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Personal statement advice: physics

Are you a future physicist in the making? You'll need a strong personal statement that communicates what inspires you about the subject. We spoke to physics admissions tutors to find out more: With keen competition for places on physics courses, Professor Jim Al-Khalili from the University of Surrey is looking beyond grades to select the best students

Physics and astronomy 2026 personal statement guide

If you’re a future physicist – or astronomer – in the making, admissions tutors say they’re looking beyond your grades for a sparkling personal statement that communicates what lights you up about the subject.

Cambridge Pre-Us

Facts about Pre-U: who they are for, subjects, what's involved in taking one, and assessment and grades.

Career goals: Mechanical design engineer

Design engineer Adam chose to take an apprenticeship over university. Here he explains his role, how he juggled work with studying and why he's glad he took the apprenticeship path.

Career goals: Pilot

Rosanna shares the highs and lows of being a commercial pilot, her route to qualifying, plus some words of encouragement for young girls who want to reach for the sky.

How to become a pilot

Being a pilot is a fantastic job for people who enjoy responsibility, technology, meeting people and the excitement of flying a commercial aircraft.