According to rumors,17-year-old Lucas Tse has been admitted to Cambridge to study physics this autumn. Though not officially confirmed, reports suggest he achieved impressive academic results: AAA in A-Levels and a perfect score in STEP II (Sixth Term Examination Paper II), the mathematics entrance exam for Cambridge.
Lucas completed five years of international school curriculum in just three years and has long shown a talent for science. He even recreated a robotic arm his father designed a decade ago. This combination of academic excellence and hands-on skills undoubtedly boosted his application.
According to the university’s official data, the global admission rate for Cambridge’s Physics Department is only 7.3%. As one of the top science programs in the world, it is part of the prestigious Cavendish Laboratory, home to more than 30 Nobel laureates.
However, while the program remains elite, physics departments across the UK are under unprecedented strain. A recent report from the Institute of Physics warns that up to 25% of university physics departments could face closure in the coming years.
1. Declining Student Numbers
Although the number of physics graduates has grown over the past decade, it remains well below the demand for STEM talent in the UK. After peaking in 2020–2021, student numbers began to decline in 2021–2022 and continued falling through 2022–2023. PhD enrollment shows a similar trend.
Despite a rise in A-Level physics participation, this has not translated into steady growth at the university level. Interest in applying for physics degrees is declining, putting long-term pressure on the field.
2. Insufficient Research Funding
Physics research is heavily dependent on equipment and experimental conditions, but funding is increasingly tight. Although the UK Research and Innovation has raised overall grants, only about one-third of physics-related funding goes to physics departments.
In 2024, they received £413 million—just 12% of total research funding, and this share is shrinking each year. Success rates in major funding programs such as the Future Leadership Fellowships remain low for physics, making it harder for young researchers to secure grants and retain talent.
3. Mounting Financial Pressure on Universities
Persistent funding shortages, inflation, and a drop in international student enrollment have pushed the UK higher education system into its worst financial crisis in decades. While domestic tuition fees have increased to £9,535, teaching quality has not kept pace. Rising pension costs further add to the burden.
Many universities are forced to cut research and teaching budgets, while stricter regulations spread resources thin, threatening academic quality and operational stability.
4. Departmental and Staff Pressure
Interviews with 31 heads of physics departments by the IOP revealed widespread strain:
• 3 departments at risk of closure
• 11 expected to discontinue courses
• 23 planning staff cuts
• 11 considering mergers or restructures
• 7 facing facility downsizing or closure
• 21 expecting reduced administrative support
5. Course and Research Reductions
According to data from the Office for Students, the number of undergraduate physics and astronomy courses has fallen by 7% since 2019–2020. Some universities are considering cutting master’s programs and elective pathways, with subfields like geophysics also affected.
This reduces student choice and risks creating gaps in cutting-edge research.
Physics underpins many transformative technologies—from zero-carbon energy and smart infrastructure to next-generation medical innovations. But its future depends on stable investment, adequate lab facilities, and strong institutional support. Governments, universities, and research bodies must work together to keep the discipline thriving.
For individuals, understanding trends and choosing the right program and institution can make all the difference. And we can help you take that step forward.
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