Science

Science jobs are available in a variety of disciplines from research and development, clinical trials and medical sales to forensic science, pharmacy and science writing.

  • There are approximately 3 million people currently employed in the science industry in the UK.

  • There will be approximately 67,600 job openings in the science industry by 2027 in the UK.

  • The estimated average salary in the science industry is £23,920–£42,120 in the UK.

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  • Useful skills

    • Analytical and critical thinking
    • Strong problem-solving
    • Reasoning
    • Scientific and numerical skills
    • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Related subjects

    • Chemistry
    • Biology
    • Statistics
    • English
    • Maths

Explore the pathways to get into science

  • Apprenticeship

    Depending on your preferred route, you could do:

    • data technician advanced or foundation/modern apprenticeship.
    • data analysis higher or modern apprenticeship
    • data scientist degree or graduate apprenticeship.
    • medical statistician degree or graduate apprenticeship.
    • laboratory technician advanced or foundation/modern apprenticeship (level 3)
    • science manufacturing technician advanced or foundation/modern apprenticeship (level 3)
    • technician scientist higher or degree apprenticeship (level 5)

    To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

    • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 or National 5s at grades A to C, or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced or foundation/modern apprenticeship
    • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 or National 5s at grades A to C, and A levels or Scottish Highers, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
  • College

    You can take a college course before applying to a company:

    • applied science
    • chemistry
    • T Level in science
    • T level in digital business services

    You'll usually need:

    • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 or National 5s at grades A to C, or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
  • University

    You can do a foundation degree, higher national certificate, degree or postgraduate degree in:

    • chemistry
    • chemical sciences
    • chemical engineering
    • biochemical engineering
    • statistics
    • mathematics
    • economics
    • operational research
    • psychology

    You'll usually need:

    • 2 or 3 A levels or Scottish Highers, or equivalent, including chemistry
  • Other routes

    You can apply for work as a lab technician if you have experience in:

    • university research lab
    • school or college science department

    To enter the science sector, you might alternatively train with:

Explore online careers courses

  • Essential Skills for the Workplace

  • Introduction to the National Cyber Force

  • Introduction to Life Sciences with ATAC

Browse upcoming events

Jobs in science

  • Biochemist

    Biochemists investigate the chemical processes that take place inside all living things, such as viruses, bacteria and people.

  • Forensic scientist

    Forensic scientists prepare traces of physical evidence for use in courts of law.

  • Data analyst-statistician

    Data analyst-statisticians collect numbers and statistics to identify trends, create models and present results.

  • Chemical engineering technician

    Chemical engineering technicians research, develop and manufacture plastics, medicines, foods, textiles and fuel.

  • Laboratory technician

    Laboratory technicians carry out tests on samples for scientific research, product development and medical diagnosis.

  • Food scientist

    Food scientists and food technologists develop food and drink products, making sure they are safe to consume.

Check out live jobs and placements

Uptree partner companies in science

Did you know?

While the pandemic disrupted various businesses in the UK, pharmaceutical and biotech firms have performed excellently over the last couple of years. This has created a demand for professionals with experience and expertise in these fields.

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