physics phd worth it

Planet Possibility

Is a physics PhD worth it?

• Helena Kudiabor
• Jul 13 2023

Completing a physics PhD is a great way to gain research skills, and delve deeper into a topic you’re interested in. However, the process is lengthy and the costs can add up. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to do a physics PhD...

It may be necessary

Completing a physics PhD is necessary to unlock entry to certain careers. For example, if you’re interested in becoming a lecturer or a senior researcher, you’ll need to complete a PhD. A PhD will give you the necessary research skills and in-depth knowledge you’ll need to conduct further research and/or lecture to students. You’ll also make valuable connections which may lead you to a full-time job.

Career progression

Even if your dream job doesn’t require a PhD, completing one can lead to progressing faster in your chosen sector. For example, if you’re interested in becoming an astronomer, completing a PhD often results in a higher salary or faster career progression. Completing a PhD also allows you to network and make connections (some PhD students get published in academic journals or are invited to present their findings at conferences). Thus, completing a PhD allows you to make valuable connections with those in the field, connections which may be invaluable in your job search.

The tuition fees for a PhD can add up: between £3,000 and £6,000 each year, with international students paying significantly more. If you complete a three year PhD, expect to pay between £9,000 and £18,000, excluding research costs and general living expenses.

However, don’t let the cost of a PhD put you off, as there are a number of sources that offer financial support. For example, the UK government offers a doctoral loan of up to £27,892, while universities and research councils offer grants, which do not have to be repaid. 

Labour Intensive

A PhD takes a while, and you’ll experience a number of challenges. You might feel stressed and overwhelmed with all the deadlines and projects, you might struggle with maintaining a work life balance, or you could struggle with feeling isolated. While some students may love working independently and researching a topic they’re fascinated by, other students may struggle with meeting deadlines and miss the camaraderie of being an undergraduate. 

However, bear in mind that a PhD is also incredibly exciting, and there will be plenty of enjoyable moments. Your university will also have a number of places where you can access practical and emotional support, and connect with other PhD students. 

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How to survive a physics PhD

Achieving a doctoral degree, the highest academic qualification available, is a huge feat that can be a long and difficult journey. Having recently completed her own PhD in physics, Pruthvi Mehta shares her five top tips for surviving your doctoral studies

I did it! I submitted my thesis, got through my four-hour-long viva, and passed with minor corrections. After four-and-a-half years, I finally got my PhD in physics from the University of Liverpool .

My thesis was on neutron tagging at Super-Kamiokande , a neutrino observatory in Japan. I first got interested in neutrinos towards the end of my undergraduate degree at Queen Mary University of London , so naturally I applied to do a PhD at universities with great neutrino physics groups. I was fortunate enough to be offered a place at Liverpool and began my doctoral studies in October 2018. The COVID pandemic during my PhD did present some challenges and extended the original length of my degree, but thankfully I submitted my thesis in March 2023.

No degree is worth harming your mental health

After an educational journey as long (and sometimes arduous) as a doctoral degree, it is natural to wonder what you could have done differently to make the entire experience a little easier. So here I offer five tips for those on their PhD journey that helped me during my studies – or that I wish I’d been told beforehand.

As no two routes to a doctoral degree are alike, my advice is naturally very broad. And rather than focusing simply on the work, I have also tried to suggest ways to bolster your motivation and wellbeing as well. No degree is worth harming your mental health, and given the dire stats regarding PhD student mental health in the UK , it is something that needs to be kept in mind.

With all this said, here are five ways to make the process a little smoother.

1 Work according to your energy levels – and don’t constrain yourself to a routine if you feel you can’t

At the start of my PhD I was told “treat it like a 9-to-5”. That’s all well and good, provided you don’t have meetings outside these hours, conferences to attend, deadlines to meet, or experiments that need checking overnight – all of which you most likely will have in some form or another over the course of your studies.

Don’t feel like you have to stick to the same routine every day

Instead, something that worked for me (especially towards the end of writing my thesis) was working when I felt like it, when the momentum grabbed me. This naturally increased the closer to thesis submission: you are carried through by adrenaline from the looming deadline.

But this approach applies in earlier years as well – don’t feel like you have to stick to the same routine every day. If your brain switches off a couple hours prior to 5 p.m., that’s fine. I tended to fall into a slump in the afternoon, when I would switch off, leave the office, and work in the evening instead. And sometimes I would hit a wall mid-week, but felt a bit more motivated at the weekend.

There’s no point over-exerting yourself when there are no fruits to be born from your intellectual labour, and it’s definitely not worth risking burnout over. You’re allowed to make your own hours more than you would with a “conventional job”, so make the most of it.

2 Make a continuous effort to connect with the field in general – not just strictly your own work

This is incredibly easy to preach, but a lot harder to practise. For many PhD students, the everyday minutiae of your research is a far cry from what attracted you to the field in the first place. And it sucks: it’s hard to feel how, for example, the compiler error you’ve been stuck on for two days relates to what you enjoy learning about in physics and what drove you to your field of research. You can’t see the wood for the trees, and you feel lost.

But remember, everything is connected. To see that, try to reinforce your surrounding knowledge and understanding of your field. Take part in journal clubs, read papers from other similar experiments, talk to others about their analyses, and find similarities to yours.

