Chemist
Also called Analytical chemist.
Chemists investigate the chemical make up of substances and work out how they behave under different conditions.
- Potential salary
- £26,000 starter to £40,000 experienced per year
- Typical hours
- 37 to 42 a week. Working pattern: evenings / weekends occasionally.
- Career area
- Science and laboratory work
- Where they might work
- You could work at a research facility or in a laboratory. You may need to wear protective clothing.
- A typical task
- research and develop new medicines and products
- Subjects that may help
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- Typical route
- You can study for a degree to become a chemist.
- Interest area used here
- Asking questions and research, Health and laboratory science
What you might do
- research and develop new medicines and products
- diagnose and treat illness and disease
- analyse forensic evidence
- investigate how chemical processes work in space
- teach, lecture or carry out academic research
- supervise the work of other team members, such as laboratory technicians
More tasks (3)
- develop chemicals which are less toxic to the environment
- use renewable raw materials
- try to reduce waste by recycling
Could this suit me?
Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.
- knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
- maths knowledge
- science skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- complex problem-solving skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
More skills
- analytical thinking skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Routes into this career
University route
- 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.
- 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
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
University courses that could lead to this career
These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.
- Chemical engineering
Related, but not enough on its own. This is not a chemist qualification. Laboratory chemistry jobs usually expect a chemistry degree.
- Chemistry
Direct qualifying route. The standard degree route. Some research jobs expect a postgraduate qualification.
- Food Science
Alternative route. Food laboratory work can suit chemistry or food science graduates.
- Materials Science
Alternative route. Materials roles can suit chemistry graduates and materials graduates. The job title is not automatic.
- Medicinal Chemistry
Common route. This is a chemistry degree with a medicines focus.
Apprenticeship or vocational route
- 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.
- 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
- equivalent entry requirements
- apprenticeship levels
- guide to apprenticeships
Career progression
- You'll find opportunities with a wide range of employers including:
- the NHS
- public health laboratories
- research institutes
- government agencies
- commercial industries
- You could be involved in research and development, patent work, health and safety or forensic science. You could also move into teaching, lecturing, or science writing and communication.
- As an experienced chemist you could work towards chartered status like Chartered Chemist (CChem) and Chartered Scientist (CSci).
Subjects that may help
Subject guidance
- 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
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship