Where are they now?

My undergraduate Physics degree was not only great fun, but also a great starting point for a career in which I need to combine an understanding of scientific principles and methodology, with an appreciation of the public mind.

The Physics and Astronomy department was one of the very few in the country offering the optics and photonics specialism I was interested in.

There is a great balance between studying and student life at Southampton and a great student atmosphere.

Studying physics gave me the ability to approach new concepts from a wide range of technical subjects with an open mind.

I was particularly attracted by the Physics and Astronomy department’s flagship programmes which offer students the chance to spend their final year working within a research group. This is a fantastic way to gain experience which will also enhance your CV.

I was very impressed with the facilities, especially the physics library and the astronomy domes.

Since training as a physics teacher, there have been so many highlights. Teaching is an emotional rollercoaster and I absolutely love it. I never in a million years thought I’d be a teacher, in fact I actively said I would never be one, but sharing what I love with students every day really is an honour.

I would recommend studying at the University of Southampton. The University helped me to learn about myself and my priorities, as well as giving me an excellent grounding in physics.

The choice of subjects is wide, and it’s a great part of the country for getting involved with other activities. Many of the tutors are involved in research with a global impact, which keeps them on the leading edge.

My advice to current students is to look for the jobs you don't even know exist yet.

There is no doubt that my time at Southampton was one of the most enjoyable and enlightening of my life.

I love how all the theory that I learned in my undergraduate studies can be applied to real-life problems.

I had a fantastic time, all the tutors and lecturers were very supportive and helpful. And the social life was amazing.

I chose to study at the University of Southampton because of its excellence in Physics, Electronics and Mathematics.

I led the UK government’s quantum technologies programme. The highlight from that, I think, was being part of a small team who established the EU’s €1 billion quantum technologies flagship programme.

I absolutely loved the hands-on observing experience I got during the second-year field trip to Tenerife. That was a pivotal moment for me; it was when I decided I wanted to be an astronomer.

I really liked being part of Physoc. It’s a really sociable society and they organise a wide range of events.