Physicists do experimental and developmental work in areas such as electronics, medicine, engineering, the environment, energy, nuclear physics, manufacturing and information technology.

The Work

You could be:

• applying the principles of physics to practical problems in engineering, including nuclear energy and alternative energy, or manufacturing
• developing lighter, stronger and safer aircraft and satellites
• researching alternative sources of energy such as solar, wind and wave power
• working in medical diagnosis and treatment, using and developing equipment for x-rays, ultrasound and other scanning devices, or radiation, laser and other treatments
• working in electronics, computer science and communications, developing new technology in areas such as mobile technology and ICT networks
• identifying problems in discussion with colleagues, other professionals or business clients
• analysing the problem and selecting a suitable scientific way to solve it
• doing any necessary research and experiments using a range of instruments and equipment and computational modelling
• presenting results in a range of forms such as written or oral reports, charts, graphs or computer models.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Physicists in the private sector can earn from around £25,000 a year to start, rising up to around £50,000 a year with a number of years' experience.

The starting salaries for physicists in postdoctoral research posts are normally in the range £30,000 to £45,000 a year. University lecturers including senior lecturers can earn up to £52,000 a year. More senior research and teaching staff can earn over £70,000 a year.

Trainee medical physics technician working in the NHS start on Band 6, £39,912 to £48,635 a year. As an HCPC registered medical physicist you would be on Band 7, £48,788 to £56,747 a year. With experience, in senior positions, this can rise to Band 9, £117,732 to £122,831 a year. The current pay scales are from April 2024.

Conditions

• Depending on the type of work you do, you would work in a laboratory, factory, hospital or office.
• Hours vary depending on the type of work, but are generally Monday to Friday. You may have to be flexible for some types of work including working shifts, and weekends.
• You may have to wear a lab coat or other protective clothing such as gloves or a face mask.
• You may have to work with potentially dangerous materials.
• You may need to attend scientific conferences and meetings, which might involve some travel.

Useful Subjects

• Computing Science
• Mathematics
• Mathematics of Mechanics
• Physics

Getting In

For most jobs you would require a degree.

• Degree courses in Physics (SCQF Level 10-11) last 4 or 5 years depending on whether you study for a BSc Hons, MPhys or MSci. For entry you usually need 4-5 good Highers, including Maths and Physics plus National 5 English.
• Related degree subjects may be acceptable, depending on your intended area or work – entry qualifications are similar.
• You might need a particular degree for some specialist areas of work – check the course content.
• Some entrants have a postgraduate qualification in a specialist physics subject.

You could work in a wide range of careers – in various branches of engineering, defence, ICT, medical industry, manufacturing, optics, power generation, satellite design, transport, construction, meteorology, patent agency work, business teaching and finance. There is also a considerable demand for teachers in this area.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2024

4699

2.7 %

RISE

2029

4826

  United Kingdom

2024

32043

3.9 %

RISE

2029

33291

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What Does it Take?

You should be:

• practical, logical and methodical
• able to process data accurately
• able to make sound judgements
• observant
• able to handle abstract ideas
• willing to use your initiative.

You should have:

• a scientific mind and aptitude for physics and maths
• a good eye for detail
• excellent problem solving skills
• good teamworking skills
• good written and spoken communication skills.

Training

• Training is normally on the job.
• For some work, you may have to do further postgraduate or professional study.

Getting On

• There is a wide range of career areas open to physics graduates.
• You would probably specialise in a particular area of work and you might work for a small or large organisation, a university or research institution.
• With experience and ability, you may be able to move on to senior or management jobs.
• You may need further postgraduate qualifications to get promotion.
• Many physicists progress to become Chartered Physicists (CPhys), accredited by the Institute of Physics (IoP), or Chartered Scientists (CSci), accredited by the Science Council.
• You have to keep up to date with developments in your specialist area throughout your career.

More Information

The Institute of Physics website has a careers section at www.iop.org/careers which shows you the wide range of career opportunities open to physics graduates. 

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.