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Science & Research
Get hands-on, experiment, and break new ground with a career in science and research. You could help create the next COVID vaccine, unlock space travel or discover life-saving cancer treatments!
🧪 What's science and research?
Science and research are all about figuring out how the world works, solving problems and making cool new stuff. Scientists use experiments and data to discover new things and make a difference.
Need more info? Ask an Apprentice
Considering an apprenticeship in this area of work? Or just unsure about uni? Our Ask an Apprentice community is made for you! Be mentored and chat with real apprentices, get application tips, and ask all your burning questions through our new platform.
What jobs can I do?
Biologist
Biologists study living things, from animals to plants, and investigate how they survive. Whether it's saving ecosystems or finding the next big vaccine, biology is all about life and nature.
Biomedical scientist
Biomedical scientists help doctors by running tests that diagnose diseases. They dig into how our body works, making sure we get the right treatment when we're ill.
Chemist
Chemists get to mix things up – literally! They study chemicals to create everything from medicines to makeup, breaking down the tiniest particles to understand what things are made of.
Economist
Economists study how money and resources move around the world. They predict trends, help make financial decisions and come up with ways to improve economies during tough times.
Environmental scientist
Environmental scientists focus on saving the planet. They study things like pollution, climate change and deforestation, working on solutions to protect our world for future generations.
Forensic scientist
Forensic scientists solve crimes by analysing evidence like DNA or chemical traces. They're like real-life detectives who use science to help catch criminals and prove what really happened.
Geologist
Geologists study the Earth, from rocks to earthquakes. They can help predict natural disasters, find natural resources and even dig up clues about how the planet has changed over time.
Mathematician
Mathematicians are the brains behind the numbers and logic we need for everything, from tech to space exploration. They solve complex problems and unlock new ideas using formulas and patterns.
Physicist
Physicists are obsessed with how the universe works – from atoms to outer space. They explore everything from black holes to renewable energy, and even help build the next-gen tech we’ll be using.
Research scientist
Research scientists experiment to prove theories or create new products. Whether it’s in healthcare, tech or social science, their work leads to breakthroughs that can change the world.
Statistician
Statisticians analyse data to find patterns and predict trends. They turn numbers into knowledge, helping industries like healthcare, sports and business make informed decisions based on facts.
What skills do I need?
💬 Communication
Being able to explain your research clearly is key. Good communication helps scientists share ideas, work with teams and break down complex stuff for everyone else to understand.
📈 Data analysis
Scientists use data analysis to find patterns, make sense of experiments and back up their findings with facts. It's the backbone of research and drives discoveries.
📋 Organisation
Staying organised helps scientists manage experiments, stay on top of data and keep projects moving forward. It's all about juggling tasks – without dropping the ball!
💭 Problem solving
Scientists are natural problem solvers. They use creativity and logic to overcome challenges, whether they're fixing tech issues, solving mysteries or inventing something new.
📚 Research
Research skills help scientists design experiments and draw conclusions. It's about asking the right questions, testing ideas and discovering how things really work.
How can I start a career in science and research?
🛠️ What apprenticeships can I do?
You can do apprenticeships like lab scientist (level 6), bioinformatics scientist (level 7), clinical pharmacology scientist (level 7) or technician scientist (level 5). Learn and earn at the same time!
🎓 Is uni an option?
Absolutely! You can study science at uni through degrees like biology, chemistry or physics. You’ll gain essential knowledge and can even specialise with postgrad studies later on.
↗️ What postgraduate qualifications can I do?
You can level up with a master’s or PhD in areas like molecular biology, materials science or environmental science. Postgrad degrees take your skills to expert level.
⭐ How can I stand out?
Get hands-on experience through internships, keep up with the latest trends in science, and show off your communication and problem-solving skills. Attending conferences or publishing research helps too!
What qualifications can I get?
What degree options do I have?
Degrees like biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science or biomedical science are great choices. Each opens up loads of career options, from research to fieldwork and beyond.
What qualifications can I get through a science and research apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships can get you qualifications like a foundation degree, bachelor's or even a master’s. You’ll be earning while learning and picking up real-world skills at the same time.
5 fun facts you didn’t know
Gene editing saved Layla’s life
In 2015, doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital cured one-year-old Layla of leukaemia by genetically engineering immune cells from a donor!
Lab-grown meat is coming to a plate near you…
Meat grown from animal cells in a lab will help slash emissions and improve animal welfare.
Scientists are inspired by nature
Japan’s superfast Shinkansen train – which travels at over 300 km/h – took its aerodynamic design from the kingfisher!
Steam engines were invented 250 years ago
British engineer James Watt invented the modern steam engine in 1765 – kickstarting the Industrial Revolution.
The first COVID jab was made in the UK
The world’s first COVID vaccine was created by UK scientists at Oxford University and AstraZeneca.
Need more info? Ask an Apprentice
Considering an apprenticeship in this area of work? Or just unsure about uni? Our Ask an Apprentice community is made for you! Be mentored and chat with real apprentices, get application tips, and ask all your burning questions through our new platform.
