Physics at A-level is a very robust and diverse subject and, as a result, you can study a huge range of degrees at University. Your first port of call is Ms Morgan in the Careers room and the very useful book Heap 2010 – University Degree Course Offers by Brain Heap which is updated and released yearly. Since there are just so many universities and courses that encompass physics, rather than type out half of Heap, we’ve linked to useful websites, and given key words for the courses that you can search for on the UCAS website.
From there, you can check the University websites for information regarding what other subjects they require at GCSE and A-level; at what grades they require them to; what their course focuses on and other such information. With physics you can study topics such as; Architecture; Astronomy; Astrophysics; Biophysics; Chemical Physics; Computer Science; Cybernetics; Education; Ergonomics; Geophysics; Materials Science and Technology; Medical Physics; Meteorology; Nanotechnology; Naval Architecture; Oceanography; Optometry; Photonics; Planetary Science; Quantum Informatics; Radiography; Renewable Energy. Also many fields of engineering including; Aeronautical; Automotive; Biomedical; Civil; Communications; Electrical/Electronic; Mechanical; Telecommunications; and broad-based Engineering Science.
Architecture
Architecture provides a broad education of technological subjects covering structures, construction, materials, and environmental studies. A three year course will lead to a BA (Hons); a further two years leads to BArch, March degrees or Diploma; after a year’s work in an architect’s practice, final professional exams are taken
UCAS Searches: ARCHITECTURE
Useful Websites: www.ciat.org.uk; www.architecture.com; www.rias.org.uk; www.archrecord.construction.com
Astronomy & Astrophysics
All astronomy related degrees are built on a core of maths and physics. Astronomy emphasises observational aspects of the science and includes study of the planetary system, whilst Astrophysics tends to peruse the subject from a more theoretical stand-point.
UCAS Searches: ASTRONOMY, ASTROPHYSICS
Useful Websites: www.ras.org.uk; www.scientral.com; www.iop.org
Biotechnology
A multidisciplinary subject which can include chemistry, biological sciences, microbiology, genetics and chemistry engineering. Medical engineering involves the design, installation, maintenance and provision of technical support for diagnostic, therapeutic and other clinical equipment used by the healthcare sector. Biomedical engineering applies the principles of engineering, medicine and science to medical technologies used in the diagnostics, prognosis, monitoring and treatments of the ill and injured.
UCAS Searches: BIOTECHNOLOGY
Useful websites: www.bbsrc.ac.uk; www.scienceyear.com; www.abcinformation.org
Building and construction
A wide range of activities are coved in this industry and is closely links to many areas of engineering.
UCAS Searches: CONSTRUCTION
Useful Websites: www.ciob.org.uk; www.cibse.org; www.cskills.org
Engineering / Engineering Sciences
This broad-based course enables students to delay their decision on their final Engineering specialism. Maths and Physics provide the basis of all Engineering courses, although some Universities now offer a year’s foundation course for applicants without these necessary science A-levels. Sandwich courses are widely available and firms also offer sponsorships. It’s worth noting that with the recent developments in the engineering profession, along with the regulations that govern registration as a professional engineer, that MEng and Bachelors degrees are the typical academic routes to becoming registered. You should check with the University whether their courses are accredited for CEng or IEng by the relevant engineering institutions. Chartered Engineers (CEng) develop solutions to engineering problems using new or existing technologies, using innovation, creativity and change. They might develop and apply new and efficient production techniques, marketing and construction concepts, and pioneer new engineering services and management methods. Incorporated Engineers (IEng) act as exponents of today’s technology through creativity and innovations. They maintain and manage applications of current and developing technology and may be involved in engineering design, development, manufacture, construction and operation. Please see here for more information: http://www.engc.org.uk/ukspec and the UK-SPEC document.
UCAS Searches: ENGINEERING (all engineering courses) ENGINEERING SCIENCE
Useful Websites: www.setwomenresource.org.uk; www.ergonimics.org.uk; www.sceintral.com; www.engc.org.uk; www.noisemakers.org.uk; www.yini.org.uk; www.enginuity.org.uk
Engineering (Acoustics and sound)
These courses involve not only the scientific aspect of sound, but also measurement of sound, hearing, environment health and legal aspects of the sound and vibrations.
UCAS Searches: ACOUSTICS ENGINEERING, SOUND ENGINEERING
Useful Websites: www.ioa.org.uk; www.engc.org.uk; www.enginuity.org.uk
Engineering (Aeronautical and aerospace)
Engineering (Aeronautical and aerospace) covers the manufacture of military and civil aircraft, theories of mechanics, thermodynamics, electronics, computing and engine design. Avionics courses include flight and energy control systems, airborne computing, navigation, optical and TV displays, airborne communications, and radar systems for navigation and power.
UCAS Searches: AEROSPACE ENGINEERING, AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING, AEROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, AEROSPACE ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
Useful Websites: www.raes.org.uk; www.engc.org.uk; www.enginuity.org.uk
Engineering (Chemical)
This course covers chemistry, microbiology, physics and maths.
UCAS Searches: CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, CHEMICAL PROCESS ENGINEERING, CHEMISTRY SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Useful websites: www.icheme.org; www.engc.org.uk; www.enginuity.org.uk; www.whynotchemeng.com
Engineering (Civil)
Engineering (Civil) is concerned with the science and art of large-scale projects, including the planning, design, construction, maintenance and environmental assessment of roads, railways, bridges, airports, tunnels, docks, offshore structures, dams, high-rise buildings and other major works. Specialist courses may also involve water, drainage, irrigation schemes and waste engineering, traffic and public health engineering.
