Chemistry degrees have a good reputation and are very popular amongst employers because graduates are numerate, with excellent problem solving and analytical skills.
- Analytical chemist
- Chemical engineer
- Healthcare scientist, clinical biochemistry
- Forensic scientist
- Pharmacologist
- Research scientist
- Toxicologist
Jobs where a chemistry degree would be useful include:
- Chartered certified accountant
- Environmental consultant
- Higher education lecturer
- Patent attorney
- Science writer
- Lawyer
Careers in Chemistry
Where to find job adverts for Chemists
Subjects to study at A Level:
Chemistry, Mathematics (if maths not taken at A Level, then some degrees require an A at Mathematics GCSE), Physics and Biology.
Wider reading:
The Mole Magazine, Chemistry World and Chemical Review. An ability to discuss current advances within the chemical field, both in the UK and globally is essential.
Top Universities:
- Cambridge
- Oxford
- Durham
- Imperial College London
- Warwick
- St Andrews
- York
- Edinburgh
- Bristol
- Bath
(check UCAS website for entry requirements for these universities: www.ucas.com)
Top Tips
Sometimes, during your first year at university it is possible to switch onto other chemistry courses (within the same university/department) which asked for higher entry requirements than the course you are on!
Other interesting information:
Chemistry – A Level is essential if you want to study Medicine but Biology is often only required to AS Level (it is preferred that you have both).
An MChem is a 4 year undergraduate degree and is preferred if you want a research based career or continue on to PhD level.
The Royal Society of Chemistry – https://www.chemistryworld.com/
Science Daily – http://www.sciencedaily.com/
Independent research shows that the average chemistry graduate earns substantially more over a lifetime than graduates of many other disciplines. A degree in chemistry could increase your lifetime earnings by £190,000 compared to what you could achieve with two A Levels, and by £60,000 compared to most other graduates (www.rsc.org.uk).
Internships and Work Experience:
If you have the option it is advised that you undertake an industrial placement as an undergraduate. Obtaining some relevant work experience is a valuable way of gaining an insight into your options and building your CV. If your chosen company does not offer a formal scheme, try sending a speculative CV asking for work shadowing or short-term work experience this can be done at A Level too.
Volunteering is another excellent way of enhancing your CV. Although you may not find many opportunities that directly relate to a chemistry degree, there are many schemes that focus on related areas such as the environment, sustainability, ethics and medicine.
Useful places to look for Chemistry related work placements and internships:
- Try contacting your local Education Business Partnership and or your local STEMNET contract holder
- The Nuffield Foundation offer research placements to over 1,000 students.
- The British Science Association Crest Awards scheme can help students gain key employability skills.
- The Year in Industry (YINI) is the UK’s leading student placement expert who may be able to offer you one year placements before you start university.