Explore more about physics and astronomy
Physics and astronomy at Sheffield is a great choice if you want to study the laws that shape the Universe. You'll explore fundamental physics theories and have the opportunity to tailor your degree to your interests and goals.
Careers and employability
An interview Dr Emily Rickman
We spoke to MPhys Physics and Astrophysics graduate Dr Emily Rickman about her career at the European Space Agency and how her time at Sheffield prepared her for it.You’ll be in a great position to pursue a range of careers with a physics degree from Sheffield, this could include:
- Research and development
- Computing and software development
- Data science
- Engineering
- Finance and consultancy
- Further study
- Teaching
Industrial Placement Years
Gain valuable work experience, test out a career path, and build your network of contacts by opting to add a placement year to any of our undergraduate courses after you start your degree.
Whether you want to apply your scientific knowledge in a lab or use your transferable skills in industry, a placement year is a great way to build up your CV.
We’ll support you to feel confident finding and applying for placement roles through:
- Tailored 1-1 sessions to help with CVs, applications, interviews and assessment centres.
- Employer events and opportunities to network with placement year students.
- Workshops on how to find and apply for placements and how to prepare for interviews.
Research experience
Integrated masters
Add a year of research experience through our integrated masters courses. Students on the four year MPhys complete a year-long research project in their final year, working with academic researchers who are experts in their field to investigate a real scientific question.
SURE scheme
Through the Sheffield Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) scheme, students receive a bursary to spend six weeks working with one of our research groups over summer.
Community
Student societies
Our Students’ Union has over 350 societies and sports clubs. Physics and astronomy students can join Physoc, who organise events ranging from guest lectures to fancy dress socials and the Hicks’ Ball!
MPS LGBTQ+ group
The MPS LGBTQ+ is a space for people in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences to explore the challenges they face or may face at university, and get together in an environment where they can be fully themselves.
MPS craft group
This small, friendly craft group provides students with the opportunity to relax, create and connect with other students. You’ll get to learn craft techniques like modular origami or crocheting hyperbolic surfaces.