Description:

 

Applied physics is the application of physics to branches of technology but also for

practical uses such as helping human beings solve their problems. It is often seen

as a bridge between “pure” physics and engineering and pursuing a career in

applied physics can help to develop new technologies or solve engineering problems.

 

Revolutionary discoveries such as glass, transistors (used to amplify electronic

signals) and fibre optic communication devices (the tubes which are probably carrying

the information to let you read this site now) were all found through the study of applied physics!

By studying applied physics, there are so many fields of physics that you could potentially find jobs in. Such jobs include finding ways to decrease the dosage of radiation needed to effectively treat cancer patients and finding new, better materials for things like bullet proof vests or lightweight parts for vehicles.

 

 

Career Paths:

 

Applied physics...

• ... is the traditional pathway to specialise in physics related areas including condensed matter, plasma and optical physics

• ... can lead you to many graduate-level engineering programmes.

• ... gives you superb preparation for a wide range of positions in university, government and industrial organisations due to its highly customisable course which can allow you to diversely apply your knowledge.

• ... is great preparation for careers in blossoming technological sectors such as energy and nanotechnology.

• ... is very well suited for any career requiring strong experimental and/or theoretical and/or calculation skills.

• ... provides a very desirable pathway to careers in finance.

 

 

Education:

 

As a general physics degree there are many institutions which offer it at varying levels. Entry requirements vary from 240 UCAS Points to A*AA.  Applicants with Mathematics and, of course, Physics as A-levels are highly favourable due to the amount of maths required in the degree. Applicants that applied in 2012 had their third A-level as Chemistry or Further Maths.

 

 

Average salary:

 

Depending on which the areas of how you’ve customised your degree, your salary varies with it. It usually starts at a £25,000 starting salary and varying between £30,000 and £60,000 depending on your experience or field. Top end salaries reach £100,000+ but these are often only reached by being the head of a department for research.