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

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.

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

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

You'll need:

• 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
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to work well with others
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Your tasks will depend on the sector you work in.

As a chemist, you could:

• research and develop new medicines and products
• investigate environmental issues
• diagnose and treat illness and disease
• analyse forensic evidence
• teach, lecture or carry out academic research
• supervise the work of other team members, such as laboratory technicians

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a chemist to be a green job, you could:

• develop chemicals which are less toxic to the environment
• use renewable raw materials
• try to reduce waste by recycling

Find out more about green careers

You could work at a research facility or in a laboratory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.