At the beginning of all physics courses all students study core areas of physics and mathematics to give a common foundation for specialization as the course progresses. Several different degree programmes are available, but with the common core material it is frequently possible to switch from one physics course to another at the end of the first year. The high level of research in the Department feeds through to making the undergraduate courses up-to-date, relevant and interesting. The physics course covers a wide range of areas within the subject with advanced options in higher years. There is also include extensive practical and project work, with a very wide range of skills development leading to many careers options.

There are two main career routes for physics graduates, both of which have many branches; * technical, physics related careers * ‘non-physics’ careers Physics graduates are sought after for many ‘non-physics’ jobs, such as finance, accountancy, business, management consultancy as described below. Technical physics related jobs are available in high technology and related industries, including medicine, biotechnology, electronics, optics, aerospace, computation and nuclear technology; physicists work in research, in development, and in general production. For example, physicists work in hospitals as ‘Medical Physicists’ who work on radiation therapy, scanning and other physics related medical functions. Many physics graduates also take up careers in education, teaching in schools, colleges of further education or universities. Many physics graduates will go on to study for a PhD in physics, which provides the opportunity to explore a particular part of physics in great detail for three years and can enhance employment prospects. Physics graduates are also successful in careers such as the City, finance, business, insurance, taxation and accountancy, where their problem solving skills and numeracy are highly valued. Over a lifetime, only graduates in medicine or law earn more than those with a physics degree (source: Institute of Physics 2004 Salary Survey). Physics graduates are highly employable and we are pleased that those from Queen’s are rated as the most employable in the UK. Furthermore, they are at least as employable as graduates from anywhere in the UK with degrees in what are often considered more vocational subjects such as Aeronautical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Computer Science (source: The Times Good University Guide 2005). Other Career-related information: Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group and, therefore, one of the 20 universities most-targeted by leading graduate employers. Queen’s students will be advised and guided about career choice and, through the Degree Plusinitiative, will have an opportunity to seek accreditation for skills development and experience gained through the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer. See Queen’s University Belfast fullEmployability Statementfor further information. Degree Plus and other related initiatives: Recognising student diversity, as well as promoting employability enhancements and other interests, is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s. Students are encouraged to plan and build their own, personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements and other work experiences (at home or overseas), Erasmus study options elsewhere in Europe, learning development opportunities and involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies, and sports. Queen’s actively encourages this type of activity by offering students an additional qualification, the Degree Plus Award (and the related Researcher Plus Award for PhD and MPhil students). Degree Plus accredits wider experiential and skill development gained through extra-curricular activities that promote the enhancement of academic, career management, personal and employability skills in a variety of contexts. As part of the Award, students are also trained on how to reflect on the experience(s) and make the link between academic achievement, extracurricular activities, transferable skills and graduate employment. Participating students will also be trained in how to reflect on their skills and experiences and can gain an understanding of how to articulate the significance of these to others, e.g. employers. Overall, these initiatives, and Degree Plus in particular, reward the energy, drive, determination and enthusiasm shown by students engaging in activities over-and-above the requirements of their academic studies. These qualities are amongst those valued highly by graduate employers.