Physics with Professional Placement (BSc)

Why study this course

The BSc Physics degree is designed to give you a broad physics education and, in addition, supply you with a wide range of mathematical and computational skills.

Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP), this four-year course offers a professional placement year in industry, commerce, government or another appropriate provider, giving you the opportunity to gain relevant work experience in the field.

Designed for those with an enquiring mind, this degree provides a wide-ranging education in how theoretical and experimental physics can be used to describe the universe. It also provides an insight into the impact of physics on modern technologies.

This course aims to prepare you for a career in industrial or academic research and development, education or other areas needing a practical, numerate and analytical approach to problem solving, such as business and finance.

You will be part of a friendly and welcoming department currently housed in the Queen’s Building complex, which contains a wide variety of purpose-built laboratories, lecture theatres and computing facilities.

Accreditations

• Institute of Physics (IOP)

Careers and placements

Career prospects

Physics and Astronomy graduates are highly valued by employers and our students go on to work in a wide range of different fields including research science, medical physics and technology, teaching and finance and banking.

We provide a range of support to help our students to find the career opportunities that suit them best, such as a Careers Adviser who is located part-time in the School, on-site careers fairs and employer visits. We also aim to prepare our students by providing them with the skills they need to succeed in obtaining jobs and feeling confident in their chosen workplace.

Employers include UK and international universities plus a range of organisations such as Rolls Royce, European Space Agency, Lockheed Martin, Tata Steel, National Instruments and Barclays.

The contacts you make and the work experience you gain during your placement year will enhance your CV and might even lead directly to employment or provide enhanced references for other job applications.

Graduate careers

• Research scientist
• Statistician
• Data Analyst
• Science Communicator
• Finance and Banking
• Airline Pilot
• Software Engineer
• Teacher

Placements

Year three is spent on a professional placement in industry, commerce, government or other institution approved by the University.