About Applied Physics

Applied Physics is an amalgam of physics and engineering. It requires students to have a knowledge of laws and theories of physics so they can design experiments to find real-world applications for them. An example of Applied Physics is using a physical concept like electricity and using it to generate light. 

　　An Applied Physics degree usually focuses on core concepts including electricity and magnetism, optics, waves, thermodynamics, vibrations and work with lasers as well. Research projects often start after completing a doctorate. 

　　

Is Applied Physics right for me?

If you are inclined towards working with the latest technology, developing experiments and formulating different computational models to make significant strides in the world of science, an Applied Physics degree is a very suitable match for you. Further research may even lead your lucrative research grants. This degree is beneficial for the students who like to explore the possibilities of nature and have an inquisitive mind.

　　

Applied Physics study options and costs

　　To get a degree in Applied Physics, a student first must get a bachelor’s degree in physics, Applied Physics or relevant fields in engineering. However, some institutes directly offer a bachelor’s programme in Applied Physics. The duration of this degree is four years and the average tuition and fees is variable according to the university of your choice. This stage will provide a comprehensive foundation of statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, computational and quantum physics along with general relativity and laser physics. After this, students can get jobs as research assistants and high school physics teachers, the average salary for these being around $55,192. 

　　After the students have finished this stage, it is beneficial to go for research positions as it makes them familiar with the practical aspects of their degree. Getting a master’s or postgraduate degree is also easier with research experience.  

　　Postgraduate degrees are research oriented. The course requires a comprehensive examination and thesis along with an oral defence. Tuition fees can vary depending on multiple factors, like discipline, length of study, university and city. The duration is two years and the average tuition costs $30,000-35,000 per year.  

　　Following the completion of the master’s degree, acquiring a doctorate is the next step. Its duration is usually three to six years and ends with a dissertation/thesis including an oral defence. The dissertation is based on a single topic of research. The average total tuition fee is around $30,000 in the UK. A total of 36 hours of course work for students entering with a bachelor’s degree, or 18 hours of course work for those students entering with a master’s degree.  

　　Completing a PhD will allow students to become physicists in universities and research institutes.  

　　

Future outlook

The overall outlook for Applied Physics is favourable and there are plenty of career opportunities in this domain. Applied physics graduates can be recruited as federal or private researchers, for example as nuclear physicists and lecturers. According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, employment opportunities for physicists is project to grow by 9%. 1500 job openings are expected each year. This coupled with the global need for technological advancements makes this profession highly futureproof and promising.

　　

Career pathways for Applied Physics graduates

　　

Meteorologists

　　Meteorology is built upon a physics approach to understanding the universe. Meteorologists are involved in numerical analysis, global climate modelling, hydro-electrics and air pollution. Their average salary in the US is $64,713 per year. 

　　

Aerospace Systems Engineer

 

　　Aerospace engineers design air crafts, space crafts like satellites, space telescopes, lasers and rockets. They may even join space expeditions to install equipment hands-on. They may be recruited by governments or private companies like Space-X or Ivy league colleges with a space programme. Aerospace systems engineer analyse, interpret flight data to design efficient projects. Their average base salary in the US is $99,158 per year.  

　　

Process Engineer

 

　　Process engineers design, control, optimise and operate various processes that transform raw materials into usable products. People with a degree in Applied Physics have a certain advantage in this as they observe the interaction of various raw materials to optimise the manufacturing process. Their average salary in the US is $88,320 per year.  

　　

Data Scientist

 

　　Data scientists are involved in compiling and organising unstructured data along with analysing computational models. Their average salary in the US is $120,948 per year.  

　　

Optical Engineer

 

　　They work in designing various highly precise optical systems used by cameras, telescopes and other lens-based systems. They calibrate and adjust the systems to optimise the equipment. Their average salary in the US is $113,912 per year.  

　　

Professor of Physics

 

　　Students with an Applied Physics degree can become professors after getting their doctorate. They can continue their research as well as shape future physicists. Their salary ranges from $83,138 to $180,274 with the average base salary being $111,348.