I’ll admit, it’s difficult to motivate yourself to do this. Why waste time reading stuff that won’t fix the error you’re stuck on? But I definitely wish I had done far more of it during my PhD. It’s all about bringing yourself back to where your mind wants to engage with physics, and is ultimately more about motivation than results. This is how education and learning should be. But to a physics PhD student – who will have been through an education system more devoted to exams and results than instilling a love of learning – it is difficult to adjust to this mindset.

3 Start writing your theory and literature chapters as early as you can

This is, again, much easier said than done, but it does make the months leading up to thesis submission a lot easier. I started writing at the beginning of my third year, but I still feel as though I could have started earlier.

The benefit of getting this done earlier isn’t just about making submission easier, but also about improving wellbeing and motivation as well. Say you’re in a bit of a rut around some results analysis – fair enough, everyone hits stumbling blocks. Rather than trudging on, why not take a break and write some of your thesis theory chapter or prepare your literature review.

Not only will writing feel like you have done something concrete, which will boost your morale, it will also refresh your broader knowledge of the field. And while it may not be directly related to the analysis result you want to get out, sometimes thinking about something else gives your brain a chance to come up with new ideas. Plus, anything that counts towards your thesis is helpful, so don’t hesitate to start writing early.

4 Document when someone says something positive about your work

PhD students are often told that a key part of becoming a researcher is having faith in your own work and results, instead of relying too heavily on the opinions of others. If there is criticism, we’re meant to not take it as a personal reflection of our abilities, and, in theory, we shouldn’t. But the truth is, we’re human and ultimately social creatures – and the human brain sadly remembers negative information more vividly than positive information . In a degree as challenging as a PhD, and a field filled with sometimes obstinate academics, you can hear and remember a lot more criticism than you do praise.

To counteract this, I started doing something that could be considered a little strange – I made a note every time a supervisor, a postdoc, a collaborator or even a friendly colleague in the office said something nice about my work. I wrote the comment down in a Word document, and when work got tough, I pulled it up to read through. Odd as it may seem, it helped to lift my mood when I needed it.

5 Treat your viva like a performance

An academic once told me that a viva “is about the ability to perform” and honestly, this was a great insight. Your viva is your chance to showcase your knowledge about your work and explain it to your examiners. Given the fact you’ve probably spent four or more years on it, you’ll know it inside out.

Nobody knows your thesis and PhD better than you

Remember that you are allowed to take an annotated copy of your thesis in with you, so spend a couple of weeks going through it, annotating it thoroughly and learning the physics around what is written in your literature review. You could be asked about anything in the broader field, so pull out your previous degree notes and brush up on the (relevant) basics. If you’re asked a question you don’t immediately know the answer to, take a minute or so to think, and vocalize this thinking process so your examiners can maybe guide you to an answer.

Waiting for the viva is much scarier than the viva itself, so try not to fret or stress about it too much. Sure, that’s once again easier said than done, but remember nobody knows your thesis and PhD better than you, and those few hours in a viva will be over before you know it. Doing a PhD is far from easy, but trust me when I say that it’ll all work out.

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Considering a PhD in Physics? Ideas and Scholarships Here

Considering a PhD in Physics?  The School of Physics at UNSW has expertise across 9 important areas  of research, including Astrophysics , Acoustics , Biophysics , Computational Physics and Big Data , Condensed Matter Physics and Quantum Devices , Experimental and Observational Physics , Fundamental Physics , Theoretical Physics , and Physics Education Research .  

We also offer financial support in the form of scholarships . 

Details regarding the admissions process, language requirements, finding a supervisor, and preparing your documentation can be found on the UNSW main website .   This page also provides information on the application process for an RTP scholarship to cover your living expenses. It is not too onerous to complete, but you will need to have made contact with your prospective supervisor and come up with a research proposal (i.e. a page of words) by the due date. 

If you are not sure if you want to do a PhD next year, apply anyway! If you ultimately turn down the offer it doesn’t affect your chances in subsequent rounds and the next scholarship round is not until early-2022. Note that you can apply to as many different graduate programs as you like, but each university will have its own application deadline.

Interested? Please contact us to begin a conversation or ask a question.  The academic staff in the School of Physics are available even during the lockdown.  For more information on our researchers and those who have the capacity to supervise you, see Our Research Projects and contact the relevant lead researcher listed on the project page.  

Applications to start in Term 1 of 2022 are due on 27 August . 

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Should I apply to PhDs in the US (theoretical physics)? [closed]

I am a Cambridge Mathematics undergraduate (third year) and I want to be a theoretical physicist (I am taking the relevant courses, research experience, etc). I am confident I can get into Part III, but not sure if I could get accepted into an Oxbridge PhD. I would start my PhD in October 2021, so if I want to go to the States I should start thinking about GREs soon.

Should I consider applying to US top schools? The application process would we quite time-consuming, but I am not sure I would end up going to the US over other European universities. Some points I am considering about grad school in the States are:

• Longer (5-6 yrs) PhDs compared to Europe (3-4 yrs), it seems better to save 2 years. (Although I am young, so it may be good to have some stability before postdocs)
• Coursework required may overlap with my Part III
• Expensive (?)
• If I do not get into an Oxbridge PhD, then I probably would not get into a top US school either. In that case, I think I would prefer a second-class European university than a second-class US university. And if get into Oxbridge, I would be more than happy to stay. Hence, with this reasoning, either way, I should not bother about applying to the US.

I think it is relevant to note that I would be 21 at the start of the PhD.

