You are here:

Career options for science postgraduates

Whether you're about to complete a postgraduate course in science or thinking of starting one, it's never too early to consider what type of career further study could lead to.

You may see starting a career after a postgraduate degree in science as a step towards repaying student loans and overdrafts - and the end of a well-drawn out education.

Alternatively, perhaps you're excited about getting your teeth into the real thing and the chance to build yourself a career using the subject knowledge you've devoted years of study to. Whatever the case, there are an abundance of opportunities in the world of employment where you'll be able to apply your postgraduate knowledge and skills.

A career in science

Among the most obvious career paths you could pursue as a science postgraduate are within academia or scientific research related to your area of expertise. You could work as a consultant, a monograph writer or a leading researcher in your field. Researchers with a PhD earn on average £36,000 per annum - monumentally greater than the £26,000 earned on average by researchers with a BSc. You could even take up lecturing and share your knowledge with eager science students who remind you of your once (and more than likely still) inquisitive self.

If you don't feel ready to begin your career, there is always the option of further study. After an MSc or a similar level of postgraduate qualification, you could continue by studying toward an MPhil or PhD (LINK). Following on from one of the higher research qualifications, there are further opportunities to work in research which should more than satisfy your hunger for further knowledge - not to mention that you'll get paid for doing it.

Other career options

Science disciplines develop a host of other practical skills, including a high level of mathematical ability. The latter is an attribute coveted by many leading financial organisations, so your knowledge of molecular biology (or whatever your speciality happens to be) will not be your only selling point. For example, experience with algorithms could lead to a position working as a trading consultant for a top banking firm. Or perhaps you have specialised in physics and shown great competency with numbers - after a change of heart you'd now like to pursue a career in financial accounting. The good news is that many leading financial organisations will accept postgraduates on internships, which often lead to an offer of a permanent post.

Other possibilities include using your postgraduate lab experience as an analyst in medical testing or working as a technician in a university laboratory. The Royal Society has made it clear that businesses will increasingly need to employ a scientifically-trained workforce in order to stay competitive and successful - and employers are constantly on the lookout for candidates of your calibre. As a science postgraduate, there are an abundance of options open to you.

Be creative and follow your passion

It is best not to select your postgraduate course in science purely on the basis of an intended career, although it is obviously an important consideration. Picking a subject you have a keen interest to learn more about is just as important. Avoid pursuing postgraduate education just for academic status; use it to prove your creative edge and fulfil your drive to know more. The candidate with a thirst for more knowledge will achieve more than the candidate who simply has letters after their name.

Find out more about doing a science-related postgraduate course