What will I be able to do with an Advanced Level qualification in Chemistry?

Chemistry opens up a world of possibilities and expands your career choices. Chemistry is often called the central science. It links with all the other sciences and underpins many branches of technology from silicon chips to brewing.

Chemistry has something for everybody. Whether or not you want to study after you leave school, there are opportunities to begin a career with Chemistry. Once you have a Chemistry qualification you may be surprised at just how many places you could end up working. Here are some examples:

• Manufacturing industries including textiles, cosmetics, personal products, pharmaceuticals, food, brewing, detergents and agrochemicals – in research and development, production, waste management and pollution control, quality control, marketing, sales and technical support and general management
• In the community – as a doctor, dentist, vet or physiotherapist – alternatively, in the pathology and biochemistry laboratories of hospitals, in government and police forensic science laboratories or as a public analyst
• Commerce – in accountancy, banking, computing, sales and marketing, personnel, publishing and patent law
• Education – as a teacher or technician in a school, college or university

Not all chemists wear white coats and work in laboratories. The range of jobs available to someone with a chemistry qualification is greater than for most other qualifications. Many employers recognise the value of training in logical thought, problem solving and in numerical and communication skills that forms an integral part of all chemistry courses. If you are thinking of university, chemistry is a good choice of subject to study at A2 level. It is listed as a preferred subject for more degree subjects that any other subject.

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