Careers and employability

The Department of Physics endeavours to equip its students with the knowledge and skills that are prized by employers across a range of sectors. We also offer the opportunity of a year in industry, gaining real world work experience. By doing so we create highly employable graduates.

A degree in physics can lead to many and varied career opportunities. At º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ we strive to develop in our students knowledge and practical abilities, including interpersonal and presentation skills, as well as advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities, that are valued in the workplace.

As such, there is no such thing as a "typical" graduate destination for our Physics graduates. Instead, we find our students go on to pursue interesting and rewarding careers within a diverse range of organisations.

Recent graduate destinations have included:

  • Atkins
  • BAE Systems
  • Britvic
  • DSTL
  • Deutsche Bank
  • E.ON
  • Hawk Eye
  • Home Office
  • L'Oreal
  • Laser Quantum
  • Ministry of Defence
  • NHS
  • PVH Group
  • QinetiQ
  • Rolls-Royce
  • Triumph Motorcycles
  • Williams Formula 1

Example roles

A degree in physics can open up all kinds of careers. Here are some of the job titles of graduates surveyed: air traffic management consultant, business intelligence consultant, energy consultant, civil project engineer, game developer, data analyst, management consultant, infrastructure analyst, land survey technician, laser scientist, sports trading analyst, production support analyst. Graduates have also become teachers or academic researchers.

Further study

Some of our graduates go on to pursue further education opportunities, such as postgraduate study or teacher training (PGCE). Others continue their research career with a PhD.

Placements

A placement year is a chance to put what you have learned on your course into practice. It can provide excellent opportunities to gain real world experience and can also open up doors for your future. 

Placement year Placement case studies

Information about careers

As a º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ student you will have access to the highly regarded skills, guidance, placement and employment support provided by our Careers Network.

Our dedicated staff will help you to:

  • Develop and articulate skills, employability and the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Graduate Attributes
  • Make well-informed career-decisions with the support of our advice and guidance
  • Search and apply successfully for placements and work experience
  • Meet employers and network effectivly to secure graduate opportunities

The Careers Network also hosts the largest university Careers Fair in the UK and hundreds of other employer events, including our School of Science placement and careers event.

Careers Network website