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Physical Scientists

Physical scientists study relationships between matter, energy and other physical phenomena, the nature, composition and structure of the Earth and other planetary bodies and forecast weather conditions and electrical, magnetic, seismic and thermal activity.

Wages

New workers
AVERAGE
Experienced
£27,245
£46,374
£76,428

New workers start around £27,245. Normal pay is £46,374 per year.
Highly experienced workers can earn up to £76,428.

Available jobs

In the past year there were 31,583 vacancies for this type of job

5.62%

Projected job growth over the next 8 years

Related courses

People work towards these careers by taking these courses at college and uni.

What they do most days?

  • Applies mathematical models and techniques to assist in the solution of scientific problems in industry and commerce and seeks out new applications of mathematical analysis.

  • Observes, records and collates data on atmospheric conditions from weather stations, satellites, and observation vessels to plot and forecast weather conditions.

  • Uses surveys, seismology and other methods to determine the earth’s mantle, crust, rock structure and type, and to analyse and predict the occurrence of seismological activity.

  • Conducts experiments and tests and uses mathematical models and theories to investigate the structure and properties of matter, transformations and propagations of energy, the behaviour of particles and their interaction with various forms of energy.

Hard Skills

Hard skills are specific, learnable, measurable, often industry or occupation-specific abilities related to a position.

Skills are ranked based on the number of job adverts that list them as required skills.

  • Geology

  • Project Management

  • Geotechnical Engineering

  • Engineering Geology

  • Physics

  • Hydrology

  • Hydrogeology

  • Risk Analysis

  • Earth Science

  • Geographic Information Systems

Soft Skills

Soft skills can be self-taught and usually do not necessitate a certain completed level of education.

Skills are ranked based on the number of job adverts that list them as required skills.

  • Communication

  • Management

  • Report Writing

  • Investigation

  • Planning

  • Research

  • Mentorship

  • Innovation

  • Presentations

  • Leadership

How do I get a job like this?

People in these types of job started their career paths after studying courses like the ones below.

Routes to this career

See all

Geography

University of Leeds

BSc (Hons) · 4 Years · Full-time with year in industry · Leeds · 24/09/2025

Tariff points: 136/144

Geography

Liverpool Hope University

BSc (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Liverpool · 09/2025

Tariff points: 104/104

Geography

University of Sussex

BSc (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Brighton · 22/09/2025

Tariff points: 128/147

Geography

University of Aberdeen

BSc (Hons) · 4 Years · Full-time · Aberdeen · 15/09/2025

Tariff points: N/A

Engineering (General)

South Eastern Regional College

HNC · 1 Year · Full-time · Bangor · 09/2025

Tariff points: N/A

Geography

The University of Edinburgh

BSc (Hons) · 4 Years · Full-time · Edinburgh · 08/09/2025

Tariff points: N/A

Geography with Foundation Year

Manchester Metropolitan University

BSc (Hons) · 4 Years · Full-time including foundation year · Manchester · 22/09/2025

Tariff points: 72/80

Geological Oceanography

Bangor University

MSci · 4 Years · Full-time · Bangor, Gwynedd · 22/09/2025

Tariff points: 128/152

Geography with Foundation Year

Birkbeck, University of London

BSc (Hons) · 4 Years · Full-time including foundation year · London · 10/2025

Tariff points: 48/48

Geography

University of Bristol

BSc (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Bristol · 09/2025

Tariff points: 104/159

BSc Natural Sciences

University of Birmingham

BSc (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Birmingham · 29/09/2025

Tariff points: N/A

Physics with a Year Abroad

Queen Mary University of London

BSc (Hons) · 4 Years · Full-time with time abroad · London · 15/09/2025

Tariff points: N/A

Mathematical Physics

University of Nottingham

Msci (Hon) · 4 Years · Full-time · Nottingham · 22/09/2025

Tariff points: N/A

Geography (Physical)

Keele University

BSc (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Keele · 09/2025

Tariff points: 120/120

Engineering (Two Pathways) HTQ

York College University Centre

HNC · 2 Years · Part-time · York · 09/2025

Tariff points: 32/32

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