簡介：There has been constant concern about the state of physics in recent years, with sixth-form numbers dropping and university departments closing. But applications were up by an astonishing 18 per cent in 2011 and even the prospect of ￡9,000 fees could not prevent another big rise in 2012. The 8 per cent growth in the demand for places even gave physics more applications than chemistry for the first time. The “Brian Cox effect” has been credited with the recent boom in popularity, in recognition of the engaging Manchester University professor’s many television appearances. There were almost six applications to the place in 2011 and physics is now one of the most competitive tables, with high scores among the leading universities. No fewer than nine universities, led by top-placed Cambridge, average more than 500 points at entry. Like last year, Cambridge has a slim lead over St Andrews, while Oxford has regained third place. Aberdeen, in 20th place, was the only university to see over 90 per cent of its physicists find graduate-level employment or a postgraduate course within six months of completing a degree in 2010. But physics is among the top ten subjects nationally for employment prospects. Although unemployment is above average, at 11 per cent, almost half of all graduates continue their studies, either full or part-time. Physics has also produced consistently high scores in the National Student Survey, with almost every university satisfying at least three quarters of their undergraduates in the 2011 results. Sussex, in fifth place, has the most satisfied students, with Lancaster close behind. By contrast, physics was one of the lowest-scoring subjects in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. Under the new scoring system used in the table this year, Lancaster shares the top score with Cambridge, St Andrews and Nottingham. Swansea has overtaken Cardiff to become the leading university in Wales for physics. Hertfordshire is the highest-placed of the five post-1992 universities in the table. Most universities demand physics and maths at A level for both physics and astronomy, as well as good grades overall. Only one undergraduate in five is female and a similarly small proportion arrives without A levels or their equivalent. About 5 per cent transfer to other courses or drop out, usually at the end of the first year, but well over half of those who remain get firsts or 2:1s. The subjects are in the top 12 for starting salaries, averaging more than ￡23,650 in graduate-level jobs.以下是2013年Times物理和天文排名。