Science Careers
Qualifications in science can lead to opportunities in fields such as medicine, the
pharmaceutical industry, teaching, the land-based industries and environmental
work. You can get into a basic scientific job with GCSEs or the equivalent.
However, with science and technology continually advancing, most opportunities
require qualifications at degree level or above.
Do any of the following appeal to you?

developing new materials for the aerospace industry

taking water samples to monitor pollution levels in rivers

doing quality-control work on a new range of dips for a food manufacturer

researching new drugs for cancer treatment

inventing new products

working with athletes to improve their performance

developing environmentally friendly clothes

using telescopes to discover previously unseen parts of space

researching ways of protecting crops through biological control
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investigating new, sustainable energy sources

dating artefacts from archaeological digs
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analysing the results of stem-cell experiments in mice

designing new knee-replacement joints.
All of these things (and many more) are done by scientists working in the fields of
healthcare, the environment, space science and technology, and so on!
Science is about understanding. Sometimes this understanding can help us to
improve the world we live in. It relates to just about every aspect of our lives our working environment, leisure time and our health. Scientists observe, measure,
record, question their findings and experiment further. Usually, the scientist has
a particular purpose in mind, but some exciting discoveries are made by accident.
Biology, chemistry, physics and maths are the basis of scientific careers - and
there are plenty of opportunities to specialise.
What it takes
Scientists need:

plenty of patience and perseverance

good observational skills and an enquiring mind

practical problem-solving skills
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accuracy and attention to detail

good communication skills

teamwork skills.
There are all sorts of jobs that use science on a daily basis. Have a look at the
leaflets listed at the end for careers that may interest you.
Entry to scientific work
Jobs available to people with GCSEs, A levels or the equivalent
Entry at these levels is possible, but the career openings in truly scientific work
are limited. There are trainee technician posts, but, if you want a professional
scientific career, you must expect to go on to higher education and take a
foundation degree, HND or degree course. Often, positions open to those with
GCSEs, A levels or the equivalent are, in practice, taken by those with higherlevel qualifications.
There are some jobs that require some scientific understanding, but where other
skills may be more important - for example, in beauty therapy or photography.
Most scientific jobs at GCSE/A level entry standard involve doing routine support
work in laboratories:

in many areas of industry (e.g. chemical production, food processing,
engineering, defence, telecommunications)

in medicine and healthcare (e.g. as a pharmacy technician or healthcare science
support worker, or working in aspects of clinical physiology)

