Why Study Chemistry?
A degree in chemistry opens the door to a wide range of career options – far more than you may have realised. Chemists are not just confined to the lab!
Chemists play a vital role in developing many of the everyday products we take for granted and help to sustain and improve our quality of life.
Many of the jobs chemists do cross the boundaries between chemistry, biology and physics and many chemists work with other scientists, not to mention other professionals in marketing, law, ICT and other areas.
In general:
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Chemists help to understand the world and develop solutions to the problems facing modern society which makes it interesting.
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Many employers recognise the value of a degree in Chemistry as it provides training in logical thought, and numerical and communications skills.
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A degree in chemistry opens the door to a wide range of career options.
Which are the best Universities?
Current standings from the complete university guide are:
http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings?s=Chemistry
- Cambridge
- Oxford
- Durham
- St Andrews
- Nottingham
- Imperial College London
- York
- Warwick
- Southampton
- Sheffield
- Bristol
- Strathclyde
- Sussex
- Edinburgh
- Bath
- Heriot-Watt
- Leeds
- Queen's, Belfast
- Surrey
- University College London
What skills will you develop?
A Chemistry degree provides its students with the opportunity to develop key skills that are beneficial both in scientific and non-scientific careers.
The general skills that make Chemists appealing to employers are:
- Numeracy
- Problem Solving
- Data handling
- Practical dexterity
- Team working
- Computing and IT
- Evaluating written material
- Communication and Presentation skills (both written and verbal)
What other Chemistry related degrees are there?
Chemistry is a fundamental subject in science. In different areas it overlaps with biology and medicine, with physics and engineering, and with geology and earth science. Therefore there are a wealth of courses available.
Chemistry 'with' courses (mostly chemistry with...)
- Chemistry with Management
- Chemistry with Law
- Chemistry with Environmental Science
- Chemistry with Accountancy
- Chemistry with study in ... (Industry, France, Germany, Spain, USA, Europe, Japan)
- Chemistry with Medicinal Science
- Chemistry with Psychology
Chemistry 'and' courses (50% Chemistry and 50% ...)
- Chemistry and French
- Chemistry and Business
- Chemistry and Mathematics
- Chemistry and Physics
Chemistry related courses
- Natural Sciences
- Forensic Bioscience
- Biomedical Sciences
- Pharmaceutical Science
- Forensic and Analytical Science
- Biochemistry
- Chemical engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Dentistry
- Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
- Brewing and Distilling
A full list of accredited courses are given here:
http://www.rsc.org/Membership/join/AccreditedCourses/
What does it lead on to and what are the chances?
Chemistry can lead to a variety of scientific careers:
- Nanotechnology – designing structures on an atomic scale for use in medicine, communication and industry
- Environmental science – understanding and safeguarding our environment
- Sustainability – developing alternative energy sources for a cleaner, healthier planet
- Innovation – developing exciting new technology products
- Product development – improving our cosmetics, toiletries and household cleaning products
- Forensics – helping to solve crimes
- Archaeology – dating and analysing artefacts
- Drug discovery – discovering new medicines
- Biotechnology – seeking treatments for diseases, experimenting with new energy sources and creating the next generation of consumer chemicals
- Marine chemistry – reducing pollution and discovering new natural compounds for use in food production and medicines
- Sportswear development – producing smart new materials for trainers, lightweight materials for bike frames and racquets, or aerodynamic suits for cycling and athletics
- Teaching – inspiring the next generation of chemists
- Food technology – inventing new foods or flavours
Or it can provide you with skills that are useful in many non-scientific careers:
- Sales and marketing
- Consultancy
- Central and local government
- Business and finance
- Law
- Publishing
- Journalism
- Information technology
The skills you develop while studying for a chemistry qualification
are highly desirable to employers in all sorts of sectors. Whether you know what you want to do after university or you’re still unsure, a chemistry qualification stands you in good stead for the future.
How much am I likely to earn?
Independent research shows that the average chemistry graduate
earns substantially more over a lifetime than graduates of many
other disciplines:
£190,000 more than those with two or more A-levels (no degree)
£60,000 more than most other graduates – including those with
degrees in subjects like History, English and Psychology
What current developments?
When thinking about current developments in Chemistry, you need to be aware that this is an ever changing aspect of the subject. The latest developments can be found at Royal Society of Chemistry 'Chemistry World' Section.
http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/
Also other general scientific developments can be picked up in the New Scientist or the Science sections of Newspapers
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/science/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science
(this section is vital in writing a Personal statement)
How can you gain vital Experience?
Experience can be difficult to come by prior to starting at University but summer jobs at any chemical company is going to be beneficial. Failing that keeping up with developments through magazines, newspapers, websites are excellent ways to extend your breadth of knowledge or becoming a student member of the RSC is a good way to show your interest.