Careers questions
Are you doing GCSEs or A-levels? We’ve answered some frequently asked questions to help you learn more about a career in science.
Click a question.
How should I choose what to study at university?
Do I have take biology, chemistry AND physics at A-level to do science at university?
Do I have to go to university to get into science?
Will studying science at university restrict my career options when I graduate?
What is the workload of science student like at university?
Can I do work placements as part of my science degree?
What kinds of jobs can I do with a science qualification?
How much will I earn as a science graduate?
Is science still a male-dominated world?
Getting there
How should I choose what to study at university?
Think about your strengths and weaknesses – what are you good at and what do you find a challenge?
Ask your friends and family – they know your personality well, so what can they see you doing?
Don’t forget that science also involves a generous amount of creativity and thinking outside the box.
Try and speak to people who have studied science to see what it’s like.
Go to science exhibitions and read science books or magazines to find out what you’re really interested in.
If you’re already a student, try to get some work experience. This may help you decide what you want to do, and will look good on your CV.
Do I have take biology, chemistry AND physics at A-level to do science at university?
Check the university prospectus or ask your schools career advisor.
It may also be worth considering other kinds of higher education qualifications, such as HNDs or foundation degrees, which provide more vocational training and prepare you for a career in a particular area.
If you have already started work, bear in mind that your employer may be willing for you to study for a qualification part-time if it is important to your job.
Go to the UCAS website for more details.
Do I have to go to university to get into science?
Not necessarily, though many science jobs do require a science degree. But other options are available such as traineeships, where you learn on the job. For a career in research, you’ll need to start off with a science degree and work for a postgraduate degree too.
Studying science – what to expect
Will studying science at university restrict my career options when I graduate?
Not at all. Employers view science graduates favourably because of the logical and analytical skills they have learnt. Many science graduates later find themselves applying these skills in non-science jobs such as investment banking, the civil service and management consultancy.
What is the workload of science student like at university?
Can I do work placements as part of my science degree?
Some universities offer sandwich courses. These courses give you the opportunity to spend a year in industry and apply your skills in the workplace.
You could also think about doing a summer placement or internship while you are a university student. Ask your careers advisor for details of places that run these schemes. Many internships are voluntary and therefore unpaid, but they may reimburse your travel expenses, and are a great way of getting some experience.
Jobs in science and medicine
What kinds of jobs can I do with a science qualification?
These days there are lots of possibilities! You could end up being a
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How much will I earn as a science graduate?
Is science still a male-dominated world?
It depends on what area you work in. Jobs in the physical sciences and engineering are still quite male-dominated, but for jobs in the biological sciences the split is more equal. And jobs in psychology actually tend to attract more females than males.
Find out more about the options for women in science, engineering and technology here.
