Physics graduates set their sights on the stars

Northumbria celebrated a ‘quantum leap’ this summer when its first cohort of Physicists graduated from the University.

The high-achieving students were the first to graduate from Physics and Physics with Astrophysics at Northumbria, since the courses were launched three years ago, and the successful cohort have gone straight into exciting careers or further study. The cohort has been praised by Dr Neil Beattie, Programme Leader in Physics and Physics with Astrophysics, who accompanied the Physics graduates at their graduation ceremony.

He said of their achievement: “I am delighted to see our first cohort of Physics graduates. With exciting career prospects lined up, 87% of these students achieved a First or an Upper Second Class degree and all of them are now heading into the world of full-time employment, teaching training or starting a PhD.

“While at Northumbria our students gain fundamental knowledge about Physics, from the workings of ultra-small quantum systems to the way that stars and vast galaxies are formed and evolve. Moreover, teaching and research go hand-in-hand, and much of the content taught in lectures is supported by exciting examples from our research groups. We believe that this gives an extra edge to our students as physics graduates.”

Northumbria recently completed the first stage of a stunning £6.7 million transformation to upgrade its facilities for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, including new, state-of-the-art laboratories that directly support the Physics courses.

Dr. Beattie added: “While studying physics at Northumbria, our students have the opportunity to undertake a work placement for example at National Laboratory or within industry. Alternatively, students may choose to study abroad for up to a year of their programme at institutions in the USA or Australia. Both of these options are great experiences and enable our students to enhance valuable transferrable skills.”

Nick Cotton, who graduated with First Class Honours, said: “I enjoyed studying physics at Northumbria. I really liked how easy it was to engage with lecturers and tutors who were always willing to help. Gaining a physics degree can really open your options in the job market.”

Stephen Campbell, who also obtained a First, added: “Studying at Northumbria has been a kick-starter in my career as a Physicist. I am now a PhD student working on an exciting project in quantum devices in a Northumbria research group and look forward to the scientific challenges ahead.”

To find out more about studying physics and astrophysics at Northumbria, sign up for one of upcoming Open Days here.