Chemist

You can study for a degree to become a chemist.

Degree subjects include:

• chemistry
• applied or analytical chemistry
• medicinal chemistry
• biochemistry

As well as a degree, many employers will also want you to have a relevant postgraduate qualification.

Some universities offer an extended degree which leads directly to a postgraduate qualification like an MChem or MSci. These courses have more independent research and can lead into a job or further postgraduate study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including chemistry

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You can apply for a Higher or Degree Apprenticeship to get into this role, for example:

• Technician Scientist Level 5
• Scientist Level 6
• Research Scientist Level 7

These apprenticeships can take between 3 and 5 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• apprenticeship levels|https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/about-apprenticeships#UnderstandingApprenticeshiplevelsandqualifications
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could start your career as a laboratory technician, then do further training on the job to qualify as a chemist.

Career Tips

Laboratory experience would be useful for this career.

Professional and Industry Bodies

Some degrees and apprenticeships may allow you to apply for registered Scientist or Chartered Chemist status.

You can find out more from:

• your university or training provider
• the Science Council
• Royal Society of Chemistry

Further Information

You can get more careers advice about becoming a chemist from A Future in Chemistry.

Your tasks will depend on the sector you work in.

As a chemist, you could:

• research and develop new medicines and products
• investigate environmental issues
• diagnose and treat illness and disease
• analyse forensic evidence
• teach, lecture or carry out academic research
• supervise the work of other team members, such as laboratory technicians

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a chemist to be a green job, you could:

• develop chemicals which are less toxic to the environment
• use renewable raw materials
• try to reduce waste by recycling

Find out more about green careers

You could work at a research facility or in a laboratory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.