There are many excellent reasons to study physics for your undergraduate degree.
One of these is, of course, because you have enjoyed the subject so far and want to build your knowledge and understanding of how the Universe works!
Transferable skills
But in a Physics degree you will learn much more than 'just physics'. You will also develop a broad range of transferable skills:
Mathematical
A large part of your degree will be theoretical physics, which involves finding and working with mathematical laws that express the physics of some process.
One fundamental mathematical tool is differential equations, which are not only used in physics but also chemistry, biology, finance, engineering - the list goes on.
Laboratory
In every year, from 1st to 3rd, you will also do practical physics, undertaking lab work related to a variety of different physical problems.
Statistical
You will analyse data from your lab work, and in many cases from your final-year project too. (Students on the MPhys undertake projects in their 3rd and 4th years, thus gaining additional experience.)
Data analysis is an essential skill in many different kinds of job.
Computational
Throughout your degree you will develop your programming skills and get training and experience in using scientific software for e.g. mathematical modelling and data analysis.
Written communication
Good scientific writing requires the ability to order complex concepts in a logical manner, to describe mathematical models and results in accurate and terse language. This, in turn, helps you develop your analytical and logical thinking.
You will develop these skills through various written pieces of coursework, and especially through the written report for your final-year project module.
Presentation
Strong presentation skills will ease your route into almost any career, and you will have several opportunities to develop these. Many students find that these experiences help improve their self-confidence more generally too.
Problem-solving
This skill is developed through every aspect of a physics degree.
Our graduates' careers
These skills will make you a competitive candidate for a wide range of career paths after university.
Many of our students go on to use physics directly in their next steps in life, such as through:
- a scientific career (e.g. in industry)
- a programme to become a physics teacher
- further physics study through a stand-alone, specialist Master's programme or a PhD.
Other students use the wealth of transferable skills they have developed during their degree to begin other careers: for example, in finance, healthcare, or software engineering.
Read testimonials from UEA
Physics students and graduates
Careers guidance and support at UEA
Here at UEA we do our best to help you work out what career would suit you, and how best to aim for it.
We place great emphasis on preparing our students for life and work after university, offering you excellent practical and certified opportunities to prepare for your chosen career.