EDIT: To clarify, my main question is not what are my chances of getting in, rather if it is worth doing a (longer) PhD in the US instead of somewhere in Europe (probably not Oxbridge) .

• mathematics
• application

• 2 PhD students in STEM fields are normally funded in the US, via some combination of teaching assistantship / research assistantship / fellowship, which would cover tuition and a reasonable stipend to cover the cost of living. So you can cross "expensive" off your list, more or less. –  Nate Eldredge Commented Jan 2, 2020 at 19:37
• A longer PhD is better if you want to develop a publication record for an academic career. A shorter PhD will help you get a high paying non-academic job faster. –  Anonymous Physicist Commented Jan 3, 2020 at 6:23
• "If I do not get into an Oxbridge PhD, then I probably would not get into a top US school either." No, it is partly random. –  Anonymous Physicist Commented Jan 3, 2020 at 6:24

2 Answers 2

I think that the only issue here is that you intend to change fields. You will need to show a US institution that you have adequate background in needed physics topics to begin advanced study. But you may be fine there also, depending on your course of study.

The reason that the US degree takes longer is that it makes fewer assumptions about the candidate's background on entry. A doctoral program (here) normally requires some advanced coursework leading to comprehensive (qualifying) examinations. So, there is some opportunity to make up for missed subjects, provided that you can convince a department to take you. Letters of recommendation might be essential, especially if they can speak to your readiness to switch fields.

And, you might be able to get into a top program (depending), since the entrance requirements are a bit less than for Oxbridge, which has a different educational system. In particular, an undergraduate degree in UK is normally more specialized than one in US, whereas most students here can enter doctoral programs with only that less specialized undergraduate degree.

Following your edits, I can only add that the decision about whether it is "worth it" is personal and can only be answered given your own preferences. Weigh the plus and minus aspects of each decision as you would for any important one. You are unlikely to suffer any major setback to your career no matter which way you jump.

• I think that would not be an issue for me, basically, now in third year all the courses I am taking are theoretical physics. (I know it is a weird thing, cambridge has a lot of physics available for maths students ) –  user117933 Commented Jan 2, 2020 at 15:49
• Go for it. Apply and ye shall learn. –  Buffy Commented Jan 2, 2020 at 15:51

If you take partIII then you have the best chances of being accepted anywhere. As far as I know it cannot get any more prestigious than attending partIII before your PhD. Provided your grades are relatively great. I have to say thought, this kind of courses are VERY intense.

• I doubt many Americans have heard of Part III. –  Anonymous Physicist Commented Jan 3, 2020 at 6:26
• US physics departments definitely know it. –  user108509 Commented Jan 3, 2020 at 7:33

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged phd mathematics application physics .

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• Doing a PhD in Physics
• Doing a PhD

What Is It Like to Do a PhD in Physics?

Physics is arguably the most fundamental scientific discipline and underpins much of our understanding of the universe. Physics is based on experiments and mathematical analysis which aims to investigate the physical laws which make up life as we know it.

Due to the large scope of physics, a PhD project may focus on any of the following subject areas:

• Thermodynamics
• Cosmology and Astrophysics
• Nuclear Physics
• Solid State Physics
• Condensed matter Physics
• Particle Physics
• Quantum mechanics
• Computational Physics
• Theoretical Physics
• Electromagnetism and photonics
• Molecular physics
• And many more

Compared to an undergraduate degree, PhD courses involve original research which, creates new knowledge in a chosen research area. Through this you will develop a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research, become an expert in your research field, and contribute to extending the boundaries of knowledge.

During your postgraduate study you will be required to produce a dissertation which summarises your novel findings and explains their significance. Postgraduate research students also undertake an oral exam, known as the Viva, where you must defend your thesis to examiners.

Browse PhDs in Physics

Decoherence due to flux noise in superconducting qubits at microkelvin temperatures, in-situ disposal of cementitious wastes at uk nuclear sites, coventry university postgraduate research studentships, discovery of solid state electrolytes using deep learning, observing the black hole mergers in the early universe with next-generation gravitational wave observatories, hear from phd students and doctorates:.

To get a better perspective of what life is really like doing a Physics PhD, read the interview profiles below, from those that have been there before, and are there now:

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Physics?

The typical full-time programme has a course length of 3 to 4 years . Most universities also offer part-time study . The typical part-time programme has a course length of 5 to 7 years.

The typical Physics PhD programme sees PhD students study on a probationary basis during their first year. Admission to the second year of study and enrolment onto the PhD programme is subject to a successful first year review. The format of this review varies across organisations but commonly involves a written report of progress made on your research project and an oral examination.

Additional Learning Modules:

Most Physics PhD programme have no formal requirement for students to attend core courses. There are, however, typically several research seminars, technical lectures, journal clubs and other courses held within the Physics department that students are expected to attend.

Research seminars are commonly arranged throughout your programme to support you with different aspects of your study, for example networking with other postgraduates, guidelines on working with your supervisor, how to avoid bias in independent research, tips for thesis writing, and time management skills.

Doctoral training and development workshops are commonly organised both within and outside of the department and aim to develop students’ transferrable skills (for example communication and team working). Information on opportunities for development that exist within the University and explored and your post doctorate career plans will be discussed.

Lectures run by department staff and visiting scholars on particular subject matters relevant to your research topic are sometimes held, and your supervisor (or supervisory committee) is likely to encourage you to attend.

