Skip to content
Physics graduates set their sights on the stars

Press release -

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 on 24 September, 29 October and 26 November or click here for more info.

Topics

Categories


Northumbria is a research-rich, business-focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic excellence. To find out more about our courses go to www.northumbria.ac.uk

If you have a media enquiry please contact our Media and Communications team at media.communications@northumbria.ac.uk or call 0191 227 4571.

Contacts

Rik Kendall

Rik Kendall

Press contact PR and Media Manager Business and Law / Arts, Design & Social Sciences 07923 382339
Andrea Slowey

Andrea Slowey

Press contact PR and Media Manager Engineering and Environment / Health and Life Sciences 07708 509436
Rachael Barwick

Rachael Barwick

Press contact PR and Media Manager 07377422415
James Fox

James Fox

Press contact Student Communications Manager
Kelly Elliott

Kelly Elliott

Press contact PR and Media Officer
Gemma Brown

Gemma Brown

Press contact PR and Media Officer

Related content

Female scientists get set to take to the soapbox

Female scientists get set to take to the soapbox

​Did you know that fruit flies are being used to help to find a cure for Parkinson’s Disease? This is one of the topics currently being researched at Northumbria University which will be under discussion at a special event celebrating women working in science this weekend.

Science makes a Big Bang at Northumbria

Science makes a Big Bang at Northumbria

Mini earthquakes, electro magnetism and 3D head scan models will fascinate and engage young people when The Big Bang Fair arrives at Northumbria University, Newcastle this week.

Partnership to bring science to life

Partnership to bring science to life

Two organisations committed to shaping the future of science in the North East have joined forces in a new alliance that will draw the public into the world of science.

Science students discover a bright future in new physics lab

Science students discover a bright future in new physics lab

Whether it’s measuring the speed of light or searching for planets capable of supporting life, Northumbria University’s new physics and astrophysics students will be at the cutting-edge of science thanks to investment by the Faculty of Engineering and Environment.

It’s delightful, it’s dynamic, it’s dewetting!

It’s delightful, it’s dynamic, it’s dewetting!

​How would you like a kitchen surface that cleans itself? Technological advances such as this could be one step closer after a breakthrough by Northumbria University and Nottingham Trent University.

 EXPERT COMMENT: 1953 storm surge: how Britain’s worst natural disaster kicked off the debate on climate change

EXPERT COMMENT: 1953 storm surge: how Britain’s worst natural disaster kicked off the debate on climate change

Matthew Kelly, Professor of Modern History at Northumbria University, writes about causes and effects of the severe historical flooding in Britain for The Conversation.
Towns and villages along the east coast of England were put on red alert on Friday 13 January. A combination of strong winds and high tides led to fears a “storm surge” would wash over flood defences, and residents of Grea

Funding for new research to end FGM

Funding for new research to end FGM

Academics at Northumbria University, Newcastle have been awarded more than £350,000 to carry out research which aims to eradicate the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

#TakeOnTomorrow

Northumbria University is a research-intensive university that unlocks potential for all, changing lives regionally, nationally and internationally.

Northumbria University, Newcastle

Northumbria University, Newcastle
NE1 8ST Newcastle upon Tyne
United Kingdom