in government agencies or government-funded research institutions.
Once working at technician level, it may be possible to go on to higher levels of
work by taking part-time further or higher education courses. Sponsorship may be
available.
Science-related Intermediate and Advanced Level Apprenticeships, leading to
qualifications at levels 2 and 3 respectively, are available in areas of work such as
health, construction and engineering. Young people should contact their local
Connexions/careers service for details of opportunities in their area.
Jobs at degree level
There are many more opportunities with this level of qualification, depending on
the degree subject offered. This is the minimum level you need to enter
professional scientific work. To be a doctor, chemical engineer or science teacher,
for example, you will need to continue studying beyond your degree. Some of these
careers require postgraduate study and all will need you to undergo continuing
professional development. There are also jobs at HNC/HND or foundation degree
level, but if you have the chance to convert these qualifications to a full degree,
there will be more opportunities open to you.
Science graduates are also in demand in areas of work unrelated to science, such
as law, accountancy, banking, the police and retail management, because of their
analytical and numerical skills.
Prospects and pay
With experience and, for some jobs, further qualifications, promotion is possible
to more senior positions. There are opportunities for work overseas.
Technicians can earn £12-20,000 - more in senior posts. Graduate scientists
usually start on around £16-20,000, increasing with experience and promotion to
£40,000+.
Choosing your GCSEs
At GCSE level, you can take a single science exam, which covers the core of
scientific knowledge, plus one of a range of other science options - additional
science, additional applied science or individual science subjects. Alternatively,
your school may offer you the chance to take all three separate science subjects,
i.e. biology, chemistry and physics. Normally, for scientific careers, two science
GCSEs are a minimum requirement. Other qualifications that may be available
include the BTEC Level 2 First in applied science.
If you are serious about a career in science, you should try to take as many
science courses as possible to keep your options open.
Choosing Level 3 subjects
AS and A levels
At AS and A level, chemistry, physics and biology are available as separate
subjects. In addition to these three sciences, maths is a valuable AS/A level
option. Your school/college may also offer an AS/A level course in applied science,
which is available as a single or double award. This is a more practical, workrelated course. The emphasis is on the skills and knowledge needed in the
workplace. Other A levels with a science content include engineering, applied ICT,
psychology, environmental studies, human biology, and health and social care.
Other level 3 qualifications
BTEC Level 3 National courses are available in a range of applied science subjects.
Advanced Diplomas (available in England) cover broad areas of work and include
some subjects with a scientific component, such as engineering, environmental and
land-based studies, and manufacturing and product design. Other science-related
courses at level 3 are available, such as those leading to certain City & Guilds
qualifications. Look at local college prospectuses, directories and websites to get
an idea of the range of courses available.
Getting into higher education
While A levels remain a popular route into higher education (HE), there are an
increasing number of alternative pathways. For example, entry to a degree course
typically requires A levels or the equivalent, such as a double-award applied A
level, a BTEC Level 3 National qualification, or an Advanced Diploma. Check entry
requirements carefully before making your level 3 choices.
If you are considering A levels, but are undecided about which scientific subject
you might want to study at HE level, the A level combination giving most flexibility
is maths, physics and chemistry. This would allow you to apply for HE courses for
medical careers on the one hand, and engineering disciplines on the other. Degree
courses in pure or applied maths, physics or chemistry subjects would also be open
to you. (Virtually all single-subject physics degree courses require maths at A
level and most physics-related courses prefer it at AS or A level.) That's not to
say that you shouldn't consider taking biology A level; think about your own
interests and abilities, take advice and check HE entry requirements as biology
may be an option, or even a requirement, for some courses and careers.
To check the acceptability of particular subjects for HE courses, consult the
reference books and websites mentioned at the end of this leaflet, ask tutors or
personal/careers advisers about the most appropriate subjects for you, look at
individual university prospectuses and their websites, or visit:
www.ucas.com
Year 12 students interested in taking science at HE level can apply to do a
Headstart residential summer school at a university. Some courses are for those
with a particular subject in mind, others are more general. Certain courses are
especially aimed at female students. There are course fees and travel costs, but
financial help may be available for those from low-income families. Ask your
science teacher about the courses, or view:
www.headstartcourses.org.uk
Choosing higher education
There is an extremely wide range of foundation degree, HNC/D and degree
courses to choose from. Science courses at HE level can be roughly divided into
'pure' and 'applied' studies.
Pure science
This is the study of the basic principles of science. At degree level, you can
continue with physics, chemistry or biology, or choose an entirely new subject. You
may have studied some subjects as part of a level 3 course, such as biochemistry,
geology, oceanography, genetics, ecology or physiology.
Courses can be taken as single subjects - physics, chemistry, biology,
astrophysics, for example - or combined with other related subjects, such as
physics with astrophysics, biology and computer science, or chemistry with
pharmacology. There are even combinations such as physics with business
management, biology and history, or chemistry and French. You can then decide
your own level of specialisation.
Applied science
This is about making practical use of scientific principles and discoveries. Courses
include food science, biotechnology, animal science, toxicology, materials science,
meteorology and applied physics. Also in this category are vocational courses, such
as medicine, pharmacy, dietetics and dentistry.
There are a few degree courses that allow you to study a mix of science subjects.
Courses are available in interdisciplinary science (at the University of Leicester),
integrated science (at Canterbury Christ Church University) and natural sciences
(at the University of East Anglia). Check exact course contents and entry
requirements carefully as they do vary.
Postgraduate courses
Many science graduates continue their studies to postgraduate level - an MSc or
PhD for example - which offers an opportunity to specialise even further in the
areas that most interest them.
No science qualifications?
To encourage more people to enter scientific careers, there are courses that
prepare people with few or no qualifications in science-based subjects to gain
entry to scientific HE courses.

Several universities offer extended degree courses, or run degree courses in
science with an initial one-year foundation course in scientific subjects, for
students without the usual requirements, including those with non-science A
levels.

Many colleges of further education run Access to science courses for students
with no formal qualifications.