UCAS Searches: CIVIL ENGINEERING, CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION, CIVIL ENGINEERING DESIGN, CIVIL ENGINEERING GEOLOGY, CIVIL ENGINEERING STUDIES, CIVIL ENGINEERING SYSTEMS
Useful Websites: www.ice.org.uk; www.engc.org.uk; www.enginuity.org.uk
Engineering (Communications)
Engineering (Communications) impacts on many aspects of the engineering and business world; this course overlaps with Electronic Engineering and will provide students with expertise in telecommunications, mobile communications, radio and microwave engineering.
UCAS Searches: COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING, COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING SYSTEMS, COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Useful Websites: www.theiet.org; www.engc.org.uk; www.enginuity.org.uk
Engineering (Computer, control, software and systems)
The design and application of modern computer systems is fundamental to a wide rage of disciplines which also include electronic, software and computer-aided engineering. Most courses reinforce ‘transferable skills’, i.e. management techniques, leadership skills, literacy, presentation skills, business skills and time management. A year of industry in common in these courses.
UCAS Searches: COMPUTER SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, COMPUTING SOFTWARE ENGINEERING, CONTROL ENGINEERING, CONTROL ENGINEERING SYSTEMS, CONTROL SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, SOFTWARE ENGINEERING, SOFTWARE ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT, COMPUTER ENGINEERING, COMPUTER INTEGRATED ENGINEERING
Useful Websites: www.bcs.org; www.intellectuk.org; www.e-skills.com; www.iap.org.uk; www.setwomenresource.org.uk; www.ergonimics.org.uk; www.sceintral.com; www.engc.org.uk; www.noisemakers.org.uk; www.yini.org.uk; www.enginuity.org.uk
Engineering (Electrical and Electronic)
Engineering (Electrical and Electronic) provides a sound foundation for those looking for a career in electricity generation and transmission, communications or control systems (including robotics). All courses cater for students wanting general or specialist Engineering educations and options should be considers when choosing degree courses; these include optoelectronics and optical communication systems; microwave systems; radio frequency engineering and circuit technology. Most universities can arrange industrial placements, sometimes abroad.
UCAS Searches: ELECTROMECHANICAL ENGINEERING, ELECTRONIC / ELECTRICAL, ELECTRONIC / ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING, ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT, ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING SYSTEMS, ELECTRONIC POWER ENGINEERING, ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Useful Websites: www.theiet.org; www.engc.org.uk; www.enginuity.org.uk
Engineering (Manufacturing)
Sometimes referred to as production engineering. It is a branch of the subject concerned with management aspects of engineering such as industrial organisation, purchasing, and the planning and control of operations. The courses are geared towards providing the student with a broad-based portfolio of knowledge in both the technical and business areas.
UCAS Searches: MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT, MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY, MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, PRODUCTION ENGINEERING, MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
Useful Websites: www.engc.org.uk; www.imeche.org; www.enginuity.org.uk;
Engineering (Mechanical)
Engineering (Mechanical) is one of the most wide-ranging engineering disciplines. All courses involve the design, installation and maintenance of equipment used in Industry. Several Universities have a common first year with their engineering students, allowing them to specialise from the second year.
UCAS Searches: MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DESIGN
Useful Websites: www.imeche.org; www.engc.org.uk; www.iagre.org
Materials Science / Metallurgy
Materials Science / Metallurgy is a broad subject which covers physics, chemistry and engineering all at the same time. Originating from metallurgy (the study of metallic elements and their alloys), materials science have moved into the processing, structure and properties of materials – ceramics, polymers, composites and electrical materials. Polymer Science is a branch of materials science and is often studied in conjunction with Chemistry, covering topics such as polymer properties and processing relating to industrial applications with, for example, plastics, paints and adhesives.
UCAS Searches: Materials Science, Materials Technology, Polymer Engineering, Polymer Science
Useful Websites: www.scienceyear.com; www.eff.org.uk/uksteel; www.iom3.org; www.noisemakers.org.uk; www.imm.org
Physics
There is considerable shortage of students wishing to study Physics, so many courses have flexible arrangements to enable students to follow their own interests and specialisation, for example circuit design, microwave devices, cosmology, medical physics, solid state electronics.
UCAS Searches: PHYSICS
Useful websites: www.scienceyear.com; www.scicentral.com; www.ipem.org.uk; www.iop.org; www.noisemarker.org.uk; www.NeeScienceJobs.com; www.physics.org; www.nature.com/physics
Radiography
It’s worth checking with the institution whether Diagnostic and/or Therapeutic Radiography is offered, both usually are but they are different disciplines; Diagnostic is the demonstration on film (or similar imagining materials) of the position and structure of the body’s organs using radiation or other imaging media; Therapeutic is the planning and administration of treatment for patients suffering from malignant and non-malignant disease using different forms or radiation.
UCAS Searches: RADIOGRAPHY, MEDICINE IMAGING, RADIOTHERAPY
Useful websites: www.sor.org; www.radiographycareers.co.uk; www.nhscareers.nhs.uk
Technology
Technology covers a wide range of activities is commonly associated with the engineering industries although there are also scientific and artistic applications.
UCAS Searches: TECHNOLOGY, ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY, BROADCASTING TECHNOLOGY, BUSINESS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, DESIGN TECHNOLOGY, FASHION TECHNOLOGY, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INTERNET TECHNOLOGY, MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY, MEDIA TECHNOLOGY
Useful Websites: www.techreveiw.com; www.intute.ac.uk
We would like to thank Rosina Simmons for her work on this page.