The Big Question: Does it really matter if the number of students studying physics is falling?

Why are we interested in this?

The study of physics in schools and universities is in long-term decline, according to a report by a leading academic published today. The number of A-level exam entries in the subject has halved since 1982, the research from the University of Buckingham found. Just over 3.8 per cent of 16-year-olds took A-level physics in 2004 compared with about 6 per cent in 1990.

The decline has hit all types of schools but independent schools and academically selective grammar schools have been less affected than further-education colleges.

The proportion of A-level physics students who go on to study the subject at university has remained roughly constant, at 8 per cent, with a further 2 per cent studying related courses such as materials science or astronomy. But the slump in A-level numbers has had a knock-on effect on university departments. One in four universities that previously had significant numbers of undergraduates studying physics has stopped teaching the subject since 1994.

Why are fewer students choosing to study physics?

Many scientists blame the introduction of the national curriculum in 1988 for driving schools away from separate exams in physics, chemistry and biology towards a GCSE combined science course.

The vast majority of GCSE students now take double-award science exams, worth two GCSEs. Independent schools and grammar schools are most likely to still insist on pupils studying for separate qualifications in the sciences; critics argue that the double science course does not prepare students adequately for A-level science, leading to many good students lacking the confidence to choose A-level physics.

There has also been a worrying decline in the number of specialist physics teachers working in schools. Science in schools is increasingly being taught by biologists. Only one in five science teachers (19 per cent) is qualified in physics compared to 25 per cent in chemistry and 44 per cent in biology.

More than one in four state schools without a sixth form does not have a single physics specialist on its staff.

Physics also has an image problem. Many teenagers still associate the subject with dusty laboratories and wild-haired professors. Students believe it is a hard subject and are increasingly choosing A-levels in subjects that they believe are easier in order to maximise their grades.

So what are they studying instead?

While the popularity of physics A-level has plummeted, other subjects have enjoyed unprecedented increases in student numbers in recent years.

More students took A-levels in media studies (28,281) than physics (28,119) for the first time last summer. The number of students taking A-level media studies has nearly doubled since 2000, making it the fastest growing subject closely followed by religious studies and psychology.

Sixth formers are attempting to maximise their chances of getting into university by opting for so-called "soft" options such as media studies and psychology.

At university, only 10 per cent of students with A-level physics will go on to study physics-related subjects, while a further 8 per cent will study another physical science. Students with physics A-levels are going on to study a wider range of subjects than ever before including architecture, creative arts and business studies.

Does this decline really matter?

Physicists contribute a vast amount to the economy. Physics-based industry alone employs over 1.79 million people in the UK and contributes over £130bn in export value to the UK economy. Engineering, electronics, mobile phones, computers, television and CD technology are all underpinned by physics.

Advances such as ultrasound and MRI scans used in medicine and the internet were developed by physicists. Professor Peter Main, head of science and education at the Institute of Physics says: "There is a tendency that whenever physics becomes useful we call it something else. Physics really underpins all of engineering and a great deal of science. About half of all manufacturing industry in this country is physics."

What do physics students learn?

Physics provides an understanding of the basic principles that underpin the world. It is concerned with observing natural phenomena, trying to understand these and to predict what might happen in new and unknown situations.

Physics deals with profound questions about the nature of the universe, and with some of the most important, practical, environmental and technological issues of our time.

Students taking the subject at successive levels will build on their previous study of the subject. A-level and undergraduate physics cover fundamental areas of "classical" physics: the mechanics of particles, special relativity, and the physics of electric and magnetic fields.

Degree-level physics will include many different branches of the subject, such as atomic and sub-atomic physics, astrophysics and atmospheric physics.

Do physics graduates get jobs easily?

Physics graduates are in great demand from employers. Research has also shown that they can command higher salaries.

According to a Pricewaterhouse Coopers report, a graduate in physics or chemistry earns around £187,000 more during their career than someone with A-levels but no degree. History and English graduates increase their earnings by only about half as much.

Taking just a physics A-level can boost your earning power. Physics combined with other science A-levels also came out top in a recent report that analysed which was the best combination of A-levels to study to boost future earnings.

The report, by Professor Geraint Johnes from the University of Lancaster Management School, found that the highest salaries were enjoyed by those who took physics, chemistry and biology together at A-level.

Conversely, it was found that the lowest rate of return came from studying English, history and French.

Does it make a difference if students choose 'soft subjects' rather than physics?

Yes...

* The economy will suffer. Innovations by physicists are worth billions to the UK

* Everyone should understand the physical laws governing our world and the universe

* Young people should study useful subjects, not just opt for fashionable courses

No...

* Young people should choose subjects that interest them as that will lead them to do their best work

* Most people never need to use any of the physics they learned at school

* The economy is constantly changing and "soft" skills are becoming increasingly important

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