Options with biology
When pursuing a course in biology, students acquire in-depth, subject-specific knowledge of biological systems and concepts. In addition, you develop a range of practical and technical skills from laboratory sessions and learn how to use specialist techniques and technical equipment. A biology course teaches students to confidently handle masses of diverse data and to draw conclusions.
A biology course also allows students to develop more general skills. Communication skills are learned through report writing and making presentations. Teamwork skills are developed through group projects and seminars. Biology courses also help students develop organisational skills, problem-solving skills, project and time management skills, self-reliance, initiative, business awareness and strong interpersonal skills. All of these skills are attractive to employers in all sectors.
A biology course may include an extended research project, possibly based in an existing research group. This type of work may enable you to demonstrate an ability to understand complex scientific data and information.
The majority of these jobs will require you to gain further skills or do further study to enter and/or progress:
Again, you may have to do further study or demonstrate particular skills and experience to enter these professions:
It is possible for biology graduates to pursue options outside of the science and health sector. Many graduates pursue opportunities in business, finance, marketing, education and sales.
When pursuing a particular career option, it is useful to talk with professionals in the field to get an idea of the day-to-day work involved. Getting experience can be helpful regardless of which career area you pursue. Depending on the area you are interested in, target specific employers as you seek out these opportunities.
Biology-related jobs are particularly competitive, so it is valuable, and sometimes critical, to gain practical experience in the field. It demonstrates commitment to the career area and knowledge of what is involved. During your course, think about using summer holidays or evenings/weekends to get some experience through paid opportunities or voluntary work.
Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it’s not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here. Look at your degree... what next? for informed advice on career planning and graduate employment, or login/register with My Prospects to find out what jobs would suit you, a helpful starting point for self-analysis.
Explore types of jobs to find out more about the above options and related jobs.
Scientists are highly valued by employers. Your curious, investigative minds are useful to all sorts of employment areas, not just in the science sector.
A 2011 HESA survey of 2010 graduates indicates that, six months after graduation, nearly half of biology graduates had entered employment. Approximately 7% combined work and further study and nearly a quarter went on to do further study only.
Of those who entered work, almost 15% went into professional and technical jobs, such as research assistant or lab technician. Approximately 9% went into scientific research, analysis and development. About 7% went into management jobs, nearly 5% went into business and finance, just over 4% pursued options in education, almost 3% went into healthcare and more than 4% went into sales and marketing. About 30% were doing clerical work, retail or catering, perhaps to build up work experience or take some time out.
A wide range of employers recruit graduates for biology-related jobs including:
Biology graduates who choose a non-biology-related career can cast their net more widely, so it is a good idea to look at the information on specific careers.
For an insight into employment areas see:
See industry insights for further information on possibilities in other employment areas.
Statistics are collected every year to show what HE students do immediately after graduation. These can be a useful guide but, in reality, because the data is collected within six months of graduation, many graduates are travelling, waiting to start a course, paying off debts, getting work experience or still deciding what they want to do. For further information about some of the areas of employment commonly entered by graduates of any degree discipline, check out What Do Graduates Do? and your degree...what next?
A high percentage of biology graduates choose to do further study. A 2011 HESA survey of 2010 graduates indicates that six months after graduation nearly one in four had gone on to further study. Many biology graduates choose to study for postgraduate qualifications in a more specialised science to increase their expertise in a particular area of biology. Others pursued postgraduate opportunities in other career areas.
Many go on to further study because, with an increasing number of graduates entering the job market each year, it gives them an advantage to have a higher qualification. It can also help with career progression. Studying at postgraduate level will enhance your employability by increasing your research skills, specialist knowledge and communication skills.
If you want a career as a research scientist or a university lecturer, you must do a PhD following your degree. This takes three years but is likely to be fully funded with a ‘salary’.
These trends show only what previous graduates in your subject did immediately upon graduating. Over the course of their career - the first few years in particular - many others will opt for some form of further study, either part time or full time. If further study interests you, start by thinking about postgrad study and search courses and research to identify your options.
Look at funding my further study for details relating to finance and the application process.
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