Chemistry is one of sciences specialized in studying the structure of certain atoms, elements and the way they react. This major attracts many students, who have the ambition of becoming future chemists. If you are facing ambiguities concerning certain academic majors, join Fratres and visit the graduate’s career advice section.

Studying Chemistry in UK

Getting a chemistry degree comes after many challenges and commitment to this field. Enrolling requirements are varied and depend on the chemistry departments of science universities. This major includes many specialties. This field is mainly concerned with studying substances, the structure, properties, and interactions between them.

As chemistry leads to the development and the progress of science, that’s why it is related with other scientific paths and is divided into four main sections: organic, non organic and analytical chemistry. Each section is different and has a specific area of expertise.

The various disciplines in chemistry is the main reason for the progress of various industries such as medical, environmental, ecological fields. In short, chemistry is applied for many studies and students have to choose a specific area of study to obtain the bachelor degree and build a career path.

Chemistry vs a Biochemistry Degree:

Both specializations are not the same. Each degree requires a specific set of courses, including different admission requirements.  Concerning a chemistry degree, this major is more global. The academic studies are based on general chemistry, its link to other sciences, and the practical internship and research for the final year’s project. This degree is usually divided into three specializations:

1.Biochemistry:  it is taught in reference to the biological processes of the human body and genetics. It provides all the chemical reactions of the living organism and the human body. Here is What Can you Do with a Biochemistry Degree?

2. Applied Chemistry: this specialization is suitable for graduates who want to develop a career in teaching. It is based on the chemical scientific formulas and the scientific reasoning behind them.  

3. Analytical Chemistry: this field is studied in all its aspects and divisions which depends on the analysis of various industries and opens the path for more laboratory jobs other than teaching.

In each specialty, all the academic years are based on learning theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry, ending with a final year project. Take a look at What Levels Do You need to Study Chemistry

Chemistry Degree Jobs:

The next step after graduation is getting a job. As this specialty is based on many disciplines, job opportunities depend primarily on teaching chemistry in public and private schools. Then, with internship and experience, this degree provides work in industrial, laboratory and medical fields, but the chances of getting accepted are a bit low. Graduates with a degree in chemistry can have employment in many industries such as, factories of detergents, food, and medicines.

Let’s take a look at the highest paying job in the chemical industry:

1.Analytical chemist:

This specialization aims to investigate and test substances. Within the spread of Covid-19, analytical chemists are highly required in medical labs and their salary ranges between 18,000£ to 25,000£ per year.

2. Teaching:

Teaching is a fundamental job to transmit the necessary knowledge and the basics of chemistry. This job is open for chemistry degree graduates and its salary ranges between 23,700£ to 35,000£ per year.

3. Chemical Technician:

This specialization involves the new technologies employed to assess chemical reactions and substances. This job holds a lot of opportunities to deepen chemistry research and salaries can reach 37,000£ per year.

4.Water Chemist :

Water is one of the precious natural sources that bring life to many species. Chemistry degree graduates can apply in aquatic organizations, as water chemists and get a high paying salary reaching 40,000£ per year.

5.Quality Control Chemist:

To avoid the toxic materials and the dangers associated with many products, quality control chemists are required in both public and private labs. This job is highly paying and the annual salary reaches 38,000£.

6. Organic Chemist:

Saving the organic plants and the biological germs are part of a chemist. Jobs as organic chemists are required for environmental and health purposes. Salaries vary from one organization to another and can reach 42,000£.

7. Chemical Engineer:

This job is for highly experienced and qualified graduates. It requires developing different chemical procedures to manufacture and process products. Salary can reach 45,000£.

8.Radiation Protection Practitioner (RPP):

RPP jobs are for measuring radiations to anticipate risks such as natural disasters and they are also studying radioactive wastes and elements. Salary for these positions can reach 44,000£ per year.

9.Oceanographer:

This job aims at protecting marine life and studying oceans. Applicants for this job should be active in environmental organizations, adding to their chemistry degree. Salaries for this position can reach 41,000£. You can also check What Jobs Can you Get with an Environmental Science Degree ?

10.Reasearch Scientists:

For academic advance and discoveries, research scientists are senior employees in both universities and laboratories. It is good to get highly paid for conducting recent studies. Annual salaries can reach 45,000£ adding to an academic fellowship.

These were the 10 highest paying jobs for chemistry degree holders. Chemistry is a fundamental science that belongs to many professional and academic disciplines. Graduates of chemistry, regardless of  specialization, are able to work in any of the above fields. So, all the best!.