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Why study physics?
Physicists look for the hidden laws that explain why all matter and energy in the universe exists, where it comes from and why it behaves the way it does.
So if you’re wondering how forces of nature like gravity work – or how aircraft stay up in the air – you’ll need to go to physicist for an explanation.
'Physics makes the perfect career if you like asking really big questions'
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What is physics?
Physicists use the laws they uncover to develop new materials, machinery, and technology to improve our lives and help us explore the universe further, from computers to telescopes and spacecraft.
Physicists ask some big questions, but they specialise in different areas and their work can be varied.
For example, nuclear physicists study the tiniest particles of matter to discover what the universe is made of, whereas astrophysicists study some of the biggest things – stars, planets and celestial bodies.
Many physicists also combine their work with the other sciences (chemistry and biology) to study things like meteorology (the atmosphere) and geophysics (the structure of the earth).
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What employability skills will I get?
Physics will help you to build many skills, including:
- Analysis – you’ll break down complex problems, interpret data and make sense of how and why things happen.
- Critical thinking – physics trains you to question results, test ideas, and build logical arguments based on evidence.
- Numeracy – you’ll use formulas, calculations and graphs to solve problems and describe real-world phenomena.
- Problem-solving – whether it’s building circuits or modelling forces, you’ll find creative ways to tackle scientific challenges.
- Research – you’ll plan experiments, gather evidence, and use scientific methods to test predictions and answer questions.
With these skills you’ll be able to test out new ideas plus question and investigate other people’s theories, which is useful for any kind of job that involves research or debate.
What subjects does physics go with?
Physics is the perfect companion for STEM subjects such as maths, biology and chemistry.
But it could also make a great partner for subjects such as geography – helping you understand the natural forces at play on our planet – and also computing, as physics underpins the electronic systems which make up our computers.
You could also try broadening your skills by pairing it with an essay-based subject such as English or history.
What degrees do I need physics for?
Physics A-level is a facilitating subject, which means it can be useful for getting onto a wide range of uni courses.
Physics is also part of the gang of four – which includes maths, biology and chemistry. You usually need two of these at A-level to get onto a range of science degrees, including medicine and engineering. Physics is especially highly recommended for the physical sciences, which involves the study of non-living objects.
Physics A-level is usually required for degree courses in aeronautical, civil, chemical, electrical and mechanical engineering.
It is often recommended or useful for: biochemistry, biology, chemistry, dentistry, medicine, nursing and other practice-based medicine courses. You may find it useful for architecture, computer science, earth and environmental sciences, geography, maths, materials science, pharmacy, physics, psychology, sports science and surveying.
What apprenticeships is physics useful for?
Physics helps you develop high-level skills, meaning most employers will look favourably on candidates with a background in the subject. It particularly opens the door to apprenticeships in the sciences and computing. Here are some examples:
- Civil engineer – Design and maintain infrastructure like bridges and roads, applying physics principles to real-world structures.
- Diagnostic radiographer – Use imaging technology to help diagnose medical conditions, combining physics knowledge with patient care.
- Machine learning engineer – Develop AI systems that learn from data, using mathematical and computational skills rooted in physics.
- Research scientist – Conduct experiments and analyze results to advance scientific understanding in fields like materials or energy.
- Software developer – Build and test software applications, applying logical thinking and problem-solving skills honed in physics.
What careers can physics lead to?
Physics is a seriously useful subject for the majority of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) careers and you’ll find physicists everywhere, in industry, transport, government, universities, games companies, research labs and more.
Physics is especially helpful for jobs that involve building things and developing new technologies, including: engineering (flight, buildings, space, you name it…), astronomy, robotics, renewable energies, computer science, communications, space exploration, science writing, sports and games technology, research and nanotechnology (that’s engineering on a seriously tiny molecular scale).
A spokesperson for the Institute of Physics says: “Physicists are involved in finding solutions to many of our most pressing challenges – as well as studying atoms or making sense of the extra-terrestrial, physicists diagnose disease, model the climate, design computer games, predict markets and design hi-tech goods. Studying physics opens doors.”
Roles include:
- Artificial intelligence (AI) researcher
- Astronomer
- Computer engineer
- Geophysicist
- Materials scientist
- Medical physicist
- Nuclear engineer
- Physicist
Top five Career Zones:
