Physics and Astronomy

Welcome

This site gives examples of the employment and postgraduate courses entered by graduates from the School of Physics. It has practical information and advice to support your career planning and job hunting.

In addition the Careers section of the School of Physics and Astronomy website contains some information about career options and some graduate profiles.

Employers see a physics qualification as an indication of someone who will immediately be an asset to the organisation. This is because physics requires the following attributes:

A logical and numerate mind
The ability to solve problems
Communication skills, developed through report-writing and presentations
Computing and practical skills
Teamwork and flexibility (essential for lab work and projects)

From www.physics.org

Employability Activities within your degree

The Physics and Astronomy department are members of the South East Physics Network, which are focussed on providing you industry led presentations, seminars and discussion forums on job searching techniques and CV advice.

Your degree programme will provide you links to industry to find out about the latest placement and graduate vacancies in the sector, as well as providing you access to arranged visits to local employers. Employers also sponsor final year projects and research collaborations within the department. In previous years students have received bursaries for summer placements and hosts have included NPL, QinetiQ and Symetrica.

Tutors and lecturers also ensure they are upto date with employment within the sector and receive training on activities such as writing you a reference for a future employer.

Further support

Visit Career Destinations (Building 37, Highfield) to browse information, borrow books, and use the computers for careers work. We also have a great variety of take away literature including the Career Planning Guide, graduate directories, and publications on topics such as work experience and teacher training – just ask at the Desk for advice.

A range of talks and workshops run throughout the year, whether you need help with career planning, applications, and interviews or want to meet employers, look at the Events Calendar to find out more.

Tel 023 8059 3501, email