Career options with Chemistry

Chemistry and the chemical sciences offer access to a varied range of careers. For those who study chemical science to a higher level, the challenges and rewards are significant.

Chemistry is the study of substances, what they are made of, how they interact and what role they play in living things. In fact it is the study of all materials and is vital to every aspect of your lives. From the moment you are born and throughout your life you are surrounded by chemistry; in the air you breathe, the food you eat and the clothes you wear.

Chemistry and the chemical sciences open up a world of possibilities and expand your choices. No matter how the world changes in the 21st century, chemistry will always be at the centre of science and at the heart of life. A training in chemistry or the chemical sciences gives you the skills needed for a wide range of careers.

What do chemists do?

Chemists make medicines that help in the fight against cancer and AIDS; improve the colour and taste of foods; investigate the formulations for cosmetics; measure the alcohol content of drinks; improve the way that new materials are used in, eg, roller blades and mountain bikes; and protect the environment for future generations.

More specifically chemists and chemical scientists work in a vast number of key areas.

Careers in industry

We live in an age of chemistry-based technology, and future demands will require chemical expertise in many areas of the chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. There are many different areas you could work in for example;
Research and development, Production, Marketing and sales, Management, etc.

Careers in commerce

After the chemical industry, the commercial sector is one of the largest employers of chemistry graduates.

A chemistry degree is a good training for the world of commerce and employers recognise the key skills of numeracy, problem-solving and communication that are an integral part of all chemistry courses. Whether in accountancy or banking, a chemistry degree can open the door to a successful career in the financial world.

Teaching and lecturing

The teaching and lecturing professions have much to offer. They present you with challenges and rewards that few other jobs can offer - including variety and constant intellectual stimulation. You should have an in-depth subject knowledge and be able to use a range of suitable teaching techniques which help your students to learn in a stimulating environment.

Science Journalism

Science journalists have a role to play in acting as intermediaries between science and the public. They have a crucial role in explaining technological innovations and the complex technicalities of the latest discoveries in pure science, whether working in television, radio, newspapers or specialist science magazines.

Careers in law

Patent agents are professionals who have a grounding in science and are trained in specialist areas of law.

The majority of students that qualify as solicitors do so after having studied law at university or college. However, there are opportunities available for non-law graduates and non-graduates to enter the profession.

The Royal Society of Chemistry is the UK Professional Body for chemical scientists and an international Learned Society for the chemical sciences with 46,000 members world-wide. It is a major international publisher of chemical information, supports the teaching of the chemical sciences at all levels and is a leader in bringing science to the public.

Further information and careers advice can be obtained from the Education Department, Royal Society of Chemistry, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, W1J OBA.; email education@rsc.org, tel 0207 440 3344, www.rsc.org and www.chemsoc.org

Please also see: Pharmacy Courses in the UK

Science / Engineering courses / colleges