Careers and Alumni

Physics and astronomy graduates go on to a range of interesting roles in areas as diverse as energy, technology, education, space sector, telecoms, data analytics and medical physics. Our MSc degrees programmes are also valued in areas such as finance, business analytics and consultancy proving how valuable the analytical, problem-solving, data and collaborative skills developed through a physics degree are. 

• MSc in Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences provides a grounding for many potential career paths. This may include scientific research in areas of planetary sciences, astronomy, geology, biology and allied fields; careers in engineering, for example providing a scientific underpinning to spacecraft design and engineering; associated careers in science education, pedagogy, outreach, reporting, media, and the civil service.
• MSc Particle and Nuclear Physics gives a platform for employment in research, science-based industry, medical physics, education and a wide spectrum of professions that call for numeracy and data analysis skills. 
• The MSc programmes in Theoretical Physics and in Mathematical Physics are designed to prepare students for a research career in academia or industry by introducing advanced ideas and techniques that are applicable in a wide range of research areas, while emphasising the underlying physics concepts. 

To explore some of the areas where you could apply your degree, the Institute of Physics’ Physics World Careers is a good place to start.

The Careers Service offers opportunities to engage with employers through events and webinars and has developed specific advice for postgraduate students to help you discover what’s out there.

Read the careers blog written by Careers Consultant for the School of Physics and Astronomy.

Read Physics and Astronomy alumni stories on our school website.

Listen to our  alumni and find out how their postgraduate degrees prepared them for their future careers and further studies.

I gained a lot of knowledge from studying the MSc in Particle and Nuclear Physics. The programme strengthened my passion for the subject: the degree went really well, the research was stimulating, and the lecturers enthusiastic. This reinforced my desire to work in science and, specifically in nuclear physics.

(Lucas, MSc in Particle and Nuclear Physics. Graduated in 2022)

The MSc in Mathematical Physics at the University of Edinburgh was the best fit for what I was looking for: a framework that let me expand my mathematical knowledge in the context of my interests in physics. Additionally, I was attracted by the research interests of the Higgs Centre, and was excited to interact with faculty members from different research groups.

(Girish, MSc in Mathematical Physics. Graduated in 2022)

One of the most interesting things that I learned is all of the different technological innovations that have come out of space explorations, like CT scans, portable computers, and even memory foam. 

(Madeleine, MSc Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences. Graduated in 2024)