Physics or Physics with Astrophysics?

[IceCrystal]

In a physics degree there is the option of choosing an astronomy module, which I would choose, and having done this it means in the final year there is the option of choosing an astrophysics module or alternatively another physics module. Either of which would be of interest to me.

If I choose the Astrophysics module, my final degree title will be
Physics with Astrophysics.

If instead I choose another physics module my degree will be Physics.

After graduation, would there be any benefit in one degree title over the other?

 

[Leo]

What field do you ultimately hope to work in?

 

[Gervan]

Leo's question is the key to your decision. "Physics" would get you entry into a wider field of jobs. I would only advise "with Astrophysics" if that is definitely your career choice.

 

[IceCrystal]

What field do you ultimately hope to work in?

I honestly don't know.
Possibly some type of research sounds good, but that's just a vague idea to be honest. Research in what, I don't know. At this stage, just don't know.

"Physics" would get you entry into a wider field of jobs. .

Are you sure? Would it also not just be seen by employers, quite correctly, as being just as quantitative a degree as straight Physics?

Someone informed me that if I wanted to go into middle management a Physics with Astrophysics degree might make my CV stand out against the other plain-science majors.

 

[Gervan]

I can't be sure about being more generally accepted, it's a personal opinion.
But I would wonder why you hadn't gone into Astrophysics, after studying it. I would wonder if you had failed to make the grade.

 

[One]

I work in a science field, and my brother did a degree in physics. In my opinion I don't think it honestly matters an awful lot. It might keep your degree interesting to you if you study astrophysics, but I think the reality is that there is not an awful lot of astrophysical work in industry. Just be sure to get good results, and when you get a choice in 3rd or 4th year to choose a project/dissertation, choose one that involves what you think would be close to the type of work that you may end up doing while in employment, as opposed to something completely theortical. (BUt maybe choose something completelly theoretical if you want to go into research).