Space & Defence
Degree
Defence Scientist
Apply physics and engineering to develop and evaluate technologies that protect national security.
A day in the life
Model threats and systems, run field trials, write technical assessments, and advise military or policy teams.
Entry routes
- A-level Physics + Maths (+ Computer Science useful)
- Physics, Engineering or Mathematics degree
- Government science graduate scheme or security-cleared role
Typical salary
£26,000-£33,000 to £70,000+
Mid-career: £42,000-£60,000
Security clearance and specialist skills influence pay.
UK employers
- Dstl
- BAE Systems
- QinetiQ
- Rolls-Royce
Worldwide employers
- Lockheed Martin
- Raytheon Technologies
- Northrop Grumman
- BAE Systems (global)
Useful route links
These links are good starting points for courses, apprenticeships, graduate routes and professional training. They open the official or specialist sites rather than another summary page.
UCAS course search: physics
Compare degree prospectuses, entry requirements, open days and course structures.
ucas.com
Working for Dstl
Official Civil Service careers information for defence science and technology roles.
gov.uk
UK Space Agency recruitment
Official recruitment information for the UK Space Agency.
gov.uk
UCAS Physics and astronomy courses
Search UK undergraduate physics, astrophysics and related degree options.
ucas.com
Prospects: what can I do with a physics degree?
Independent overview of careers that physics graduates enter.
prospects.ac.uk
Find an apprenticeship on GOV.UK
Search current apprenticeship and degree apprenticeship vacancies in England.
gov.uk
Key skills
Explore related careers
Sources and further reading
External links open in a new tab.