2015 Physics Applicants

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Hey everyone!
I'll be applying to Cambridge, Durham, Manchester and will pick 2 from UCL/Imperial/Bristol (advice?). Thinking of applying for physics with astrophysics where possible..

I got all As in Physics/Chemistry/Maths/Further Maths AS. :smile:

Just wondering, but after doing a physics degree, let's say I can't find a job in research, will it still be possible to go into a related field like aeronautical engineering, or would I be at a disadvantage compared to someone who has a degree in engineering?

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Out of Imperial, Bristol and UCL, imperial is the superior university academically and with world class research. Bristol and UCL are very similar, more jobs around UCL? Bristol more pleasant area? Subjective mostly

After your degree you'd do a PHD if you wanted to go into research, this normally takes about 3 years. I wouldn't worry about getting a job in research, it's a natural progression from PHD and unis (and independent firms) are always looking for staff
A lot of physics students do go on to engineering jobs though!

Reply 141

WishingChaff

If you have any questions about year abroad programs I would be happy to help. I spent my third year in the United States, so I can hopefully answer questions from a first hand perspective.

Original post by BP_Tranquility

Hey everyone!
I'll be applying to Cambridge, Durham, Manchester and 2 from UCL/Imperial/Bristol-advice? UCI and Imperial are both in London so expensive, I don't like UCL's communication studies part of the course and the fact they track how many lectures you go to etc giving you less independence; I don't like Imperial having no opportunity to study a year abroad in US/Canada for physics and the gender ratio isn't great. Both unis have good reputations though and Bristol gives slightly lower offers of AAA.

I'll probably apply for physics with astrophysics where possible. Got all A's in physics/chemistry/maths/Further Maths :biggrin:

Another question but let's say after completing a physics degree, I can't find a job in research, will it still be possible to go into a related field such as aeronautical engineering or will I be at a disadvantage compared to someone who did their degree in engineering?

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Reply 142

BP_Tranquility

Original post by WishingChaff

If you have any questions about year abroad programs I would be happy to help. I spent my third year in the United States, so I can hopefully answer questions from a first hand perspective.

Ooh, nice, which uni did you go to in the US and which UK uni was it from? Also, was it worth it and what kind of things did you gain from it? Lastly, Imperial doesn't offer a year abroad in the US/Canada for physics so do you think this is a valid reason not to apply to that uni despite its world class reputation?

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Reply 143

BP_Tranquility

Original post by DanRigg96#

Ah, thanks- i thought a PhD was 5-8 years though? Also, are there many jobs in astrophysics related research?

One more question - how does Manchester's reputation compare to Bristol, UCL and imperial in the UK and worldwide? Because it's ranking seems to have improved over the last few years and Shanghai puts it at on par with Imperial

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Reply 144

DanRigg96#

Original post by BP_Tranquility

Some people take longer, take a brake and come back to it etc
But full time it should take 3-4 years
http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/programmes/list/03161/physics-phd/

And tons of jobs:
http://www.indeed.co.uk/m/jobs?q=Astrophysics#

Personally I think
Imperial > Manchester > UCL/Bristol
Manchester entry requirements are bloated because of a certain man named Cox

Reply 145

Planckton

Currently my choices are: Oxford, Bath, Manchester, Edinburgh and Imperial.
Really not sure about Imperial though- any others I should consider???
Predicted 4 A*s so any requirements are okay I think

Reply 146

Fred Cantoni

Original post by k_slatch

Currently my choices are: Oxford, Bath, Manchester, Edinburgh and Imperial.
Really not sure about Imperial though- any others I should consider???
Predicted 4 A*s so any requirements are okay I think

What about Birmingham? It's shooting up the league tables for physics, not traditionally a good uni but coming on very well and the city is pumping millions in to the university so a huge research budget!

EDIT: and also why Oxford as opposed Cambridge out of interest?

