What can I do with a degree in…..
Physics
Physics is concerned with the observation and understanding of the natural universe and studying the
subject will develop a variety of highly transferable skills valued by many employers in a range of sectors. As
a physicist, you will become very analytical and will be able to demonstrate your problem-solving ability by
developing creative solutions to solve challenges.
A physics degree will help you to acquire an understanding of advanced mathematics and you will develop
practical skills as you prepare and conduct experiments. You will be able to quickly understand new concepts
and theories and your communication skills will help you interpret complex information in a meaningful way.
Where do Physicists work?
Physicists are employed in a variety of roles in very different sectors and industries…
Astronomy
Energy
Education
Financial services
Geophysics
Management consultancy Medical physics Meteorology
Nanotechnology Nuclear engineering
Patent law
Research
Software engineering
Telecommunications
The Employer perspective…
"At nPower we welcome applications from physics graduates for the majority of our schemes; they have
great analytical skills and once in the company they demonstrate an inquisitiveness making them eager to
learn and develop. Couple these great skills with the self-assurance acquired from studying at The University
of Warwick means that they are able to contribute from their first day."
Kerry Riley, Resourcing specialist, nPower
Why Warwick?
Physics degree rated 7th in the 2015 Complete University Guide… 96% of research papers submitted by
academics ‘internationally excellent’ and ¼ ‘world leading according to 2014 Research Excellence
Framework … recently refurbished undergraduate teaching laboratories are considered amongst the best
in the country.
Warwick University voted as the third most-often targeted institution in the UK by graduate recruiters in
2015, highlighting the employability of our students.
What do Warwick’s Physics graduates do…?
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Every year approximately one third of Warwick physicists undertake further research, with many
working towards a PhD. A significant number of our students pursue an academic career and are
employed in a number of universities in a teaching and/or research role
Postgraduate course choices have included meteorology and climatology, exploration physics,
intellectual property, mathematical biology, biophysical chemistry, medical and radiation physics
87% of physics students were in graduate level employment six months after their graduation in
2012, with an average starting salary of £26,000
These were some of the many recruiters employing physics graduates:
Atkins … Culham Centre for Energy Fusion … EDF… Ministry of Defence
National Physics Laboratory … Thales UK … Rolls Royce
Job roles of graduates included:
Actuary … geophysicist … medical physicist … nuclear engineer … meterologist … patent attorney
research scientist … software engineer … wind analyst
The Student Perspective…
“Through the mathematics and physics degree at Warwick not only have I managed to build a
comprehensive overview of the subjects but also build a portfolio of skills and experience that would help in
both a career in research or industry. I have chosen to leave the world of academia after four years of study
and I am certain, without a doubt, that the extra opportunities and support offered by Warwick have been
the decisive factor in my success in obtaining employment in my chosen career path. I have been fortunate
enough to work alongside members of the department in cutting edge research during my summer breaks.
Furthermore I have been an active member of the Warwick Sub-Aqua Club (Scuba-Diving), sitting on the
executive committee in my final year. I believe these experiences have contributed to my professional
development as much as my degree course itself. Furthermore the physics department and wider university
focus on collaborative learning and presentation skills have allowed to take in large volumes of information
effectively and succeed in my course assessments. Finally, I am very appreciative to the dedicated student
careers and skills service staff who have offered me highly valuable advice, not only in the final year, but
throughout my course of study.”
Ben Oakley, 2013 graduate
“As a Physics student, my academic studies at Warwick concentrated on building skills such as critical
deduction, the logical analysis of problems and the interpretation of research. Meanwhile, my extensive
extra-curricular activities with Warwick's many clubs and societies helped build my experience with realworld challenges of teamwork and group organisation. These abilities all proved essential when applying for
technology jobs, where rapid problem-solving, team management and the careful understanding of design
briefs can all appear as key requirements, both for the interview tests and for the roles themselves. Thanks to
the skills I developed as a Warwick physicist, I was able to prove my value to interviewers, and have acquired
an exciting role as an engineer at a major UK consultancy company.”
Scott Whiteside, 2013 graduate
Find out about career paths and employment destinations of recent graduates from the University of
Warwick: go.warwick.ac.uk/whatdowarwickgradsdo