and how things work.
Perseverance and the ability to concentrate.
Observation skills.
Practical skills, and also imagination, to design complex experiments.
Strong maths skills.
Familiarity with computers and the ability to use a range of equipment.
Teamwork skills.
The ability to explain results clearly and concisely, including in written reports.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries for physicists vary. Physicists can expect to earn between £28,000 and £51,000 per year. Higher salaries may be available depending on employer, role and responsibilities.

Physicists usually work 37-40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. However, they might have early starts, late finishes, shifts, on-call and weekend work, for example, as deadlines approach.

Physicists are employed in a wide range of roles in many areas. These include manufacturing, construction, engineering, IT, meteorology, patent work and the plastics industries. There are also opportunities in the NHS, university research departments, and in local and national government departments. Opportunities for physicists occur in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised through the Institute of Physics, in science magazines such as New Scientist (which also posts jobs on its website), on academic and scientific job boards and in national/local newspapers. You can also find opportunities on the Government’s Find a Job website.

Entry routes and training

Entry is usually with at least a first (undergraduate) degree in physics. BSc (Hons) degrees usually take three years to complete in England and Wales, and four years in Scotland. Sandwich degrees are also available. There are also extended first degree courses, leading to Master of Physics (MPhys) or Master in Science (MSci) degrees (not to be confused with the postgraduate MSc).

Physics degrees usually cover areas such as mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, solid state physics and electromagnetism. Courses also include mathematical techniques and practical experiment skills. Some universities allow students to take specialist options, for example, in astrophysics, electronics or particle physics. Courses might reflect this in their title, for example, “physics with electronics”.

If you already have a specialist area in mind, you can take a first degree in that area, for example, meteorology or astrophysics. Entry can also be possible with a relevant HND or foundation degree, although this might be into a technician-level post. A small number of universities offer newly developed integrated science degrees (ISciences), involving physics, chemistry and biology. These courses allow you to develop the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills that employers are increasingly looking for in science graduates.

You might have on-the-job training, for example, in new laboratory procedures or specialist equipment. Continuing professional development could also involve mentoring and going to conferences, workshops and seminars.

A number of apprenticeships programmes may be relevant if you would like to pursue a career in physics:

Laboratory scientist (level 6 / degree)
Nuclear scientist and nuclear engineer (level 6 / degree)

Progression depends on the area of physics you work in. In industry, promotion could be into a supervisory or management post. University lecturers can go on to become senior lecturers and, eventually, professors. Experienced physicists might move into areas such as patent work, journalism and lecturing.

Qualifications

Entry requirements vary but the minimum is one science A-level (grade B or above, alongside your other A-levels), one or two additional A-levels plus GCSEs in English and maths. Check prospectuses for alternative qualifications. You’ll have the option of taking an MPhys or MSci degree after completing the integrated science course. Entry to a research post, for example, in a university, is usually with a postgraduate research qualification (usually a PhD for universities).

To begin a degree apprenticeship, you’ll need two relevant A-levels plus GCSEs in English and maths.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have developed knowledge and skills during industrial work placements.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter a degree, foundation degree or HND course, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course, for example, Access to Science. You don’t usually need any qualifications to enter an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider. A foundation year before the start of a science degree or HND is available at some universities and higher education colleges for students who don’t have the science A-levels usually needed for entry to the course. Distance learning is available from a few colleges and universities.

Financial support for postgraduate study and research is available, through universities, from UKRI (UK Research and Innovation).

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