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(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 147

Planckton

Original post by Fred Cantoni

Went to the open day, wasn't massively enthralled! All the others have just "felt right" and Birmingham didn't really!

With regards to Ox v Cam, not a massive fan of Natural Sciences because I don't really want to do chem, materials science when I know I'll specialise in physics or astro anyway, so picked Oxford for the straight course
That being said, I am now reconsidering Cambridge!

Reply 148

DanRigg96#

Original post by k_slatch

Completely agree on Birmingham
Not a nice aura about the place, wouldn't want to spend 4 years there :/

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Reply 149

DanRigg96#

Has anyone been to Leicester or Sheffield?
Don't think I'm gonna get a chance to see them

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Reply 150

Fred Cantoni

Original post by k_slatch

Fair enough, I agree Bath which is a similar level feels much nicer!

Same, I didnt like natural sciences at all! So I'm applying for physics through mathematics! It's more competitive, so I probably won't get in but the course suits me a lot better!!

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Reply 151

Planckton

Original post by Fred Cantoni

Oh I'd completely forgotten about being able to do that!!! Considering that now!! At Cambridge for a summer school next week so I shall ask advice then

Reply 152

7k7

I got 4 A's at AS in maths, further maths, physics and psychology. For A2 I am predicted:
maths (A*)
physics (A*)
psychology (A)
further maths (A)

I would like to study maths & physics and I am going to definitely apply to Durham, Edinburgh, Liverpool not sure about which other 2 to choose out of Manchester, St Andrews, Bath, Bristol and Birmingham.
Any advice? :smile:

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 153

Planckton

Original post by 7k7

I got 3 A's at AS in maths, further maths, physics and psychology. For A2 I am predicted:
maths (A*)
physics (A*)
psychology (A)
further maths (A)

I would like to study maths & physics and I am going to definitely apply to Durham, Edinburgh, Liverpool not sure about which other 2 to choose out of Manchester, St Andrews, Bath, Bristol and Birmingham.
Any advice? :smile:

Have you visited them?
All good unis! Manchester's entry is inflated because of Prof Cox, but it's still a very reputable course and indeed uni. I love Bath but that's just a personal- not great for Astro I've heard
Again with Birmingham and Bristol, I'm not a fan of the feel of the places but that is a very personal thing.
I haven't been to, nor researched St Andrew's, so I'm afraid I can't comment!

Reply 154

frankthebunny

do you think that Liverpool is a good Uni to study Physics at?

Reply 155

DanRigg96#

Original post by frankthebunny

do you think that Liverpool is a good Uni to study Physics at?

If you're interested in Particle Physics then yep!

Reply 156

snb1234

Original post by frankthebunny

do you think that Liverpool is a good Uni to study Physics at?

Liverpool has an amazing Physics department and great research in Particle Physics. It's quite low down in some rankings but I wouldn't pay too much attention to that :smile:

Reply 157

7k7

Original post by snb1234

Liverpool has an amazing Physics department and great research in Particle Physics. It's quite low down in some rankings but I wouldn't pay too much attention to that :smile:

I agree I went to the open day and really liked it, the students there seemed to genuinely love it and they have a very nice new science building :smile:

also the offers are comparatively low ... :smile:

Reply 158

snb1234

Original post by 7k7

I agree I went to the open day and really liked it, the students there seemed to genuinely love it and they have a very nice new science building :smile:

also the offers are comparatively low ... :smile:

That's true! I'm from Liverpool, and pass the University a lot when I go into town, and it seems that they're renovating it a lot so there's lots of new buildings to come. I absolutely love the University, the only reason that I may not apply is because I want to move away for uni.

Reply 159

Abbseh

Original post by DanRigg96#

Has anyone been to Leicester or Sheffield?
Don't think I'm gonna get a chance to see them

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I've been to Leicester and I practically ran away. Not a very nice place, I'd be so depressed living there because it's awful. The physics department is only good if you only want to do astrophysics- you don't have any choice other than that!