What can I do with my science degree in...?

Choose your subject: chemistry | biological sciences | biochemistry | physics | environmental sciences

Graduate job options with a chemistry degree

A degree in chemistry could lead you to a graduate career in:

• Analytical chemistry: analyse chemicals and investigate their properties to develop new products and treatments.
• Chemoinformatics: combine chemical expertise with informatics techniques to assess large quantities of information and address chemical issues.
• Forensic science: investigate crime scenes and analyse samples.
• Materials research: conduct technical investigations into the characteristics of various materials.
• Pharmaceuticals: manufacture, develop and research new pharmaceutical products.

Graduate jobs options with a biological science degree

There are a wide range of graduate careers involving biology, including:

• Agriculture: modern farming is a high-tech business that needs scientists to continue making technical advances in the development and manufacture of chemicals and machinery.
• Bioinformatics: use computational and informatics techniques to analyse large quantities of data and solve biological problems.
• Biomedicine: the healthcare industry needs scientists for diagnosis, treatment and medical research. Most work is laboratory based.
• Environment: promote a positive attitude to the environment by working for government agencies, consultancies, research organisations or in industry.
• Food and drink: develop new products and test all stages of food production – you could be a beer scientist!
• Genetics: test for genetic problems, research solutions and counsel sufferers/patients.
• Horticulture: research into horticultural issues.
• Marine biology: increased environmental awareness means marine scientists are needed for research, education and resource management.
• Natural resources: work with natural resources such as water, fish, forests and the countryside – for recreation, industry and research.

Graduate job options with a biochemistry degree

You don't have to leave biochemistry behind when you start your graduate career. Here are just a few of the areas you could work in.

• Agriculture: develop and manufacture products to facilitate successful modern farming.
• Biotechnology: use biological systems to manufacture or modify products or processes.
• Forensic science: analyse samples found at crime scenes to discover what happened.
• Genetics: analyse genetic problems and work on the human genome project.
• Pharmaceuticals: research, develop and manufacture new pharmaceutical products.

Graduate job options with a physics degree

There is no physics industry as such but physicists can find graduate jobs in practically any career sector. Some positions require technical skills and scientific knowledge while others simply exploit the positive characteristics of a physics-trained brain. Graduate career possibilities include:

• Aerospace and defence: design aircraft instruments and computer-aided flight systems. Or be a rocket scientist!
• Automotive: be at the forefront of automotive technology by designing and manufacturing motor vehicles.
• Computing: design, test, implement and maintain computer hardware and software.
• Engineering: most branches of engineering require physicists to work in areas such as electronic systems, materials production, etc.
• Meteorology: use observations to predict weather and analyse weather systems.
• Research and development: investigate physical properties of materials to improve processes and products.
• Telecommunications: work to improve telecommunications through optoelectronics, microwaves and radio communication systems.

Graduate job options with an environmental science degree

Your environmental science degree opens a range of graduate career doors. Possible areas of work include:

• Conservation: protect the natural landscape and its inhabitants by working with local people, farmers, land managers and voluntary organisations.
• Ecology: examine natural cycles and ecosystems and work for their preservation.
• Energy: provide energy saving solutions for buildings and raise awareness of renewable energy sources.
• Environmental management: assess the environmental impact of businesses and reduce pollution, contamination and waste production.
• Sustainability: promote environmentally-friendly attitudes in all aspects of life.
• Waste management: reduce the amount of waste produced and encourage recycling opportunities.