Typical Entry Requirements:

A UK Physics PhD programme normally requires a minimum upper second-class (2:1) honours undergraduate or postgraduate degree (or overseas equivalent) in physics, or a closely related subject. Closely related subjects vary depending on projects, but mathematics and material sciences are common. Graduate students with relevant work experience may also be considered.

Funded PhD programmes (for examples those sponsored by Doctoral Training Partnerships or by the university school) are more competitive, and hence entry requirements tend to be more demanding.

English Language Requirements:

Universities typically expect international students to provide evidence of their English Language ability as part of their applications. This is usually benchmarked by an IELTS exam score of 6.5 (with a minimum score of 6 in each component), a TOEFL (iBT) exam score 92, a CAE and CPE exam score of 176 or another equivalent. The exact score requirements for the different English Language Qualifications may differ across different universities.

Tips to Improve Your Application:

If you are applying to a Physics PhD, you should have a thorough grasp of the fundamentals of physics, and also appreciate the concepts within the focus of your chosen research topic. Whilst you should be able to demonstrate this through either your Bachelors or Master’s degree, it is also beneficial to also be able to show this through extra-curricular engagement, for example attending seminars or conferences. This will also get across your passion for Physics – a valuable addition to your application as supervisors are looking for committed students.

It is advisable to make informal contact with the project supervisors for any positions you are interested in prior to applying formally. This is a good chance for you to understand more about the Physics department and project itself. Contacting the supervisor also allows you to build a rapport, demonstrate your interest, and see if the project and potential supervisor are a good fit for you. Some universities require you to provide additional evidence to support your application. These can include:

• University certificates and transcripts (translated to English if required)
• Academic CV
• Covering Letter
• English certificate – for international students

How Much Does a Physics PhD Degree Typically Cost?

Annual tuition fees for a PhD in Physics in the UK are approximately £4,000 to £5,000 per year for home (UK) students and are around £22,000 per year for overseas students. This, alongside the standard range in tuition fees that you can expect, is summarised below:

Note: The EU students are considered International from the start of the 2021/22 academic year.

Due to the experimental nature of Physics programmes, research students not funded by UK research councils may also be required to pay a bench fee . Bench fees are additional fees to your tuition, which covers the cost of travel, laboratory materials, computing equipment or resources associated with your research. For physics research students in particular this is likely to involve training in specialist software, laboratory administration, material and sample ordering, and computing upkeep.

What Specific Funding Opportunities Are There for A PhD in Physics?

As a PhD applicant, you may be eligible for a loan of up to £25,700. You can apply for a PhD loan if you’re ordinarily resident in the UK or EU, aged 60 or under when the course starts and are not in receipt of Research Council funding.

Research Councils provide funding for research in the UK through competitive schemes. These funding opportunities cover doctoral students’ tuition fees and sometimes include an additional annual maintenance grant. The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is a government agency that funds scientific research in the UK. Applications for EPSRC funding should be made directly to the EPSRC, but some Universities also advertise EPSRC funded PhD studentships on their website. The main funding body for Physics PhD studentships is EPSRC’s group on postgraduate support and careers, which has responsibility for postgraduate student support.

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) funds a large range of projects in Physics and Astronomy. To apply for funding students must locate the relevant project, contact the host institution for details of the postdoctoral researcher they wish to approach and then apply directly to them.

You can use DiscoverPhD’s database to search for a PhD studentship in Physics now.

What Specific Skills Will You Get from a PhD in Physics?

PhD doctorates possess highly marketable skills which make them strong candidates for analytical and strategic roles. The following skills in particular make them attractive prospects to employers in research, finance and consulting:

• Strong numerical skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Laboratory experience
• Application of theoretical concepts to real world problems

Aside from this, postgraduate students will also get transferable skills that can be applied to a much wider range of careers. These include:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Great attention to detail
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Independent thinking

What Jobs Can I Get with a PhD in Physics?

The wide range of specialties within Physics courses alone provides a number of job opportunities, from becoming a meteorologist to a material scientist. However, one of the advantages Physics doctorates have over other doctorates is their studies often provide a strong numerical and analytical foundation. This opens a number of career options outside of traditional research roles. Examples of common career paths Physics PostDocs take are listed below:

Academia – A PhD in Physics is a prerequisite for higher education teaching roles in Physics (e.g. University lecturer). Many doctorates opt to teach and supervise students to continue their contribution to research. This is popular among those who favour the scientific nature of their field and wish to pursue theoretical concepts.

PostDoc Researcher – Other postdoctoral researchers enter careers in research, either academic capacity i.e. researching with their University, or in industry i.e. with an independent organisation. Again, this is suited to those who wish to continue learning, enjoy collaboration and working in an interdisciplinary research group, and also offers travel opportunities for international conferences.

Astronomy – Astronomers study the universe and often work with mathematical formulas, computer modelling and theoretical concepts to predict behaviours. A PhD student in this field may work as astrobiologists, planetary geologists or government advisors.

Finance – As mentioned previously, analytical and numerical skills are the backbone of the scientific approach, and the typical postgraduate research programme in Physics is heavily reliant on numeracy. As such, many PostDocs are found to have financial careers. Financial roles typically offer lucrative salaries.

Consulting – Consulting firms often consider a doctoral student with a background in Physics for employment as ideal for consultancy, based on their critical thinking and strategic planning skills.

How Much Can You Earn with A PhD in Physics?

