From Galileo Galilei to Stephen Hawking our understanding of the universe and the laws that govern it has been greatly enhanced by physicists.
If we are to gain further enlightenment, no doubt physicists will be at the centre of new discoveries. Last week, the International Conference on High Energy Physics in Paris was attended by French president Nicolas Sarkozy, again highlighting the esteem in which the subject is held. Yet, despite physics' influence, there has been a long-term decline in people choosing to study the subject at university, and one in four academic institutions that once taught the subject no longer do.
However, there are signs that interest in physics is enjoying a renaissance – an unlikely TV hit this year was BBC2's Wonders of the Solar System, presented by physics professor (and former D:Ream keyboardist) Brian Cox (pictured). Perhaps younger viewers will be inspired to unlock the secrets of the universe like the physicists of the past.
What skills have you gained?
Physics is concerned with observing and understanding the natural universe. However, studying the subject will help you gain skills useful to many employers, not just in the science sector. You will be highly proficient at problem solving and have demonstrated your ability to solve challenges by thinking creatively. A physics degree will also give you a grounding in advanced mathematics. The practical skills gained through planning experiments will also be appreciated by recruiters.
What jobs can you do?
"There are a number of physics-based careers – medical physicist, research scientist, scientific laboratory technician, radiation protection adviser, the armed forces and defence industry," says Margaret Holbrough, careers adviser at Graduate Prospects. Physics graduates also find employment in academic institutions, and government research organisations as well as industries such as aerospace, engineering, manufacturing, oil and gas, space exploration and telecommunications.
In recent years, many physics graduates have been recruited by the financial services sector; 18.3% of physics graduates who entered employment after leaving university in 2008 found work in the business and financial professions, more than any other sector. However, only 37.9% were picking up pay cheques six months after graduating, far below the average for other graduates. This is a reflection of the fact that more than a third of physics graduates went on to further study – again, above average.
For many physics graduates, a degree is the first of many academic qualifications. Even before going on to further study, science and research roles accounted for almost 10% of physics graduates. A similar number took up IT roles.
Some of the popular physics-related courses available at postgraduate level include astrophysics, mathematical physics, and nanotechnology.
Teacher training is also an option: "Government policy on secondary school teacher training prior to the election supported and encouraged graduates to train in a number of shortage subjects, including physics," says Holbrough.
Data supplied by the Higher Education Careers Services Unit and Graduate Prospects (prospects.ac.uk)