Quantum computing
Uses qubits to solve problems that are out of reach for ordinary supercomputers. UK players include the National Physical Laboratory and start-ups such as Oxford Quantum Circuits.
PhysicsUK Careers
Emerging fields and future routes
The future of physics
Physics is not a finished subject. Right now, physicists are helping to build quantum computers, tame nuclear fusion, design AI that can do science, and listen to the universe with gravitational waves. Here are the fields most likely to shape your career.
Quantum technologies
Quantum mechanics is moving from the textbook to real devices. Quantum computers, sensors and communication systems could transform drug discovery, navigation, cybersecurity and materials science.
Quantum sensors
Measure gravity, magnetic fields and time with extreme precision. Applications range from underground mapping to medical imaging and GPS-free navigation.
Quantum communication
Uses quantum cryptography to send information that cannot be intercepted without detection. The UK government is investing in a national quantum network.
Nuclear fusion
Fusion powers the Sun and could provide abundant, low-carbon energy if engineers can confine a hot plasma long enough on Earth. It is one of the biggest physics and engineering challenges of the century.
- UKAEA runs the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy in Oxfordshire, home of the MAST-U tokamak.
- ITER in France is the world’s largest fusion experiment and involves 35 nations.
- Private fusion companies in the UK and US are racing to demonstrate net energy gain in the 2030s.
UKAEA careers are a good starting point if you want to work on fusion in the UK.
AI for science
Artificial intelligence is now a research tool, not just a tech product. Physicists use machine learning to analyse particle-collider data, predict protein structures, discover new materials and model the climate.
Scientific machine learning
Combines physics equations with data-driven models. Used in weather forecasting, fluid dynamics and drug design.
AI in particle physics
Helps experiments at CERN sift through billions of collisions to find rare events that test the Standard Model.
Robotics and automation
Runs telescopes, maintains fusion reactors and controls autonomous labs that run experiments around the clock.
Clean energy and climate
Getting to net zero requires physicists in almost every part of the energy system: better solar cells, wind turbine design, batteries, grid storage, carbon capture and climate modelling.
- Renewables engineering improves the efficiency and reliability of solar, wind and tidal power.
- Energy storage works on batteries, pumped hydro and emerging technologies such as green hydrogen.
- Climate modelling uses physics-based simulations to predict how the Earth system responds to emissions.
The Met Office and UK universities are major employers in this space.
Photonics and semiconductors
From phone chips to fibre-optic cables, photonics and semiconductor physics are everywhere. As devices get smaller and faster, the demand for physics-trained engineers keeps growing.
- The UK has a national Semiconductor Strategy to build more chip design and research capacity.
- Photonics companies work on lasers, sensors, medical imaging and quantum light sources.
- The Centre for Process Innovation and similar labs support university and industry research.
Space and satellite technology
The UK space sector builds satellites, instruments and data services. You do not have to become an astronaut to work in space: most roles are in engineering, data analysis, mission design and instrumentation.
Satellites and Earth observation
Monitor climate, agriculture, shipping and disasters. The UK is a world leader in small satellites and satellite services.
Space science missions
Build instruments for ESA, NASA and other agencies. UK institutions such as UCL, Leicester and RAL Space are heavily involved.
Spacecraft engineering
Design propulsion, power, thermal control and guidance systems for rockets and satellites.
Medical technology
Physics saves lives. Medical physicists and biomedical engineers develop MRI, radiotherapy, ultrasound, proton therapy and new imaging techniques that doctors use every day.
- Imaging physics improves MRI, CT, PET and ultrasound machines.
- Radiotherapy physics plans cancer treatments and ensures radiation is delivered safely.
- Proton and ion therapy uses particle accelerators to target tumours with fewer side effects.
See also the NHS Scientist Training Programme for a direct route into healthcare science.
Astrophysics and gravitational waves
Telescopes now observe across the whole electromagnetic spectrum, while gravitational-wave detectors let us “hear” black holes and neutron stars colliding. UK researchers are partners in LIGO, Virgo and future space missions.
- Gravitational-wave astronomy is opening a new window on the universe after the first detection in 2015.
- Exoplanet science searches for habitable worlds and biosignatures in distant atmospheres.
- Cosmology studies dark matter, dark energy and the origins of the universe.
Most research careers in these areas need a PhD, but related engineering, data and instrumentation roles are open to physics graduates too.
Related pages
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