University courses
University courses
Search degrees, check A-level, IB Diploma or AP subjects, or follow a pathway from school subjects to a career. None of these tools is an offer of a place.
Explore a pathway
Move between school subjects, a degree and possible work. A link is not an offer and not proof that a degree is enough for a regulated job.
Choose a branch, then a course.
Selected coursePhysics
GCSE and IGCSE preparation
- English and mathematics
Often expected at GCSE or IGCSE. Grade thresholds differ, and International GCSEs are not automatically the same as GCSEs.
- Sciences
English and mathematics at GCSE or IGCSE are commonly requested. Science grades matter more for science degrees. No single national grade is stored. International GCSEs are not automatically accepted as GCSEs.
A-level subjects
- Physics
Mathematics and physics are the usual required pair.
- Mathematics
Mathematics and physics are the usual required pair.
University courses
- Physics
Mathematics and physics are the usual required pair.
- Biological sciences
An alternative or related degree, not automatically an equivalent qualification.
- Chemistry
An alternative or related degree, not automatically an equivalent qualification.
- Astronomy and astrophysics
An alternative or related degree, not automatically an equivalent qualification.
Possible careers
- Physicist
Direct qualifying route. The standard degree. Research posts often need postgraduate study.
- Astronomer
Common route. Physics with astrophysics modules, or a later postgraduate degree, is a usual route.
- Medical physicist
Common route. A physics degree is the usual first step. NHS clinical science training comes afterwards.
- Meteorologist
Alternative route. Physics is a recognised background. Meteorology or mathematics can also lead in.
- Secondary school teacher
Alternative route. Physics can be a teaching subject. Teacher training is additional.
- Data scientist
Alternative route. A possible route if you build statistics and programming. It is not a dedicated data science degree.
This is a possible educational route, not an offer of a place and not a prediction of a job. Direct, common, alternative and postgraduate routes are not the same thing.