Research & Development
Degree plus
Research Scientist (Physics)
Plan and carry out experiments or theoretical work to discover new physics and turn it into applications.
A day in the life
Set up experiments, analyse data, collaborate with international teams, publish findings and apply for funding.
Entry routes
- A-level Physics + Maths + Further Maths
- Physics degree
- PhD and postdoctoral research positions
Typical salary
£26,000-£33,000 to £60,000+
Mid-career: £38,000-£55,000
Academic salaries vary; industry R&D can pay more.
UK employers
- UK Research and Innovation
- STFC
- University labs
- AstraZeneca
Worldwide employers
- CERN
- MIT
- Max Planck Institutes
- IBM Research
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
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
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
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