Physics and astronomy careers

What can I do with a physics degree?

As a physics graduate from the University of Sheffield you'll have lots of options open to you. Employers seek out our graduates because of their ability to grapple with complex ideas, solve problems and analyse data. This is great preparation for all kinds of careers, whether you want a job working at the cutting-edge of science and technology, or to make a difference in the business world, the charity sector or policymaking.

Applying physics

Our physics students develop numerical, problem solving and data analysis skills that are useful in many graduate jobs, including computer programming, software engineering, data science, and research and development into new products and services. Their scientific expertise can be applied to many of the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, from developing renewable energy technologies to creating quantum telecommunications systems and exploring outer space.

Further study and research

If you’re interested in postgraduate study, we’ll help you to consider your options so you can specialise in an area you’re fascinated by, learn new skills, or change direction. Some of our graduates choose to progress to a PhD, and have become researchers at top universities and major facilities such as CERN. Others begin postgraduate training in areas such as data science, engineering and renewable energy.

Beyond physics

A good degree from a great university can also take you far beyond the subject you’ve specialised in. We have graduates working in fields including patent law, marketing, teaching and banking.

Physics is a degree that's very well respected around the world

Alexander Chilton Physics BSc

After completing his physics degree, Alexander went on to work in marketing and communications as part of a multi-million pound research partnership between BP and several top universities.

Opportunities to enhance your CV

As a physics and astronomy student, you'll get lots of support to help you work out what you want to do after graduation, and the steps you need to take to get there. We host weekly careers talks, plus one-to-one careers advice sessions.

Industrial Placement Year

A placement is a great opportunity to test out a career path that you're considering, whether you want to put your physics skills to the test in the real world or explore a different field entirely. It’ll give you experience of applying for jobs as well as interview practice, and will make you stand out once you graduate. You can do this as a recognised part of your degree with our Year in Industry courses.

Our students have previously completed their placements with organisations including CERN, IBM, Sellafield Ltd and other government research facilities.

The best part of my placement at CERN was the freedom to achieve goals

Freya Bottom Physics MPhys

During her placement year, Freya worked on the Large Hadron Collider at the CERN research institute in Switzerland, where the groundbreaking Higgs boson discovery was made.

White Rose Industrial Physics Academy

The White Rose Industrial Physics Academy (WRIPA) is a partnership between five universities and technical industries from across the region. As a member, we can set up collaborations between our students and industrial partners. By giving you hands-on experience of research and development projects with industry, WRIPA can help you get more skills and experience for your CV, and expand your career opportunities. We've also hosted the biggest specialist physics careers fair in the UK, in conjunction with WRIPA, where students met staff from more than 40 companies that hire physics graduates.

We've produced a careers guide for physicists as part of the White Rose Industrial Physics Academy. Inside, you'll find lots of information about where a physics degree can take you, and advice on getting your first graduate job.

Read the WRIPA careers guide