STEM

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

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

For 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/

Apprenticeship

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

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

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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• higher and degree apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Work

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

More information

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.

View all vacancies in this region

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).

A Future in Chemistry has information about careers in chemistry.

Future Morph has information on careers in science.