Physics Degrees

Physics is the study of matter, energy, space and time, without which our world would not exist. If you have an inquisitive mind, and feel a need to truly understand in detail how the world works, physics is something for you. Although many live under the impression that you need at least a graduate degree to have use for physics, this seems to be a misunderstanding. Physics is in fact very well received by employers, who see physics graduates as capable of learning just about anything.

Studying physics

Physics, being the most basic of the sciences, is offered at most universities around the world. It studies everything from elementary particles, to nuclei, atoms, molecules, the human brain, complex systems and supercomputers to name but a few. Due to its fundamental nature, physics is a great basis for a scientific education. Through physics you will more easily gain an understanding of other sciences such as chemistry, biology and ecology. Transferring knowledge the other way around is not necessarily true. This keeps your options open.

Even if you should not want to continue directly within the field of physics, your options are wide open to continue with further education in other fields or to pursue careers seemingly unrelated to your degree in physics. The four fundamental branches of physics are classical mechanics, electromagnetism, relativity, thermodynamics and quantum physics. These can be studied on an experimental or theoretical level and research within either area often translates into groundbreaking discoveries. These often come into use within the technology sector and sometimes also influence the other sciences.

Physics as a career

A physics education places great emphasis on problem solving and abstract thinking, which is training that makes graduates highly desirable employees in a wide variety of areas. Careers directly connected to physics can be found in teaching and research, but also to an even greater extent within high tech companies. Here physics graduates are often employed within such areas as optics, lasers, medicine and nuclear science to name a few. Yet others are employed as technical journalists, using their understanding for the sciences to inform others of advancements in the areas of technical and scientific advancement. Some of these careers require further study after the initial study of physics, but many can be entered with a bachelor degree. In order to switch fields into for example journalism or business, further education within the specific area may be beneficial.