Your tasks will depend on the sector you work in.
As a chemist, you could:
You could work at a research facility or in a laboratory.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Laboratory experience would be useful for this career.
Some degrees and apprenticeships may allow you to apply for registered Scientist or Chartered Chemist status.
You can find out more from:
You can get more careers advice about becoming a chemist from A Future in Chemistry.
You can study for a degree to become a chemist.
Degree subjects include:
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:
You can apply for a Higher or Degree Apprenticeship to get into this role, for example:
These apprenticeships can take between 3 and 5 years to complete.
You'll usually need:
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
You'll need:
You'll find opportunities with a wide range of employers including:
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).
