Chemistry forms part of our everyday lives. Study it to better understand what things are made of and how stuff works, and make a difference to the world we live in.
Through chemistry we’ve made great discoveries, such as penicillin and pasteurisation, and made the modern world possible with inventions including plastic and lithium-ion batteries.
Chemical scientists are leading research on the world’s most pressing concerns, including challenges around human health, climate change, and energy. There are job opportunities in many sectors, including medicine research, manufacturing, and education.
You could enter a professional or managerial role once you’ve graduated, or go on to further study.ther study.
The impact you could make
Conduct tests and experiments that pioneer new medicine, technologies, and discoveries.
Further develop renewable energy technology like solar energy and car batteries.
Enrol on a postgraduate course to become a nuclear engineer, helping the UK or other countries reach their nuclear power goals.
Aspiring to work as an Analytical Chemist with keen interest in Organic Synthesis and Drug Development roles.
Experience with NTU's disabled student services. Previously lived on Clifton Campus in New Hall accommodation.
Abigail
University of Lincoln
Chemistry - MChem
Smiley 3rd year Chemist with interests in Green Chemistry and Environmental, Health and Safety. Hobbies include crafting, cheerleading and board games.
Hayley
University of Lincoln
Chemistry - MChem
Hi, I'm Hayley, a fourth year Chemistry student here at the University of Lincoln. I've lived in Lincoln during my course, currently still do and I love the city!
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"Medicinal chemistry, the use of metals in medicine, and of course laboratory skills for chemists. Once a week, going into the lab really helps me have a productive, interactive learning day."
Second year pharmaceutical chemistry student, University of Reading
Example project
"The analytical chemistry research task, where I was asked to investigate the best way to analyse concentrations of certain chemicals in coffee to then determine its quality."
Second year chemistry with medicinal sciences student, University of Southampton
Subjects it's useful to have studied first
Some chemistry courses or apprenticeships will have requirements for previous qualifications in certain subjects. Entry requirements vary, so always check with the provider.
Chemistry
Maths
Biology
Physics
Hard skills you'll develop
Laboratory and experimentation work
Independent research projects
Placements and industry experience
Soft skills you'll develop
Communication
Research and observation
Analytical and reasoning skills
Presentation skills
Careers: Where it can take you
Find out more about your career prospects from studying chemistry. The following information is based on a typical chemical scientist professional role.
Colour technologists often work in a chemical lab or workshop, developing and testing new dyes and pigments for use in things like paints, textiles, printing inks, cosmetics, and medical products. They tend to work in the manufacturing industry, and will develop and record the processes that make sure a colour can be reproduced accurately, it’s durable, and it doesn’t run when put in the wash or under other similar conditions. Colour technologists are also sometimes referred to as colour scientists or textile dyeing technicians or technologists.
Check out our industry guide to help you decide if a health and science apprenticeship might be the right choice for you.
The expert view
Lakshmi Hughes, Careers Advice & Guidance Manager, Royal Society of Chemistry
Chemistry is in everything you see, smell, taste, and use. As a chemical scientist you could be developing life-changing medicines, influencing how things you touch and wear are made, or finding sustainable solutions for the pressures on energy, food, and water in our lives. From sports science and aerospace engineering to art conservation and patent law, there’s a huge range of career opportunities that open up to you when you study the chemical sciences. Your chemistry journey could end up changing the world.
Katie discusses social life, work-life balance, and what day-to-day life is like as a science apprentice with representatives from GSK, Unilever, and Manchester Metropolitan University.
Check out live apprenticeship vacancies in chemistry.
Explore further
Go deeper into topics around chemistry with the following:
Brought to you by chemistry podcast
Listen to this podcast, made by the Royal Society of Chemistry, which features experts talking about some of the chemical challenges facing our society, like air quality and pollution.
TED Talk – How green hydrogen could end the fossil fuel era
Listen to Earthshot Prize winner, Vaitea Cowan, talk about how she and her team mass produce electrolzyers (which split water into hydrogen and oxygen), helping to make carbon-free fuel. Browse TED’s selection of talks on chemistry too.
I love the vast knowledge it brings into interdisciplinary subjects. I learn new things every day and it gives a deeper level of meaning into everyday life.
Application advice
Whether it's personal statement tips or what to write in a cover letter for an apprenticeship application, our application advice will help you get ahead in your chemistry journey.
Skills, experiences, and interests to mention
Demonstrate your natural curiosity and analytical skills. What field trips or holidays have you been on that ignited your passion for chemistry? When have you dug further into a topic or object because you wanted to know how something worked, or what it was made of?
Show you understand about lab work and workshops too, whether through school experiments, work experience, or at home. Can you think of something you tested and what you learned from the results?
What do you want to do with your degree? Show you understand the industry by mentioning organisations or publications you follow, and what you’ve learned about what jobs you might do with this subject.
Illustrate how you can be self-motivated, whether that’s studying for your exams, pursing a hobby, or getting an after-school club started, for example.
Consider other skills you can demonstrate too, like teamwork and/or presentation skills. Are you part of a sports or other team? Have you given a presentation at school, or in another setting?