Studying for a physics degree will provide you with benefits which last a lifetime and knowledge and skills which are valued by employers generally. Some of these benefits are harder to quantify than others, such as the pleasure that can come from being able to read about and understand the latest discoveries in science, while others are more specific. Where these skills are useful in many contexts, they are called transferable skills. They include, for example, a practical approach to problem solving, the ability to reason clearly and to communicate well.

The transferable skills you will develop while studying at Warwick include:

Analytical

Studying physics will enhance your ability to think clearly, to pay attention to detail and to construct logical and reasoned arguments.

Problem Solving

The mathematics and physics modules you take will ask you to solve problems---lots of them! This includes not only academic problems but also practical problems. The more you practise the better you will become. You will learn, for example, how to formulate problems precisely, how to identify the key questions when asking for help and how to use simple problems and limiting cases to guide your approach to more complicated problems.

Self-study

One of the most important skills a degree develops is the ability to teach yourself. During your studies, you will gain experience of searching for and digesting information from a variety of sources including lectures, the library and other people.

Communication

Physics and mathematics deal with complicated and surprising concepts and good communication is essential in both subjects. Throughout the course you will be interacting with lecturers, colleagues and friends from outside science both in writing and orally. You will also develop the essential communication skills of listening and reading.

Organisational

Studying at university develops self-discipline. You will have to organise your timetable to meet deadlines for a variety of activities including examinations and the submission of assessed coursework. You will also have to plan your programme of studies in advance.

IT Skills

IT has come to mean anything to do with computers. You will need to use computers for at least some of word-processing and the graphical display of information, accessing the internet, controlling experiments and modelling.

You will also have the opportunity, through activities not directly related to your studies, to develop your personal skills. There are opportunities to participate in, organise and publicise sports, music, drama, politics, student support groups and many other activities.