Physics
A field of study in natural sciences, mathematics and statistics
Vocational or degree?Mostly higher educationFewer than 1 in 10 train through vocational routes in the EU: 720 finished vocational training and 91,000 higher education in this field (2024). Figures for the wider field.Eurostat
Do graduates use it?63% in a matching jobof science and maths graduates with a degree in the EU work in a job that matches what they studied. After vocational training: 30% (small sample).All science and maths fields · Eurostat 2024
Do they find work?87% in workof people who finished higher education in the last 1 to 3 years in the EU (2025). Vocational training: 80%. General upper secondary only: 67%.All fields · Eurostat
What you'd learn
PhysicsTemperature scalesAcousticsPneumaticsWater pressureThermodynamicsPercolationOpticsTypes of optical instrumentsRadiation physics in healthcareRadioactive contaminationPhysical characteristics of railways+ 13 more
The knowledge areas ESCO files under this field, those most needed by jobs first. Actual programmes vary by school and country.
Where it can lead
25 jobs use what this field teaches.
| Job | Prospects | Pay | Usual study | AI exposure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radiation protection officer | Good | Well above average | Degree | Very low |
| Physics technician | Average | About average | Post-secondary | Very low |
| Astronaut | Average | About average | Post-secondary | Very low |
| Water treatment systems operator | Average | About average | Post-secondary | Very low |
| Cosmologist | Good | Above average | Degree | Some tasks |
| Cacao bean roaster | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Malt kiln operator | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Germination operator | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Cocoa press operator | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Astronomer | Good | Above average | Degree | Some tasks |
| Liquor blender | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Optical instrument repairer | Limited | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Kettle tender | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Distillery worker | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Coffee roaster | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Cider fermentation operator | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Yeast distiller | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Chocolate moulding operator | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Optical engineer | Good | Above average | Degree | Very low |
| Honey extractor | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Hydrogenation machine operator | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Optical instrument assembler | Limited | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Distillery miller | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Nuclear technician | Average | About average | Post-secondary | Very low |
| Pneumatic systems technician | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
Jobs that need the knowledge this field teaches (ESCO), closest match first. This is not a record of where graduates actually end up: no EU-wide data says that per field.
Where to study
697 institutions in the EU offer science and maths bachelor's degrees. Pick a country at the top of the page to see where to study and the official course finders.