• Question: How do you become a theoretical physicist?

    Asked by KaciG on 17 Mar 2025.
    • Photo: Charlotte Slade

      Charlotte Slade answered on 17 Mar 2025:

      It usually starts with being that kid who was CONSTANTLY asking ‘why’ (whether out loud or in your own head)! 🔬

      You’ll find that most journeys aren’t some magical straight path. But here’s a rough pitch:

      Stuff you’ll need:
      • A brain that loves solving puzzles
      • Patience (like, SERIOUS patience)
      • Comfort with feeling confused 90% of the time
      • A sense of humour about complicated maths

      An actual educational route:
      • Maths and Physics A-levels (because, of course)
      • University Physics (or Maths & Physics) degree
      • PhD (where you basically became a professional “figure stuff out” expert for other scientists too)

      The stuff nobody tells you:
      • It’s less about being a genius
      • More about being stubborn and curious
      • Expect to fail. A LOT.
      • Some days you’ll feel like the smartest person alive
      • Other days you’ll feel like you understand nothing

      My physics teachers were legends who made complex stuff feel like exciting mysteries. They showed me science isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about asking better questions.

      Pro survival tip: Find people who get excited about your weird scientific thoughts. Those are your people.

      Warning: Lots of maths, occasional existential crises, and moments of pure ‘WHOA’ when something clicks.

      Basically, theoretical physics is for people who love solving the universe’s most complicated puzzles. Sound like you? 😄✨

    • Photo: Martin McCoustra

      Martin McCoustra answered on 20 Mar 2025:

      I’d agree with Charlotte… I started out asking lots of why and how does that work questions. I then did science at school and went to university to do my undergraduate and research degrees.

    • Photo: Rachael Eggleston

      Rachael Eggleston answered on 20 Mar 2025:

      I’m not a physicist, so I wouldn’t know the details! But curiosity, especially around ‘why’, is very important, as is a willingness to work hard and fail (over and over and over again, most likely!). I also imagine you’ll need to do a bachelor’s, maybe a master’s, and then a PhD/doctorate, depending on the exact research you’d want to do.

    • Photo: Andreas Korn

      Andreas Korn answered on 21 Mar 2025:

      Curiosity is essential. Acquiring solid maths skills (and corresponding A Levels!) are a good first step!

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