Science

So much of what we know — from the atoms we’re made of to the origins of the universe — is the result of scientific research and experiment.

But if you don’t necessarily want to be a scientist (though you might), why study a science degree?

Think of it as an approach to discovering and learning. A way of thinking and questioning the world. Study science and you build transferrable skills which prepare you for many different careers.

Science helps you to look at things in an organised way — to analyse problems and find ways to solve them.

These are skills that can set you up to be anything from a journalist, attorney or software developer to a business owner, packaging designer or sound engineer — or explore a world of careers in the sciences.    

In choosing your science degree, think about the subjects and activities you enjoy, and what kind of career interests you. It may be a particular job, or choice of careers, or an industry — or maybe you want to keep your options open.

What science degrees to choose

If you’re thinking about a particular job or career, consider which science degree is going to give you the best start.

• Broad science degrees
  Such as chemistry, biology or physics — open up many different career paths, not only in science or scientific research.
• Specialist science subjects

  Such as biochemistry, microbiology or geophysics — will focus on specific career paths that are more science-focused.

Also, it’s worth knowing that some specialised science careers might require a postgraduate degree (such as a Masters or a PhD).

Careers

Chemistry

Chemistry

Careers

Chemistry or chemistry-related degrees open up careers in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals and healthcare.

Chemistry

Roles

• Analytical scientist
• Analytical chemist
• Chemistry engineer
• Medical scientist
• Forensic scientist
• Research scientist
• Material scientist
• Organic chemist
• Pharmacologist
• Oxicologist

Some of these roles might need you to take a specialised chemistry-based degree, and might also require you to study a postgraduate degree (such as a Masters or a PhD).

Careers

Biology

Biology

Careers

Biology or biology-related degrees open up careers in agriculture, biomedicine, environmental conservation, food and drink, genetics, horticulture and marine biology.

Biology

Roles

• Biologist
• Microbiologist
• Marine biologist
• Agricultural and food scientist
• Environmental scientist
• Biochemist
• Biotechnologist
• Pharmacist
• Geneticist
• Veterinarian
• Zoologist

Some of these roles listed above might need you to take a specialised biology-based degree, and might also require you to study a postgraduate degree (such as a Masters or a PhD).

Careers

Physics

Physics

Careers

Physics or physics-related degrees open up careers in aerospace and defence, automotive, computing, healthcare and telecommunications.

Physics

Roles

• Physicist
• Geophysicist
• Nanotechnologist
• Astrophysicist
• Computational physicist
• Solar physicist
• Medical physicist
• Meteorologist
• Physics research scientist

Some of these roles listed above might need you to take a specialised physics-based degree, and might also require you to study a postgraduate degree (such as a Masters or a PhD).