Data from the HESA is presented below which presents the salary band of UK domiciled leaver (2012/13) in full-time paid UK employment with postgraduate qualifications in Physical Studies:

With a doctoral physics degree, your earning potential will mostly depend on your chosen career path. Due to the wide range of options, it’s impossible to provide an arbitrary value for the typical salary you can expect. However, if you pursue one of the below paths or enter their respective industry, you can roughly expect to earn:

Academic Lecturer

• Approximately £30,000 – £35,000 starting salary
• Approximately £40,000 with a few years experience
• Approximately £45,000 – £55,000 with 10 years experience
• Approximately £60,000 and over with significant experience and a leadership role. Certain academic positions can earn over £80,000 depending on the management duties.

Actuary or Finance

• Approximately £35,000 starting salary
• Approximately £45,000 – £55,000 with a few years experience
• Approximately £70,000 and over with 10 years experience
• Approximately £180,000 and above with significant experience and a leadership role.

Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

• Approximately £28,000 starting salary
• Approximately £35,000 – £40,000 with a few years experience
• Approximately £60,000 and over with 10 years experience

Data Analyst

• Approximately £45,000 – £50,000 with a few years experience
• Approximately £90,000 and above with significant experience and a leadership role.

Geophysicist

• Approximately £28,000 – £35,000 starting salary
• Approximately £40,000 – £65,000 with a few years’ experience
• Approximately £80,000 and over with significant experience and a leadership role

Medical Physicist

• Approximately £27,500 – £30,000 starting salary
• Approximately £30,000 – £45,000 with a few years’ experience
• Approximately £50,000 and over with significant experience and a leadership role

Meteorologist

• Approximately £20,000 – £25,000 starting salary
• Approximately £25,000 – £35,000 with a few years’ experience
• Approximately £45,000 and over with significant experience and a leadership role

Again, we stress that the above are indicative values only. Actual salaries will depend on the specific organisation and position and responsibilities of the individual.

UK Physics PhD Statistics

The Higher Education Statistics Agency has an abundance of useful statistics and data on higher education in the UK. We have looked at the data from the Destination of Leavers 2016/17 survey to provide information specific for Physics Doctorates:

The graph below shows the destination of 2016/17 leavers with research based postgraduate qualifications in physical sciences. This portrays a very promising picture for Physics doctorates, with 92% of leavers are in work or further study.

The table below presents the destination (sorted by standard industrial classification) of 1015 students entering employment in the UK with doctorates in Physical Studies, from 2012/13 to 2016/17. It can be seen that PhD postdocs have a wide range of career paths, though jobs in education, professional, scientific and technical activities, and manufacturing are common.

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• Published: 12 September 2024

Tap the potential of PhD students

Nature Physics volume  20 ,  page 1361 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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PhD students can face many challenges, such as a lack of confidence in their newly acquired skills or the uncertainty about which career path to choose. We highlight some ways to empower students in their doctoral journey.

The overall development of PhD students during their doctoral studies is important for their personal and professional growth, as well as for the success of their project. However, they are often encouraged to focus on their research project, with other aspects of academic and professional training receiving less attention. As a result, many students face difficulties in moving forward after finishing their doctoral studies. Thus, a well-rounded approach is necessary to empower PhD students with the abilities to confidently choose their career path.

A lack of research autonomy can stifle creativity and hold PhD students back in their development. By granting them control over certain aspects of their research — for example, by allowing them to steer parts of their projects or by encouraging independent exploration within the broader scope of their work — students will learn to become more self-reliant researchers.

Supervisors can further promote their students’ independence by encouraging them to propose their own hypotheses or conduct additional simulations or laboratory-based experiments. In this way, PhD students learn how to develop a research problem and how to tackle it — an invaluable skill not just in academia but in all walks of life.

In addition to conducting research, students must also learn to communicate their findings and develop presentation skills. Universities can facilitate training programmes on soft skills, such as writing research articles and presenting research to a broader audience. This will enhance students' ability to convey their ideas with confidence. It is particularly important when they present posters or give oral presentations in larger forums, such as conferences or seminars, or when they engage with their peers in the research field.

Networking is a vital component of a successful academic and professional career. It allows students to find collaborators, seek advice, and discover new research and job opportunities. However, many PhD students struggle to build and maintain professional relationships, often because of a lack of guidance on how to approach networking effectively. It is not uncommon for PhD students to be unaware of the research activities of their colleagues, whether from other departments or even the same department.

Institutions can help in this regard by organizing frequent workshops or seminars in which students can engage with peers and experts in their field. Conferences and summer schools also offer invaluable networking opportunities, while commonly providing students with the chance to present their research, which in turn enhances their presentation skills. Universities should actively support their students' participation in such events through travel grants. In addition, organizers of conferences and schools should also provide funding opportunities, especially for PhD students from developing countries where principal investigators may not have enough resources to support their students’ travel.

Another crucial aspect of a PhD student’s journey is the process of publishing their work. However, many students feel ill-equipped to handle the steps of academic publishing. They often rely on their supervisors to lead the process, which can leave them unprepared for the demands of publishing as they transition to more independent roles.

To address this, supervisors should actively involve students in every step of the publication process, from the discussion of a suitable target journal to the writing of a manuscript’s first draft and cover letter, to the actual submission and preparation of the response to reviewers' comments. Although this may require additional back-and-forth, it is an invaluable learning experience that prepares the students for future academic challenges and enhances the quality of their research output. These skills are also transferable and will undoubtedly benefit students in any future career path, whether in academia, industry or other sectors.

