Careers FAQ

Please see below some answers to frequently asked questions about Careers in Physics.

The booklet, Physics on Course contains answers to a number of related questions or by request from education@iop.org.

1. Do I need to be good at mathematics?
2. What grades, points scores etc. are needed for entry?
3. Can one recommend a particular institution?
4. What are salaries like?
5. Can I get financial help?
6. I have a disability, what help can I get?
7. Should I take a year out - a Gap Year?
8. Do I need physics to become an archaeologist?
9. Do I need physics to become an architect?
10. Do I need physics to become an astronaut?
11. Do I need physics to become a dentist?
12. Do I need physics to become a doctor?
13. Do I need physics to become an engineer and what is special about courses in Physics and Engineering (Engineering Physics)?
14. Do I need physics to become a forensic scientist?
15. Do I need physics to become a materials scientist or metallurgist?
16. What is a medical physicist and how does one qualify?
17. Do I need physics to become a meteorologist?
18. Do I need physics to become an optometrist?
19. Do I need physics to become a pilot?
20. Do I need physics to become a vet?

Do I need to be good at mathematics?

NC/D and degree courses in physics, engineering and materials science are very likely to make quite heavy demands on a students' mathematical capacity and so the study and use of mathematics is almost essential. Very few courses fail to list mathematics as a requirement at this level.

What grades, points scores etc. are needed for entry?

These vary enormously from establishment to establishment. Reference needs to be made to the current issues of Physics on Course and Degree Course Offers where typical offers from the previous year are listed. A new UCAS tariff/points system, taking account of a wide range of qualifications, came into use for the September 2002 entry to higher education in the UK - full details of this are on the UCAS web-site. A different points score system is operated in the Republic of Ireland and details are provided on the Irish Education Directory web-site.

If you have finished school and don't have the necessary formal qualifications to enter university, the 2 plus 2 scheme offers an alternative route to studying a physics degree.

Can one recommend a particular institution?

This is usually inadvisable as no one knows the merits of all the courses run at all the establishments. Additionally, such matters as sporting and other recreational activities available, proximity to a motorway or railway, the ability to change course, whether or not assessment is continuous, the cost of student accommodation, are all factors that students might also consider before making a choice. What one can do is to point out the variety of courses, their locations and typical entry requirements, establishing what might suit best. Trotman and Company Limited Choosing your Degree Course and University and The Student Book provide useful insights into courses, the quality of teaching and what student life is like. Most school/college careers libraries would have these publications. Other sources of information include various national newspaper reports, asking former students and making a visit.

What are salaries like?

Physics World publishes details of salaries every three years, listed by job sector, job function and qualification. However, these data refer to median salaries and do not relate to the starting salaries that students often want to know. Useful sources of information are current job advertisements though many starting salaries are comparable to the average starting salary for a new graduate which for 2003 is around £19k.

Can I get financial help?

Institute of Physics Undergraduate Bursary scheme (from 2006) The Institute of Physics aims to give bursaries of around £1000 per year to selected undergraduates studying physics in the UK and Ireland with the objective of increasing participation in the subject. The Institute of Physics Undergraduate Bursary Scheme will be operational from the academic year 2006/7 and will involve the allocation of a quota of bursaries to participating university physics departments. The scheme will be restricted to accredited degree programmes and to UK and Irish nationals. Frequently Asked Questions on this scheme>

The Institute of Physics' publication Sponsorship and Work Placement for Physics Students lists a number of companies and organisations that offer sponsorship. Trotman and Company Limited produce a useful Sponsorship and Funding Directory that is also worth referring to that provides contact details, relevant courses and when to apply. The Educational Grants Directory published by the Directory of Social Change is another source covering charitable funding, sponsorship, welfare benefits, loans and statutory funding; it is usually available in public libraries. Lots of financial advice is provided in the free UK Department for Education and Skills' (DfES) booklet Financial support for higher education students; it also contains details of bursaries and grants for those undertaking teacher training and health professional courses; a web-based version is also available (see web-links). Information on finances is also available for Irish, Scottish and non-UK EU students via their associated web-sites (see web-links). Additionally some university departments have links with companies that offer sponsorships, often for the later years of a degree or HNC/D course.

I have a disability, what help can I get?

Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities is well worth contacting for advice on the provision of help available. Skill also publishes Into Science and Engineering, a book which profiles disabled people who have taken up science and engineering careers. Trotman and Company Limited also produce The Disabled Students' Guide to University for which a braille version (obtainable from the Royal National Institute for the Blind [RNIB]) also exists. Hobsons produce the UK Guide - Disabled Students. Detailed references for all kinds of special needs can be obtained from the Careers and Occupational Information Centre's (COIC) Directory of Career Resources for Special Needs or their associated web-site. The free DfES booklet Financial support for higher education students (UK) has a section on Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) and how to go about obtaining them.

Should I take a year out - a Gap Year?

A number of students consider taking a year off before embarking on higher education and most institutions have no objection to this. For some students it may be the key to providing an opportunity to improve in maturity and the capacity to work in an environment less supportive than a school. However, if this is to be done it should be checked out with the institution(s) likely to be concerned and then made plain on their UCAS (UK) or CAO (Republic of Ireland) application forms. There are a number of ways of spending a gap year. One extremely positive route is through the Year in Industry programme in which students are matched mainly to engineering, science and information technology related companies. Students are paid a salary, normally the company's rate for eighteen year old employees. It is advisable to ensure that, whatever is done, mathematical skills are made use of. More wide ranging ways of spending the year can be found in The Gap Year Guidebook published by John Catt Educational Limited (also available from Trotman and Company), or with Millennium Volunteers.

Do I need physics to become an archaeologist?

Most archaeology courses do not require science qualifications beyond GCSEs/SCEs, although they need higher qualifications in other subjects. However, some BSc degree courses do require chemistry at A level (or equivalent). Many enter this field at postgraduate level and there, for a science-related course, a degree in physics is one means of entry.

Do I need physics to become an architect?

Not necessarily, much depends on the nature of the course applied for. Some are very strongly geared to the design side and require more in the way of artistic flair. Others, however, do specify A levels (or equivalent) in physics and/or mathematics. Detailed inspection of course prospectuses is needed.

Do I need physics to become an astronaut?

Despite it probably being the highest risk profession of all, the number of applicants per available post is extremely large - your chance of joining an astronaut training programme is therefore small (but not zero). Half of all European Space Agency (ESA) astronauts have previously been military aviators, usually also undertaking test pilot roles. Most of the others had physics degrees or previous careers in aerospace medicine. NASA astronauts were initially almost all military test pilots but now tend to come from those with degrees in biological and physical sciences, medicine, engineering or mathematics. The ESA and NASA web-sites provide good insights into the job of being an astronaut and the qualifications, health and fitness levels required. The NASA web-site has links to other space agencies too.

Do I need physics to become a dentist?

Not usually. Chemistry and biology at AS level now appear to be almost compulsory with one or other, or both also required at A level. As with medicine, competition is high and points scores of 320 (A level grades ABB or equivalent) and above are usually required. Those in Scotland are, like those applying to read medicine, likely to receive offers of grades AAAAB in Highers together with an Advanced Higher or a Certificate of Sixth Year Studies (CSYS) in either chemistry or biology at grade B. International Baccalaureate candidates would need an overall score of 36 points with a score of 6 in chemistry together with another science at the higher level and English at Higher or Subsidiary level. Entry with vocational A levels is being looked at. There are specific health requirements too. The British Dental Association's Careers in Dentistry booklet and web-site provide helpful advice and information, the latter having links to all the schools of dentistry.

Do I need physics to become a doctor?

The most common requirement is to have A level (or equivalent) chemistry plus two other A levels (or equivalent) from biology, physics and mathematics. However, some establishments are now taking AS qualifications into account. Biology is often now being demanded, at least to AS level. Competition for courses in medicine is high and points scores of 340 (A level grades AAB or equivalent) and above are usually required. Those in Scotland are likely to receive offers of grades AAAAB in Highers together with an Advanced Higher or a Certificate of Sixth Year Studies (CSYS) in either chemistry or biology at grade B. International Baccalaureate candidates would need an overall score of 36 points with a score of 6 in chemistry together with another science at the higher level and English at Higher or Subsidiary level. Entry with vocational A levels is now (2002) being looked at. There are specific health requirements too. The British Medical Association's (BMA) booklet Becoming a doctor is an excellent guide to applying to medical school and a useful update of the current situation can be found on their web-site - search on 'Becoming a doctor'.

Do I need physics to become an engineer and what is special about courses in Physics and Engineering (Engineering Physics)?

