Careers and employability

What careers do Physics and Astronomy graduates go into?

The flexibility and adaptability of a well-trained physicist is appreciated by employers and Exeter physics graduates have excellent employment prospects.

Many of our graduates enter science-based industries in positions involving research and development or production and management. Other science-based careers include scientific work in government establishments, hospital physics in the National Health Service and technical management in broadcasting, television and the communications sector. Some go on to work in high-tech start-up companies. A number of graduates decide to use their analytical and logical skills in careers in finance, banking or commercial management.

For those wishing to specialise in research, a period of further training for an MPhil or PhD qualification is important. Some physics graduates wish to teach and a Postgraduate Certificate of Education is the starting point into a profession where physicists are in great demand.

Find out who employs our students, some example job titles and examples of further study that recent graduates have chosen here.

How do we prepare our Physicists and Astronomers for employment?

Work placements

There are many opportunities to develop your CV and gain work experience before you graduate. Students are encouraged to use their vacations to gain valuable experience in industry. Many Physics/Astronomy students secure paid summer placements.

In our Physics with Professional Experience degree, your third year will be spent in a work environment at one of a wide range of high-level and well-respected research laboratories. You will be paid a salary during this year, of around £16,000. In addition to your work within the laboratory, you will undertake distance learning with the University as well as completing a project at the institution in which you are placed. Companies currently participating in this programme include British Aerospace, Sharp UK Ltd, Hewlett Packard, Unilever, QinetiQ and the Met Office.

All our undergraduate students can choose to take an optional Commercial and Industrial Experience module during the vacation before the third year, subject to availability. This opportunity allows you to gain paid work experience while earning credits towards your degree programme. The College can provide assistance in finding suitable placements.

A dedicated Employability Officer

The Employability Officer is active in developing aspects of our courses and services that improve the employability of our students. The Employability Officer also builds and maintains links with appropriate organisations to ensure that you get to meet relevant employers before you graduate.

Specialist careers advice

There is also a dedicated Careers Consultant who provides specific services such as careers workshops tailored to careers in Physics and Astronomy and support in matters such as applications and job interview skills.

Personal development

Our students take advantage of the wide range of extra-curricular and personal development opportunities offered by the University, from study abroad to volunteering and playing an active role in student societies.

Careers events and initiatives

We encourage Physics and Astronomy students to make full use of the services offered by the Employability and Graduate Development team. Services offered include:

• 4 careers fairs throughout the year
• Skills training workshops
• Employer events
• Exeter Award
• Exeter Leaders Award

Further information about careers and employability:

• Employability website – for events
• Careers and your future
• Students’ Guild – for information on clubs and societies
• Exeter Student Ambassador Scheme
• Sports facilities