Chemistry Courses

About Chemistry

Chemistry is a fascinating subject that involves studying the composition, structure and properties of substances. Its impact on the world is impressive, as chemists have been responsible for many great discoveries and inventions, from polymers to penicillin.

Curious about how things work? Chemistry courses cover a wide variety of topics, so if you have an analytical mind and you’re good with numbers, this could be the perfect subject to pursue.

What Kind of Careers are on Offer?

Studying Chemistry is the key to a wide variety of career options in a range of sectors including scientific research, technology, energy, health, engineering and pharmaceuticals.  Many of the roles on offer involve working in the following five areas:

Chemical science and research 

• Research scientist
• Scientific lab technician
• Pharmacologist

Human and animal health

• Bioanalytical chemist
• Pharmaceutical chemist
• Forensic toxicologist
• Nanotoxicologist
• Drug control analyst
• Forensic scientist
• Analytical chemist

Future sustainability

• Analytical technician
• Innovations manager
• Environmental chemist
• Atmospheric chemist

Industry

• Development chemist
• Flavourist
• Consumer products technician
• Household goods scientist
• Analytical systems technician
• Fragrance evaluator
• Food scientist
• Quality controller
• Chemical  engineer
• Geochemist
• Petrochemical engineer

Education

• Chemistry teacher
• School science technician
• University lecturer

How can I Begin a Chemistry Related Career?

Chemistry degrees

Some chemistry roles require a university degree in a related subject. For example, if you’re keen to become a pharmacologist, you’ll need a degree in pharmacology or biochemistry. To access degree level courses you’ll generally need 4-5 GCSEs including maths, English and science, plus two or three A Levels including chemistry. 

Depending on the career you choose, you may also need to take a specialist postgraduate qualification, which is why some universities offer extended chemistry degrees that lead to an MChem or an MSci. 

Work-Based Pathways Into Chemistry Career

If studying at university isn’t an option, you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of other routes into a chemistry-related career, including work-based training and apprenticeships. For instance, if you’ve got three A Levels including chemistry, you could join Astra Zeneca’s Associate Scientist Degree Apprenticeship or Thames Water’s Laboratory Analyst Apprenticeship.

Interested in becoming a pharmacist? If you’ve already gained 4-5 GCSE’s including maths, English and science, how about applying for a Pharmacy Technician Advanced Apprenticeship or a trainee pharmacy technician post? Both of these options will enable you to access the two-year pharmacy foundation degree you’ll need to apply for an MPharm. 

If you prefer the idea of working in a laboratory, you could qualify as a chemical engineering technician by taking a level 3 college course in applied science or technical laboratory skills, before applying for a traineeship. Alternatively, why not opt for a Laboratory Technician Advanced Apprenticeship? 

What Skills Will I Gain From Studying Chemistry?

Become a chemistry student and you’ll undertake a range of activities such as lab work, experiments, group projects, presentations and independent research. As a result, you’ll develop a strong set of transferable skills including:

• Problem-solving skills
• Analytical skills 
• Time management skills 
• Organisational skills
• Communication skills
• Record-keeping skills 
• Research skills
• Presentation skills
• Teamwork skills
• IT and tech skill
• Laboratory skills