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Physics Graduate Outcomes

Graduate Outcomes 2022/23 for full-time UK domiciled first degree Physics graduates - 15 months after Bath.

Courses included on this page

On this page find Graduate Outcomes Survey data for 2022/23 leavers for the following course(s):

  • Mathematics and Physics BSc/MSci
  • Physics BSc/MPhys
  • Physics with Astrophysics BSc/MPhys

Note: Information not yet available for Physics with Theoretical Physics BSc/MPhys (course started 2022/23)

Example job titles

  • Actuarial Analyst
  • AI Engineer
  • Assistant Physicist
  • Assistant Radiation Protection Physicist
  • Assurance Audit Associate
  • Computational Scientist
  • Data Analyst
  • Dev Ops Engineer
  • Geophysicist
  • Software Engineer
  • Scientist
  • Systems Engineer
  • Teacher

Example employers

  • Aon
  • Atomic Weapons Establishment
  • BAE Systems
  • Deloitte
  • EY
  • Minimax Labs
  • National Physical Laboratory
  • National Trust
  • Secondary School
  • Zetica

Further study

Some physics graduates go on to further study at postgraduate level to enhance their knowledge of a particular area of physics such as astrophysics, quantum physics, nanotechnology, and mathematical physics especially if they wish to pursue a research career in industry or in academia.

Example further study institutions

  • BPP University
  • Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine
  • University of Bath
  • University of Birmingham
  • University of Oxford
  • University of Southampton
  • University of Strathclyde

Response rates to survey

Response rate
Total in 2022/23 cohort 1 95
% response rate 60%

Graduate Outcomes by activity

Activity summary Percentage
Work for an employer 2 66%
Further study, training or research 19%
Self-employed/own business
Other 3 9%
Unemployed 4 7%
Total 5 100%

Occupations, industries and skills

A Physics degree provides excellent preparation for diverse careers across science, engineering and technology. Graduates develop exceptional problem-solving abilities, logical thinking, and critical analysis skills, alongside the capacity to work independently to deadlines and communicate complex scientific concepts effectively. This comprehensive skill set enables graduates to work as professional scientists in industry, government or academia, while also offering pathways into business and technological disciplines.

Industries

Physics graduates enjoy remarkable career flexibility, extending well beyond traditional science, technology and engineering roles. With the majority of UK graduate positions not requiring specific degrees, physicists find opportunities across numerous sectors, including finance, business, consulting and healthcare.

Occupations

The fourth industrial revolution has created exciting opportunities for Physics graduates across healthcare, climate science, gaming and robotics. Graduates can pursue specialist scientific careers directly using their degree knowledge, or leverage their transferable skills in broader business roles.

Graduate Outcomes explained

The Graduate Outcomes Survey is the UK's largest social survey, capturing the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after graduation. The University of Bath has an excellent graduate employment record, featuring in the top ten for graduate prospects in three major national league tables 6. Read more about the survey and overall statistics for Bath's graduates on What do first degree Bath graduates do?

Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey for 2022/23 leavers relating to full-time UK-domiciled first-degree University of Bath graduates, 15 months after leaving university.

Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited part of Jisc 2025. Jisc cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data.

  1. Number rounded to the nearest multiple of five. 

  2. Includes paid and unpaid work and voluntary work.  

  3. Includes developing a creative, artistic or professional portfolio, taking time out to travel, caring for someone (unpaid), retired, or doing something else.  

  4. Unemployed may include those due to start work or further study.  

  5. Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding. Activity defined using HESA MIMPACT: identifies what the graduate considered to be their most important activity on census week. 

  6. 6th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, 6th in the Complete University Guide 2026, and 6th in the Guardian University Guide 2026.  

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