Questions & Answers

All your education questions answered by Brian Mooney

I am particularly interested in the broader science degrees such as Science in TCD. I would be hoping to major in physics in year three and four. What would be the job and postgraduate options for those with a physics degree?

DEGREE OPTIONS:

The type of physics degree influences the options available to you. Within Science in TCD (CAO TR071) there are options from year three to major in physics and astrophysics or physics and computer simulation. Two other direct-entry courses in TCD also lead to recognised physics degrees: theoretical physics (TR035) and the Physics and chemistry of advanced materials (TR076). A TCD physics course leaflet and course information can be obtained from www.tcd.ie/physics/undergraduate/.

All 32 third-level physics courses in Ireland, with summaries and CAO codes, are listed in a leaflet available on the Institute of Physics in Ireland site in the schools section: www.iopireland.org/schools

POSTGRADUATE OPTIONS:

Postgraduate research often appeals to physics graduates as you might be researching topics from nanomaterials to galaxies, from superconductors to lasers, from nanotubes to foams. Research is conducted by laboratory experiment, by theoretical modelling or by computer simulation. Irish physics research can be compared very favourably with the best in the world, as can Irish graduates in physics. In 2003 58 per cent of Irish physics graduates surveyed went on to further study - typically an MSc or PhD in physics by research - as compared to 34 per cent in the UK.

Investment in scientific research by the Higher Education Authority and Science Foundation Ireland in recent years has resulted in research activity in physics (and the rest of the sciences) being at an all time high.

The Irish Government is committed to doubling the number of postgraduate students, including the sciences. Science postgraduate student stipends are now 16,000 per annum. There has never been a better time to pursue a postgraduate research degree in physics in Ireland. Once you have a postgraduate degree in physics, more specialised employment opportunities exist, whether in research, education or in industry.

JOB OPTIONS:

A physics degree is broad-based, allowing great freedom of choice in your ultimate employment. In addition to the fundamental knowledge of science and technology that a physics degree bestows, the skills acquired - problem solving, information handling, critical reasoning, logical thought, clear communications and use of computers are valued by many employers. You may end up as a professional physicist, but equally a physics degree fits you for a job in medical physics, communications, meteorology, software design, forensic science, laser physics, nanotechnology, manufacturing, teaching, journalism, public service, management, finance and many more. See www.iopireland.org/careers

The current job market, particularly the high technology sector, is strong with the financial services industry employing many with theoretical physics degrees. If you like to keep your options open, then physics is a good choice.

A 2005 report on higher education qualifications by Pricewaterhouse Coopers found that physics and chemistry graduates will earn on average 30 per cent more during their working lifetimes than school leavers without degrees. Biological sciences, linguistics, and history graduates earn only 13 to 16 per cent more.

A physics degree can also lead to the highest levels of employment. Take for example Prof John Hegarty, current Provost of TCD, as well as German chancellor Angela Merkel, both of whom have PhDs in physics.

• Brian Mooneyis the former president of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors.

E-mail questions to bmooney@irish-times.ie