Uncertainty about future career paths is a common concern among PhD students. Many are unsure whether to pursue research positions or explore opportunities outside academia. Unfortunately, students often lack access to adequate career training, which hinders their ability to prepare for future employment. For example, many students don’t know how to tailor CVs for future employment options or are unsure for which non-academic positions their skills make them suitable applicants.

By facilitating career-oriented workshops, seminars and mentoring programmes, institutions could help guide PhD students on their career path. For example, students would benefit from the interaction with alumni, sharing their career stories. Career counselling and interactions with industry panels can provide insights into possible career choices, helping students understand the range of opportunities available to them. Additionally, workshops on CV writing, interview preparation, and transferable skills, such as project management and data analysis, can boost students' confidence in their abilities and prepare them for diverse career options.

Although the majority of the suggestions discussed above are well known within the academic community, they have not always been given the attention they deserve. By providing the necessary tools and opportunities to PhD students, we can tap their full potential and put them in a better position to contribute to the advancement of knowledge, to drive innovation and to make meaningful contributions to society.

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Tap the potential of PhD students. Nat. Phys. 20 , 1361 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-024-02654-2

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Is a PhD really worth your time and money?

Grad students weigh in on the challenges and benefits on the road to a PhD

Investing in a PhD is a big decision. It usually means pushing an already long academic career in post-secondary education up to the 11-year mark, at least. In the words of one professor, it can mean “working for years for very little money while you watch your friends get rich.”

Not only that, the PhD itself is in flux. Academic jobs, the stereotypical application of the degree, can be hard to come by. Universities get strong, qualified applicants all the time, and yet many of these job seekers leave disappointed, or suspended in part-time positions with little job security .

And yet the number of students starting their doctorate has been rising steadily for years.

While the PhD is changing, the shifts are far more complex than the changes in academic employment. For many students, it means more work and a more creative approach, but not necessarily a sense of impending doom.

It turns out that the potential outcomes from PhD students are myriad, but the challenges they must face are no less numerous.

As for the reasons why people decide to extend their academic lives, in the lab or in the library—well, there are plenty of those, too.

Why take a PhD?

The number of students enrolled in PhD programs in Ontario nearly doubled between 2000 and 2013, according to Statistics Canada , swelling to around 20,000 students.

So what is it that’s causing a growing number of students to take the plunge?

For some, it’s about their career. If you want to work in some high-level jobs in academia, or in the private sector, especially on the science side, you need the fancy degree. And of course, the prestige doesn’t hurt. For others, passion is the catalyst.

Jennifer Dumoulin is doing her PhD in the Department of Communications at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Arts. “I was in law school, and I had the idea for the topic that I ended up working on now, and then I saw an advertisement for the communications (PhD) program,” she said. “I just kind of had this feeling that that’s where I should be.”

Alexandre Sicard, a PhD student in chemistry, says that for him, the thrill of discovery is a big driver. “When you get a great success, it feels amazing, you feel like a brilliant scientist,” he said. “You’ve created a new compound, you’ve combined the elements in such a way that have never heretofore been combined, you have something to stamp your name on that is yours.”

This passion extends to a wide swathe of fields. And while social sciences and the physical and life sciences make up a large chunk of Ontario doctoral students (around 20 per cent each), there are people taking PhDs in fields from architecture to visual arts.

While all these fields have their own distinct paths, there are challenges that affect students across all disciplines.

But will it get me a job?

One thing’s for sure, the myth of the PhD being a clear, non-forking path leading to a cushy, full professorship has been busted.

According to research from the Conference Board of Canada, only around 19 per cent of PhDs end up as full-time university professors, and more than half don’t end up in academia at all.

Jennifer Polk is a PhD graduate in history from the University of Toronto who runs a company called Beyond the Professoriate, which is designed to help PhD students find careers. She says that while in many cases the PhD is useful in getting these jobs, in some cases it isn’t the leading factor in gaining employment.

Polk says that when people end up working in fields different from what their PhD was in, the degree doesn’t necessarily give them an advantage. “I don’t think that the way the PhD programs are structured now are doing as good a job as they could at giving PhDs skills that are transferable to other industries.”

In other cases, it just might be a longer path to get where you want to go. Christelle Paré, a part-time professor at the U of O’s Department of Communications, is teaching one part-time class, while doing a postdoctoral fellowship, and teaching at the École nationale de l’humour in Quebec. She eventually plans to get a full-fledged professorship, but she says it can be a tedious path, even for part-time gigs.

“You need to find an opening in your field, and not only in your field, but with your profile,” she said. “You can be very competent, be extremely smart, have a very nice resume, but if your personality or your research projects do not fit with some of the professors’ ideology or priorities, then they will pick somebody else.”

Dumoulin says she’s heard all about the problems with getting a job with a PhD in Communications. “In the PhD world, they talk about ‘publish or perish,’ they talk about how professors aren’t hiring, that it’s really hard to get tenure, and the issue with the part-time professors now,” she said. “There’s all kinds of negativity around there.”

But on the other hand, depending on your field, a PhD might give you a competitive advantage. Bela Joos, assistant chair, academic (Graduate Studies) and full professor in the Department of Physics at the U of O, says that in some cases, people use the technological knowhow gained in a PhD to start a company of their own, or transition into industry in some other way.

“You discover a new way of doing things,” he said.  “If you push science to the limit, answering questions which are of interest, then you can advance technology.”

