Physics Careers Information

Careers and professional skills

As well as providing an education in Physics, we place importance on being able to help you with your career choices. Many employers are looking for the types of analytic skills that physicists offer.

Nevertheless, companies seek graduates who are employable: those who possess an excellent scientific background, professional skills and personal transferable skills. Successful candidates demonstrate their employability through the possession of excellent written and verbal communication skills, they have an awareness of the functions of business and they can work as part of a team, manage and organise their time, can take positions of responsibility and lead others.

Skills development during your degree

The degree course in Physics provides many opportunities for skills development. Professional skills are incorporated into the many and varied elements of the degree course and acquired alongside and during the study of physics.

Many different aspects of the skills you will need for your future career are developed over your studies including: scientific/technical writing, training in proper referencing, searching the technical literature, critical thinking and review and the avoidance of plagiarism. Team work is developed through group projects (years 1, 3 and 4) and students also have the opportunity to give presentations throughout their degree.

Students are also be invited to attend Research Frontiers talks and Physics in Industry talks (Terms 1 & 2) to learn more about how physics plays a role in research and the commercial world.

Volunteer work, outreach, clubs and societies also provide opportunities for students to gain valuable experience whilst helping others while the College’s Horizons programme gives students the chance to broaden their skills with courses in business and professional skills or languages.

The Physics undergraduate summer research opportunities project (UROP) and international research opportunities project (IROP) schemes also serve to increase students’ skill base.

Useful links for students