Mathematics and physics are key components of engineering courses. A common requirement is to have A level (or equivalent) in both mathematics and physics. Engineering Physics courses are specially geared to provide the background knowledge and skills suited to a career in the engineering industry.

Do I need physics to become a forensic scientist?

The majority of the work in forensic science involves biology and chemistry and so most opportunities arise for those with related qualifications. However, those with physics at A level (or equivalent) or degree level, may also apply and, depending on recruitment needs at the time, may be successful. The Forensic Science Service can provide an informative pamphlet Career Opportunities, and has a helpful web-site.

Do I need physics to become a materials scientist or metallurgist?

These two subjects are intimately involved with physics, chemistry and engineering. Therefore it is usual to have A levels (or equivalent) in physics, chemistry and mathematics. The Institute of Materials publishes helpful literature in these fields.

What is a medical physicist and how does one qualify?

Medical physicists are involved in ensuring the safe operation and maintenance of the equipment used in X-radiography, ultrasound scanning, magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear medicine. With doctors they assess and treat patients, supervise radiation doses and protect both patients and staff from potential radiation hazards. Additionally they are often involved in the design of new instruments. An honours degree in a physical or engineering science is a requirement. A two year training programme follows, leading to an MSc and the Diploma of the Institute of Physics and Engineering and Medicine (IPEM). The IPEM's booklet Physics and Engineering in Medicine provides a useful insight into this profession.

Do I need physics to become a meteorologist?

Meteorology requires a good knowledge and understanding of both physics and mathematics. The majority of professional meteorologists in the past entered the field through a first degree in physics or mathematics and then took a postgraduate qualification in meteorology. This is still common but increasing numbers enter with degrees in computing, environmental studies, physical geography and electronics. It is also possible to enter via A levels or HNC qualifications (or similar) in a mathematical or physical science discipline and progress through vocational training to higher qualifications. The Royal Meteorological Society's pamphlet Careers in Meteorology is useful.

Do I need physics to become an optometrist?

Entry to degree courses is usually with three A levels (or equivalent), at least two of which would be sciences. A biological science and mathematics are often specified. Typical offers are around ABB. For those with Scottish and Irish Highers the typical entrance requirement is five subjects for Scottish and six for Irish, all at A and B levels. The College of Optometrists' booklet A Career in Vision Care and their web-site, provide useful information into all aspects of vision care and lists universities where qualifications can be obtained. University prospectuses will provide more specific details of subjects required for entry. Courses are also available requiring a minimum of five GCSEs (grades A* to C or equivalent, one of which has to be a science-based subject) which will lead to qualifying as a dispensing optician; some are degree courses requiring A levels or equivalent.

Do I need physics to become a pilot?

British Airways has traditionally run one of the largest sponsored pilot training schemes for becoming a civil airline pilot. To qualify, when vacancies arise, two or more A levels (or equivalent) at grade C or above, preferably in mathematics or physics, are needed or an honours degree (2.2) or better. There are also height, weight, fitness and health requirements. Reference should be made to the British Airways Recruitment web-site (www.britishairwaysjobs.com)- go to Starting your career and then Trainee pilot. Alternatively, 12 courses run at training schools approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) can be privately funded. They last up to fifteen months and cost of the order of £50000. Physics is not required for entry to pilot training with the armed forces. A minimum of two academic A levels or three Scottish Higher passes are required, plus five GCSEs/SCEs (grade C/3) including English Language and mathematics. Many enter following a degree, but again this does not have to be in a physics or engineering-related field. There are a number of medical and health requirements that need to be complied with so, if there is concern about a current or past condition (including a need to wear glasses or contact lenses), injury or illness, refer the enquirer to the local Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) who can take up the matter with the medical staff at the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre. Scholarships and sponsorships are available by competitive application to both 6th Formers and undergraduates, details again from the local AFCO. The Royal Air Force's booklet Officer and NCO Aircrew is an invaluable guide.

Do I need physics to become a vet?

The qualifications needed to become a veterinary surgeon are similar to those for becoming a doctor. Chemistry at A level (or equivalent) is required, plus one or two more A levels from biology, physics or mathematics - grades AAB are usual. Some universities will accept two AS levels in lieu of one A level, although chemistry must be a full A level. Those with SCE Highers require chemistry, together with two from biology, physics and mathematics, plus two more to give typical grades of AAABB. It is also advised to have the Advanced Higher or CSYS in chemistry and either biology or physics. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons web-site provides up to date information and links to universities offering.