-
Asked by anon-373825 on 13 Nov 2023.
Question: Hi, my dream is to become a scientist (more specifically an Astrophysicist). Any tips you can give me for the future?
- Keywords:
-
Jonathan Allen answered on 13 Nov 2023:
That’s a great dream to have! I don’t know anything about astrophysics, but I think the best thing a scientist can have is a questioning mind – always asking questions about things no matter how ‘silly’ the question may seem. There’s no such thing as a ‘silly’ question, just a question you don’t know the answer to yet – that’s what being a scientist is all about. So keep asking those questions and if someone can’t tell you the answer then think about how you can try to find it out for yourself – that’s what an experiment is! Always be curious!
In terms of career choices, the best thing for a scientist is to study the sciences at school at GCSE and then specialise in the science(s) of your interest for A-level. A university degree would be necessary for astrophysics so you can take what you have learned at school and specialise in it further. In your spare time, if there are any science, space or star gazing clubs near you then I’d suggest seeing what they can offer to build on your learning at school.
-
Octavia Brayley answered on 13 Nov 2023:
That’s so great that you already have an idea of what you want to do! If you’re interested in Physics specifically, then it will be useful to take separate science at GCSE, and then Maths and Physics at A-Level. Here are the universities that offer Astrophysics degrees:
https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/courses/search/undergraduate/astrophysics
You could also do a Physics degree and then specialise in Astro during Master’s or PhD. You can have a look at the university websites and see their course options and the grades that are needed to get in. Work experience is also a great way to confirm your passion and to build up your CV before writing your university personal statement. I found this website from Manchester University about physics-related work experience:
https://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/whichcareer/science/physics/
To become an Astrophysicist, it’s pretty much essential that you go down an academic route and do an undergraduate, master’s, and a PhD degree. However, there are some other options. Have a read of this:
It’s also important to keep your options broad as you may decide that a different area in Physics interests you more as you start your degree. This lady has a great YouTube channel and she shares her journey to become an astrophysicist and lots of ‘a day in the life’ videos:
-
Ian McKinley answered on 13 Nov 2023:
To become a professional scientist, it’s best to start with a university degree, although working up from a technical support position is also possible. Specifically for astrophysics, having a good basis in physics and maths at school will form the basis for this.
-
Amy Stockwell answered on 13 Nov 2023:
My friend James has a PhD in astrophysics. He did a degree in physics, which required A-levels in physics and maths.
I think the others have already given excellent answers on how to be a scientist in general. You should do sciences at GCSE and A-levels, then either a degree or apprenticeship in science.
Other things to do are read books and watch videos about the areas of science you are interested in. Enthusiasm, curiousity and interest are important. -
Paula McMahon answered on 14 Nov 2023:
Great. Look at your next steps; never too early. Work hard and do the best you can at your exams.
-
Andrew Lyon answered on 17 Nov 2023:
It’s great that you know what you want to do and are finding out more about how to go about it. There’s some really good advice about qualifications in the other answers.
I would also say there are ways to get involved now such as STEM clubs and you may have a local astronomy club or even better an observatory nearby.
It’s really good to keep asking questions and learning new things, that’s a really good quality for scientists to have.
Comments