1. Careers from physics
How A-level physics keep your options open
Earnings: How physics compares to other degrees
What physics students do after graduating
Skills that studying physics develops

2. (Informed Choices: a Russell group guide to making decisions about
Careers from physics: How A-level physics keeps your options open
A-levels considered “essential” for studying different degrees
(Informed Choices: a Russell group guide to making decisions about
Post-16 education)
Number of degrees
All A-levels are not equal. Ask students to suggest which subjects aren’t needed for any degree (which they usually come back with media studies, psychology etc) gets the idea across that A-level choice is not always a case of choosing the A-level that sounds “right” (e.g. for a law degree you don’t need law A-level)

3. Percentage increased hourly earnings by degree subject
Earnings: How physics compares to other degrees
Percentage increased hourly earnings by degree subject
Average for all degrees = 23 %
Once highly competitive degrees are removed. Physics/chemistry are high earners (on average)
(21-60 year olds, compared to those holding 2 or more A-levels: Labour Force Surveys pooled)

4. Careers from physics: What physics students do after graduating
7 %
Studying
Masters
4 %
Teacher training
40 %
employed
45%
Studying
PhD 3%
Other
6 %
unemployed

5. 56 % went on to further study
Careers from physics: What physics students do after graduating
56 % went on to further study
4 % Teacher training
52 % Masters or PhD in for example:
Astrophysics
Space technology
Nanotechnology
Laser technology
Particle physics
Low temperature physics
Semiconductor physics
Medical Physics
Biophysics
Engineering….

6. Careers from physics: What physics students do after graduating
40 % employed

7. 6 % unemployed All graduates Physics graduates Year
Careers from physics: What physics students do after graduating
6 % unemployed
All graduates
% unemployed 1 year after graduation
Physics graduates
Despite the recession physics graduates could still find employment; illustrating that physics graduates have highly transferable skills
Year

8. Ability to model complex situations
Careers from physics: Skills that studying physics develops
Ability to model complex situations
Team Working
Mathematical ability
Problem solving
Research skills
Ability to communicate complex ideas
Transferable skills
Ability to evaluate risk
Creative thinking
Analytical skills
Understanding of technology
Evidence-based decision making
Objective thinking

9. Girls in Physics: www.iop.org/girlsinphysics
Music:  
Medicine: