Description:

 

Modern society is heavily dependent on advanced materials such as lightweight composites for transport applications, optical fibres for telecommunications and silicon microchips for the information revolution. Materials scientists study the relationships between the structure and properties of a material and how it is made. They also develop new materials to meet engineering specifications, and devise processes for manufacturing them. Current work in materials science is key to the practical application of nuclear fusion for power generation. There are links with medical sciences, for example through the development of bone replacement materials, novel sensors and drug delivery systems. Materials science is an interdisciplinary subject, spanning the physics and chemistry of matter, engineering applications, and industrial manufacturing processes. It is at the core of nanotechnology, the production of machines and devices at molecular levels, which is likely to drive the next technological revolution. Such devices include those to enable quantum information processing; the key technology for a new generation of computers.

 

 

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.