Sicard said that while a PhD can be hard in the short-term, it can be the only way to open some doors in your future, both in academics and in industry. “When you do your PhD it’s inherently a long game proposition,” he said. You’re knowing that you’re going to suffer in the trenches for a little bit longer early on, but when you leave and then you go and find a job—for certain kinds of jobs—there can be a bit more vertical mobility in STEM fields.”

By all accounts, demand for a specific field of study affects if a PhD leads to a job. But one student says it’s foolish to let that be the deciding factor. Dumoulin says that whether or not there’s a clear demand for her specific area of studies, studying the use of metaphor in fiction to discuss diseases like HIV/AIDS, she plans to take an entrepreneurial approach and show her desired employers why they do, in fact, need her skills after all.

“I don’t think there is a traditional career path after a PhD program,” she said. “Maybe teaching at a high-level university isn’t the way to go, maybe you want to teach at a smaller place first, or maybe you want to teach college courses, or maybe you need to be creative and teach online classes… I don’t really buy into the negativity.”

But getting the job isn’t the whole story. It can be the case that a PhD gets you a job, but not one you find fulfilling.

“It can be depressing if you don’t get the job you want,” said Tom Baker, a professor in the Department of Chemistry at the U of O. “You could get to a job where you’re maybe just making chemicals every day and that’s not what you want, you really want something that has more of a research component, a problem solving component.”

The ups and downs of finishing a PhD

There’s only one thing standing in the way of walking away with that prized piece of PhD paper—the small matter of dedicating four years (maybe more) to rigorous, self-directed academics, often while only scraping by financially.

First things first, let’s talk about the almighty dollar. In terms of short-term finances, the prospects aren’t great.

Even if a PhD happens to open up more career options, it definitely doesn’t guarantee you a huge starting salary. A report from the Conference Board of Canada found that the average starting salary for a PhD is around $5,000.

“It’s a sacrifice … they’re not making very much money,” said Baker. “It’s just enough to keep the lights turned on in your apartment, and usually you would need a little supplemental help from your family.”

“It is hard to see people who you did your bachelor’s with, and see them have ‘grown-up jobs’,” said Sicard. “They’re working for a bank, or a law firm, and they’re having a mortgage, and you’re thinking, ‘gee, I’m still in school, struggling, with a project that’s not even working.”

But he says that feeling can be worth it in the long-run, knowing that without a PhD, he wouldn’t have access to some of the higher-end jobs he seeks.

Many doctoral students are also keeping a close eye on the clock during their studies, because after the standard four-year time frame the funding starts to dry up.

Timothy Stanley, a professor in the Faculty of Education, says that in many cases the scholarship system for PhDs in Ontario is only set up for people who take four years to finish their PhD. However, he says that many students end up taking longer.

“What happens to a student when they get to their fifth year is they’re out of money, and often have to go back to work, or do a lot of part-time work, all of which takes them longer to finish.”

In addition to their cash, PhD students must be judicious with their time. Managing academic work along with networking and attending conferences, TA positions, research grants, and other elements of the position requires some attentive planning.

“A lot of people can get overwhelmed that they have to set up five or six (chemical) reactions in a day, and they have to do marking, and TA-ing, and take courses and eventually worry about your seminar,” said Sicard. “And so eventually it appears to be so much work, so if you don’t have the practice in managing your time properly you can get easily overwhelmed.”

Perhaps even more important than managing time is motivating yourself to follow through, according to some students. This is especially true when you aren’t having any breakthroughs, and can’t even be sure any are forthcoming.

“Depending how uncharted territory your project is, you have to deal with a lot of failures and a lot of coming to terms with the fact that no matter now excited you were about your idea, it could just be a dud,” said Sicard. “At least half of the time I invested in my master’s degree resulted in a project that was eventually abandoned.” He said the process can be similar, or worse at the PhD level.

The state of the system

Completing a PhD is in many ways a solitary task, so it’s easy to forget there is an entire academic system that surrounds these students.

The goal of the system is to get students through their doctorate degrees, but the prevalence of several common issues affecting students is leading some professors to think the system needs serious adjustment.

One important piece of the puzzle is mental health resources for PhD students.

A survey done by the University of California, Berkeley found that, of those surveyed, 47 per cent reached the threshold considered depression. This was a higher level than seen in master’s students, which was 37 per cent.

The report found that the number one factor determining levels of satisfaction with life and depression was career outlook, followed by physical health, living conditions, academic engagement, social support, and financial confidence.

“I think that as a university, we’re only beginning to see how challenging it is to deal with the mental health challenges of our graduate students,” said Michael Orsini, vice-dean of graduate studies in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the U of O.

He also says that in some cases, there’s an implicit assumption by some people that grad students should be able to handle themselves. “Somehow there’s an assumption that you can’t be a graduate student but also experiencing these mental health challenges, and I think that’s wrong.”

Orsini said the PhD process can be difficult in itself, especially the periods of isolation that can come with it. “It’s not surprising that we’re encountering students who are really struggling,” he said. “I really do think it’s one of the biggest challenges facing us in graduate studies right now.”

Another factor is the gap in costs for international students, who face significantly higher tuition rates than domestic students at Canadian universities. This means they may not be able to attend them, and even if they are able to go, professors with research budgets may not be able to afford to take them.

