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Physicist

Physicists study the behaviour of matter and energy and form theories to explain how everything fits together.

Potential salary
£28,000 starter to £61,000 experienced per year
Typical hours
37 to 40 a week. Working pattern: evenings / weekends / bank holidays occasionally.
Career area
Science and laboratory work
Where they might work
You could work at a research facility, in a laboratory or at a university. Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home. You may need to wear protective clothing.
A typical task
design and conduct experiments, and supervise research
Subjects that may help
2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
Typical route
You can do a degree to start your career in physics. The course you choose will depend on your area of interest.
Interest area used here
Asking questions and research

Career actions

What you might do

  • design and conduct experiments, and supervise research
  • solve problems, make new discoveries and develop products
  • analyse data and build computer simulations, using mathematical modelling
  • develop theories to explain observations and predict natural phenomena
  • publish and present research findings
  • help climate researchers to understand atmospheric and oceanic physics to predict environmental changes
More tasks (2)
  • reduce pollution with a physics based process like plasma technology to treat waste
  • gather and interpret environmental data using satellites

Could this suit me?

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

  • knowledge of physics
  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
More skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • persistence and determination
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Routes into this career

University route

  • You can do a degree to start your career in physics. The course you choose will depend on your area of interest.
  • Course examples include:
  • physics
  • astrophysics
  • mathematics
  • medical physics
  • computer science
  • engineering physics
  • If you do not have the required entry qualifications to do a physics degree, you may be able to do a 1-year physics foundation course before moving onto a degree.
  • Some physics degrees combine an undergraduate course with a postgraduate master's qualification, like an MPhys or MSci. On these, you'll do more independent research, and courses can lead to further study for a PhD.
  • You'll usually need:
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
  • equivalent entry requirements
  • student finance for fees and living costs
  • university courses and entry requirements

University courses that could lead to this career

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

  • Astronomy and astrophysics

    Common route. This is a physics degree with a specialism.

  • Astrophysics

    Common route. An astrophysics degree is a physics degree with a space focus.

  • Atmospheric Science

    Alternative route. The physics content varies. Check the modules.

  • Physics

    Direct qualifying route. The standard degree. Research posts often need postgraduate study.

Explore university routes

Apprenticeship or vocational route

  • You could apply for a Degree Apprenticeship work-based training scheme. There are a lot of options available to develop your skills in physics.
  • Examples include:
  • Robotics Engineer Level 6
  • Nuclear Scientist Level 6
  • Space Systems Engineer Level 6
  • Scientist Level 6
  • Research Scientist Level 7
  • These apprenticeships take between 3 and 5 years to complete.
  • You'll usually need:
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
  • equivalent entry requirements
  • apprenticeship levels
  • guide to apprenticeships
Career progression
  • With experience, you can lead and manage the work of a research team. This could be in one of many different areas, for example:
  • education, teaching the scientists of tomorrow
  • materials science, investigating the properties of superconductors
  • energy engineering, developing alternative fuels
  • medical research, building more sensitive scanners
  • aerospace, designing instruments for satellite systems
  • Physicists play an important role in the economy. You can learn more about the different career options from the Institute of Physics.

Subjects that may help

Subject guidance

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

What you could do next