Accounting and finance or astrophysics in uni?

4

I'm a gap year student who previously applied for astrophysics but decided last minute to take a year to think things through before I start uni. I've been doing a lot of research into career progression with physics, and I dont see much I am interested in. I dont think I would like to go into research (I want a higher salary and I dont think I would enjoy the lifestyle) and it seems that other than teaching those are my only real options. I could go into industry but those aren't typically the areas of physics I am interested in. I know a lot of physics graduates go into finance/fintech/data science etc and after doing research into accounting and finance I don't think I would mind a career as an accountant or other related jobs. I know that doing physics would still allow me to go into this career progression, but now I'm wondering if I even want to spend the next 4 years studying physics just to not use the majority of it. I am passionate about physics, but a very small and niche area of it. I know I could do accounting and finance and research physics in my own time as a hobby. I don't know if I'm just second guessing myself and will end up regretting doing a finance degree if I realise later on I really want to do physics. I also don't want to do physics and have no passion for 90% of the modules. Any advice would be a great help, I'm so lost!!!!

Reply 1

UniofReading

Official Rep

15

Original post

by bethanyg0203

I'm a gap year student who previously applied for astrophysics but decided last minute to take a year to think things through before I start uni. I've been doing a lot of research into career progression with physics, and I dont see much I am interested in. I dont think I would like to go into research (I want a higher salary and I dont think I would enjoy the lifestyle) and it seems that other than teaching those are my only real options. I could go into industry but those aren't typically the areas of physics I am interested in. I know a lot of physics graduates go into finance/fintech/data science etc and after doing research into accounting and finance I don't think I would mind a career as an accountant or other related jobs. I know that doing physics would still allow me to go into this career progression, but now I'm wondering if I even want to spend the next 4 years studying physics just to not use the majority of it. I am passionate about physics, but a very small and niche area of it. I know I could do accounting and finance and research physics in my own time as a hobby. I don't know if I'm just second guessing myself and will end up regretting doing a finance degree if I realise later on I really want to do physics. I also don't want to do physics and have no passion for 90% of the modules. Any advice would be a great help, I'm so lost!!!!

Good afternoon,

It is very common for students to be unsure on their future career choices, typically universities suggest choosing the course which looks intresting to you in the short-term, as you will be spending 3 or 4 years studying for this course. So, rather than thinking about 5 years in the future, look at what you will enjoy for the next 3 years. This will make your options easier, as if you want to study e.g. finace for 3 years then chances are you will want to continue into this career.

The Whatuni website is good for Finding A Course, as they have a full, comprehensive list with reviews. Similarly, the UCAS website has tips on comparing undergraduate courses and universities, which is a great way to narrow down your options.

There is an ambassador scheme at the University of Reading where prospective students can message current students; you can find more information here.

It is a very personal decision deciding on which course to choose, so I recommend you reach out to our ambassadors and look through course reviews and modules. This should help you come to an informed decision.

If you have any questions please let us know.

All the best,
Ella
Bsc Ecology

Reply 2

McGinger

20

You might feel that A&F will be an easier route to an obvious career, but you also need to think about whether this is a real interest that you could sustain for the 3 or 4 years of a degree, and then every day at work. Life is about far more than just making money. It sounds like you know that you really want to do Physics, but you are trying to convince yourself that A&F would be 'better'.

Have you thought about a gap-year and trying to get some real-life A&F experience. You don't need a degree to have a career in A&F so its worth looking at an apprenticeship/traineeship that would still allow you the option of pursuing Physics at Uni later if you changed your mind.
Work Experience and Apprenticeships | EY - UK
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Accounting and finance or astrophysics in uni?

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