“It’s hard for (international students) to actually afford to go here,” said Baker.  “When they apply, I write them back and say, you realize you’re going to have to pay all this money, I can’t give you more money so you can cover three times the tuition, so then I don’t hear from them again usually.”

Yahya Albkari, a PhD student in chemistry who originally hails from Libya, said it was hard to find a supervisor when he was applying. “You have to find a supervisor, it’s very difficult because of the tuition fees,” he said. While some professors have research budgets to pay PhDs, the high cost of international students can get in the way. “Most supervisors can’t do that, so it’s very, very tough to get accepted, especially here in Canada for international students.”

Baker said that the lack of international students in PhD programs is not ideal for him. “I would like to have some of the best students from other countries as well, because you’re really looking for the quality student, and other people who want to succeed,” he said.

“It’s just an unfortunate thing for the international students, because they’re excited to come, and then I have to tell them ‘maybe you want to go to a different university.’”

So… is it worth it?

So, after contending with all these factors that are affecting today’s PhD students, what’s the final verdict? Is it worth it?

Well, anyone at least partially steeped in the world of academia won’t be surprised by the answer—it depends.

The fact is, outcomes vary widely based on the the topic of the PhD, the person themselves, and other factors like a chance scientific discovery. But it can’t be denied that there are serious challenges students have to overcome to finish and profit from their doctoral degrees.

There are many factors to consider beyond if you like the subject or want a job in it. Studying the job market and how it might change is important, as is learning about the lifestyle of those taking and graduated from the PhD program. There are still large problems to be fixed, like the lack of full understanding of how to adapt to people’s mental health needs. And in some cases, like those of international students, you may not even be afforded the choice of completing a PhD in Canada.

The decision to get a PhD is more complex than ever. So if you are considering it, make sure to study up.

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Is a PhD in Physics Worth the Struggle?

• Thread starter Meta14
• Start date Mar 30, 2012
• Tags Phd Point
• Mar 30, 2012

A PF Electron

• Floquet engineering tunes ultracold molecule interactions and produces two-axis twisting dynamics
• Experimental data help unravel the mystery surrounding the creation of heavy elements in stars
• Latent information carried by photons enables super-precise spectrometer

The real question to ask yourself is why do you want a PhD? I'm a biologist and I'm hoping to start a PhD later this year (got a place just need the funding). I completed my BSc and MSc and want to continue to a PhD because I love research and want to have an academic career in regenerative medicine research. For that a PhD is a logical step. There are many reasons not to do a PhD; if you want a Monday-Friday 9-5 job where you can go in, do a bit of science or engineering and go home then a PhD isn't for you. If you want to earn lots of money and have a good social life then a PhD isn't for you. If you want a PhD because you find a subject interesting then a PhD maybe isn't for you (you have to really care to want to spend so much time and energy). So that's it really, why do you want a PhD?  

A PF Molecule

• Apr 3, 2012

Ryan_m_b said: If you want to earn lots of money and have a good social life then a PhD isn't for you.

• Apr 10, 2012

I can understand your fascination with physics and your desire to pursue a PhD in the field. It is a challenging and rewarding path to take, and I commend you for your efforts thus far. Pursuing a PhD is a significant commitment, both in terms of time and effort, and it is important to carefully consider if it is the right path for you. I cannot speak for everyone's experiences, but I can share my own journey in pursuing a PhD. It was certainly a challenging and at times, a daunting task. However, the knowledge and skills I gained, and the contributions I made to my field, were well worth the struggles. It is a journey that requires determination, perseverance, and a strong passion for the subject. That being said, it is also important to keep in mind that a PhD is not the only path to a successful career in physics. There are many opportunities in research, industry, and academia for those with a bachelor's or master's degree in physics. It ultimately depends on your individual goals and interests. If you are truly passionate about physics and determined to pursue a PhD, I would encourage you to continue your efforts and seek guidance from mentors and advisors in the field. They can provide valuable insights and advice on your academic progress and potential paths for your future. Ultimately, the decision to pursue a PhD should be based on your own personal goals and aspirations, and not solely on external factors such as academic progress. I wish you all the best in your academic journey, and I hope you find success and fulfillment in whatever path you choose. Remember, the pursuit of knowledge and understanding is a lifelong journey, and a PhD is just one step on that journey.  

FAQ: Is a PhD in Physics Worth the Struggle?

What is the benefit of getting a phd.

Obtaining a PhD can open up a variety of opportunities in both academia and industry. It can lead to higher salary potential, increased job security, and the ability to conduct independent research.

How long does it typically take to earn a PhD?

The length of time it takes to earn a PhD can vary depending on the field of study and the individual's pace. On average, it takes 4-6 years to complete a PhD program, with some programs lasting up to 8 years.

Is a PhD necessary for a successful career in science?

While a PhD can certainly enhance one's career prospects in the field of science, it is not always necessary. Many successful scientists have made significant contributions without holding a PhD. However, a PhD can provide a strong foundation for a career in research and can open up opportunities for advancement.

What is the difference between a PhD and a master's degree?

A PhD is a more advanced degree than a master's and typically requires a longer period of study. While a master's degree focuses on building knowledge in a specific area, a PhD involves original research and the creation of new knowledge in a particular field.

What are the common requirements for earning a PhD?

The specific requirements for earning a PhD can vary depending on the university and program. However, common requirements include completing coursework, passing comprehensive exams, conducting original research, and defending a dissertation. Many programs also require students to teach or assist with teaching courses in their field.

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