Changing career to an experimentalist from a Theoretical Physics Major

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The discussion centers on a physics student at Imperial College London who is pursuing a degree in theoretical physics but has a strong interest in transitioning to experimental physics for future research opportunities. The student expresses concerns about the implications of their current degree choice on their ability to pursue an experimental physics Master's program, emphasizing a preference for hands-on research and a belief that experimentalists may have better job prospects in industry. The student also notes the importance of theoretical knowledge for experimental work and mentions plans to engage in computing projects. There is a concern about the employability of those specializing in theoretical physics, particularly in niche areas, and a desire for insights from others with similar experiences. The conversation highlights the flexibility of transitioning between different levels of academic programs in physics.
Jamesngai
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Hi everyone,
I 'm doing a physics degree in Imperial College london, I have a tendency to do experimental physics research in the future, however, I applied to the theoretical physics course 3 years ago, which means (a year less labs than the experimental physicists, I made this decision because I thought it maybe easier for me to get a first degree in theoretical phyiscs , also I thought that to be a good experimentalist you need a strong theoretical understanding first P.S. It's too late to change degree now : \ I would like to ask if anyone has similar experience? Do I need an experimental physics major to do an experimental based Master programme? I would eventually want to work in industry and academia carrying out experimental research.

P.S. I will be doing a computing project (theory) and a computing course in my third year.

There are two main reasons I want to do experimental physics , firstly, I consider myself as an observer , I have a higher tendency to gather evidence rather than predicting "outcomes" like theorists do. Secondly, I think being an experimentalist has more funding and is more closely related to industrial research. I have heard many people doing hard core theoretical physics like QFFF and became unemployable, as these programmes are not heavily funded and or is it not true? Is there any advantages doing theory over experimental at all?

I welcome any help or opinions from any background. I would like to say thanks in advance.
 
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Switching between a BSc and a MSc should be no problem at all. Even switching between a MSc and a PhD position is not uncommon - just afterwards it gets tricky.
 
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Thanks Mfb ! You really encouraged me to continue to pursue my dream ! ! I will do more research on this .
 
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