Studies & Degrees in Physics
Physics Study Programs
Physics studies matter, energy, space and time, and the laws that govern them, from subatomic particles to galaxies. It is the most mathematical of the natural sciences. Physicists build theories and models, test them in experiments and apply the results in technology. The three ways of working are usually called theoretical, experimental and applied physics.
A physics degree has a common core everywhere. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, undergraduate programmes typically include quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and electromagnetism. They sit on a base of mechanics, calculus, linear algebra and differential equations, and are combined with laboratory courses and programming. Later years add optics, statistical physics, electronics, atomic and nuclear physics, and electives such as astrophysics, photonics or atmospheric physics. Stanford University points out that the subject strengthens quantitative reasoning and problem-solving skills that are valuable in areas beyond physics.
Qualifications and levels
- Bachelor's degree: in Spain a bachelor's degree (grado) has 240 ECTS credits, 60 per year. The Grado en Física of the Universidad de Oviedo takes four years: 60 credits of basic training, 144 compulsory, 24 optional and a 12-credit final project. In England the degree is shorter. The BSc Physics at the University of Southampton takes three years, and students can switch to the four-year MPhys, an integrated master's degree. In Canada and the United States, physics is a major within a Bachelor of Science; at the University of the Fraser Valley students are expected to declare their major by the time they have completed 60 credits.
- Master's degree: Spanish master's degrees have 60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits. A master's degree is the place to specialise, for example in medical physics, materials, photonics, astrophysics or quantum technologies.
- Doctorate: a PhD is the standard qualification for research. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that physicists typically need a PhD for jobs in research and academia, and that new PhD holders often start in a postdoctoral position of two to three years.
Where to study it
SpainExchange lists 443 active schools for physics. The United States has the most, with 186, followed by the United Kingdom (31), Spain (29), Canada (16), Germany and France (14 each) and Brazil (10). There are also schools in Australia, China, Chile, Colombia and Finland, among other countries.
In Spain, physics is taught mainly at public universities. The Universidad de Oviedo offers 59 places on its degree, which is taught in Spanish. Its first-enrolment tariff is €12.30, against €50.19 for students who are not resident in the European Union; public fees in Spain are charged per credit. The university applies the lower tariff to Spanish and EU nationals and also to nationals of a list of countries that includes Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru.
In the United Kingdom, the University of Southampton states that its BSc is accredited by the Institute of Physics and that students carry out real research projects. The University of Aberdeen is another listed school. In North America the list ranges from large research universities such as Stanford University, The Ohio State University, The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Michigan to small undergraduate colleges such as Lawrence University. Other examples are Tel Aviv University in Israel, the Universidade Federal da Paraíba in Brazil and Avignon Université in France. The language of instruction is normally that of the country, so check the language requirement with each school.
Careers
Physics graduates work well beyond the laboratory. Stanford University lists basic research in astrophysics, cosmology, particle physics, atomic physics, photonics and condensed matter physics, and applied research in renewable energy, quantum information science, materials development, biophysics and medical physics. It adds teaching, medicine, law, science writing, science policy and management in technical fields.
The job title "physicist" itself is rare. In the United States, physicists held about 23,200 jobs in 2025, and employment of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Scientific research and development services employed 38 percent of physicists, the federal government 13 percent and universities 10 percent. Graduates with a bachelor's degree usually qualify as technicians and research assistants in related fields such as engineering and computer science, and some become secondary school science teachers. Medical physicists work in healthcare on radiation-based treatments and imaging; ask the school and the national health authority which extra training that route requires in your country.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a physics degree take?
In Spain, four years and 240 ECTS credits. In England a BSc takes three years and an integrated master's (MPhys) four, as at the University of Southampton. A master's degree in Spain adds 60 to 120 ECTS credits.
How much mathematics is there in a physics degree?
A great deal. The first year at the Universidad de Oviedo includes linear algebra and differential and integral calculus, followed by differential equations, mathematical methods and numerical methods in later years.
Do I need a PhD to work as a physicist?
For research and university posts, typically yes, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. With a bachelor's or master's degree, graduates work in engineering, computing, teaching and other technical fields.
How much does a physics degree cost at a Spanish public university?
Fees are set per credit by each region. The Universidad de Oviedo lists a first-enrolment tariff of €12.30, and €50.19 for students who are not resident in the European Union and do not come from one of the countries on its list.