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Physics Vs Astronomy: Which Should You Study?
By Sabrina Collier
Updated April 17, 2021 Updated April 17, 2021Interested in gaining an in-depth understanding of the physical universe with a physics or astronomy degree, but not sure which one to choose? Although there are many options to study physics and astronomy together in one degree, you may prefer to focus on just one of these two closely connected fields, or choose a specialized area within one of the two.
What is physics?
Physics is a natural science which is concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. It’s also an experimental science, employing scientific methods to formulate and test hypotheses that are based on reflection of the natural world. Physics includes astronomy, but a physics degree will also cover topic such as electricity, magnetism, and thermodynamics. The main goal of physics is to understand how the universe behaves.
You should study a physics degree if…
What is astronomy?
Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences, and focuses on celestial objects, such as planets, stars, comets and galaxies, and phenomena that occur outside the Earth’s atmosphere, such as cosmic background radiation. Although astronomy is a sub-discipline of physics, it can also be considered ‘applied physics’, as it applies the scientific hypotheses and basic rules of physics to further our understanding of space.
You should study astronomy if…
Typical physics specializations
If you choose to study physics, astronomy is by no means the only branch you can specialize in, especially if you continue your studies at postgraduate level. Other options include, but aren’t limited to:
Typical astronomy specializations
Physics and astronomy careers and skills
What skills can you gain from astronomy and physics degrees, what sort of jobs could you do, and what’s your salary potential?
Physics
Astronomy
Key skills
Astronomy and physics careers
Salary potential
The expected starting salary for physics and astronomy graduates in the UK is £26,487 (~US$38,000). (2015 figures).
This article was originally published in March 2016 . It was last updated in April 2021
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The former Assistant Editor of TopUniversities.com, Sabrina wrote and edited articles to guide students from around the world on a wide range of topics. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University and grew up in Staffordshire, UK.
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