Energy & Environment
Research & Development
Degree plus
Fusion Scientist / Engineer
Study and develop nuclear fusion as a future low-carbon energy source, from plasma physics to reactor engineering.
A day in the life
Run plasma simulations, analyse experimental data, design reactor components, and collaborate across international experiments.
Entry routes
- A-level Physics + Maths + Further Maths
- Physics or Engineering degree
- Masters or PhD in plasma physics or fusion engineering
Typical salary
£28,000-£35,000 to £75,000+
Mid-career: £42,000-£60,000
International tokamak projects and private fusion firms vary widely.
UK employers
- UKAEA
- Tokamak Energy
- First Light Fusion
- University fusion labs
Worldwide employers
- ITER
- Commonwealth Fusion Systems
- Princeton Plasma Physics Lab
- Culham Centre for Fusion Energy
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: nuclear fusion
Compare degree prospectuses, entry requirements, open days and course structures.
ucas.com
Working for UKAEA
UK Atomic Energy Authority careers, graduate routes, apprenticeships and PhD placements.
gov.uk
National Careers Service: Green careers
Explore routes into jobs that support net zero and the environment.
nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
UKRI studentships and research funding
Explore UK research councils and postgraduate research funding routes.
ukri.org
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
Key skills
Explore related careers
Sources and further reading
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