People who study physics, chemistry and biology A-levels are likely to earn more than students of other subjects, research claims.

Professor Geraint Johnes, from the University of Lancaster management school, compared students’ A-level choices with later salaries and found that people who took science subjects together were paid the most. Those who studied English, French or history produced the lowest return, he suggested.

Physics’ ‘nerdy’ image has done little to attract new blood, with many students opting for ‘trendier’ subjects as a career choice.

Dr Julia King, chief executive of the Institute of Physics, suggested that physics students were more desirable in industry and business, however. “Students who think physics is nerdy could find they will pay for it in later life. Not only is physics rigorous analytical training, it also teaches approaches to solving problems in a creative way,” she claimed.