Engineering
Have you always enjoyed working with your hands and designing new things? If so, you would enjoy a career as an engineer. Even though engineering is not directly related to physics, studying physics gives you a number of transferable skills. There are numerous specialties within the field of engineering, so it’s just a matter of working out which one suits you best.
For example, robotics engineers design, build and test new robots, geospatial engineers use Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to survey land and design maps, and simulation engineers create computer simulations to aid the design of complex projects.
Shaping the future is a key component of many engineering careers. photonics engineers work to improve products that use photonics (using light to generate energy), automated test engineers design programmes that allow for tasks to be performed automatically, while renewable energy engineers help to produce renewable energy sources. Or, as an AI engineer, you’ll develop computer programmes which enable computers to perform complex tasks.
Physicist
Becoming a physicist after completing a physics degree seems like a natural progression. A job as a physicist will allow you to use the skills you gain during your degree, while specialising in something you’re truly passionate about. For example, as a particle physicist, you’ll either develop theories behind observed physics, or design experiments to observe new particles.
As a nuclear physicist, you’ll study the property of nuclear materials, so nuclear energy can be made cleaner, safer and more efficient. Nuclear physics even helps us with the science of radiology, using tiny amounts of radioactive substances to diagnose and treat diseases.
Those passionate about biology and physics will also enjoy a career as a medical physicist or a biophysicist. Medical physicists develop sophisticated medical equipment, while biophysicists research how biological systems like the brain and plants are affected by the laws of physics.
Astronomy & Space
As an astronomer, you’ll discover the secrets of the night sky. You’ll understand the structure and origin of the universe and its components, such as the planets and galaxies. Astronomy is divided into two specialties, observational and theoretical.
Observational astronomers use telescopes and other space vehicles to look at the universe, while theoretical astronomers use computer models to develop theories. If you’d like to play a more practical role, space system engineers design and construct the components of spacecraft.
Teaching
How would you like to teach the next generation about the wonders of physics? As a physics teacher, you’ll design hands-on experiments for your students. When you’re not teaching, you’ll be making lesson plans, marking homework and exams and supporting students who need extra help.
Depending on what sort of students you’d like to teach, you can qualify as a secondary school teacher or as a lecturer at university. Lecturers have similar responsibilities, but also have the advantage of undertaking research projects.
Environmental Science & Meteorology
Over the years, we’ve seen the devastating impact of climate change and other natural disasters on our livelihoods. Climate scientists study changes in the Earth’s climate over time, allowing us to predict climate change in the future.
If you’d like to look more broadly at the environment, environmental scientists identify dangers to the Earth’s environment, by collecting and analysing samples of soil, water and other materials. The research collected by these scientists is used to advise governments on legislation aimed at protecting the planet.
If you’d like to keep people updated on the day-to-day weather, why not become a meteorologist? meteorologists specialise in either forecasting or research: forecasters provide weather predictions for a range of industries, while researchers design models to improve the accuracy of forecasts.
Law
Although law and physics may seem like two completely different subject areas, to become a patent attorney you need a background in science. Patent attorneys advise their clients on how to apply for a patent for their latest invention or design. Having a patent on a product means the inventor can stop other inventors from using or copying their product.
Typical responsibilities of a patent attorney include: deciding whether an invention is patentable and suggesting adjustments to the definition of an invention.
VFX
A career in the VFX industry allows you to contribute to the special effects in films, televisions and games. VFX artists use technical skills and software to implement high quality VFX, making the audience believe that the impossible is real.
You’ll spend your time creating high quality VFX that remains under budget, using complex software, utilising cutting-edge special effects that make the media stand out, and fixing technical problems. It’s an incredibly exciting career path, with new developments being created every day.
As you can see, there are a range of exciting, well-paid opportunities available for those interested in physics.