What can I do with a degree in Biosciences?

Find out where the range of skills you develop studying biosciences can take you. Here we list potential careers and tell you how you can find a job in this sector.

Bioscience Careers

What can I do with my degree in Bioscience?

Employment opportunities are diverse, ranging from biological and biomedical research and development, to careers in science communication, the health service, forensic science, environmental health and wildlife conservation. Bioscience graduates are employed across a number of different sectors both science and non-science related.
Biology is a fundamental subject for careers in the science and health sectors but there are many other routes you can take with this degree

Science-related sectors

Many biology graduates pursue opportunities outside the science and health sectors in industries such as business, finance, marketing, education and sales. Please use our career guides to identify some of these opportunities.

Sectors that require the skills and knowledge of a Bioscience graduate (Source: Royal society for Biology)

  • Sport and exercise science careers – helps us keep fit and healthy and to recover from disease and injury.  Biologists play an important role in identifying and the developing the best ways to do this.
  • Food related Careers – biologists play an important role in food safety, food development.
  • Medical related Careers- There are a host of careers in healthcare where you will be playing a crucial role in the diagnosis, prevention and cure of disease and illness, helping people across the world.
  • Animal related careers - Biologists study animals to find out what they can teach us to help us to conserve our planet and improve human and animal health.
  • Sustainability Careers -Biologists find ways of helping humans to live sustainably.
  • Future Careers in Biology -Biologists have a vital role to play in exciting developments for the future, working to produce new and innovative technologies and preparing us for the impact and consequences of climate change.

Some alternative  career paths for biosciences graduates.

Science writing and communication
As a biosciences graduate, you will be equipped with excellent communication skills, logical thinking, the ability to work to deadlines and a strong understanding of science, which are all key skills for a successful career in science writing and communication.
Science writers play a vital role in communicating research discoveries, and biosciences graduates possess the necessary skills to be able to interpret complex scientific information and present this in a clear, concise and accurate way that can be understood by the general public.
There are many varied roles within science writing and communication, whether you wish to write for research papers, newspapers, magazines or journals, the report writing skills you developed during your biosciences degree will prepare you for a rewarding career in this sector.


Business and finance
The impressive analytical and numeracy skills developed throughout a biosciences degree makes biosciences graduates strong candidates for a career in business and finance.
A biosciences degree provides experience in data handling and the ability to effectively collect and analyse data will prove highly beneficial in the business and finance sector. You will also find that the teamwork and problem solving skills developed during your biosciences degree will aid you in working collaboratively in this fast-paced sector.


Patent law
Combine your degree in biosciences with an interest in the law, and a career as a patent attorney might be for you. Working in patent law allows you to apply the strong logical, analytical and research skills gained from your biosciences degree by assessing inventions, analysing scientific or technical documents, defending patents and arguing cases.
The majority of patent attorneys have a scientific background, as this job role deals with the scientific and technical aspects of a patent, therefore a degree in biosciences gives you an edge in this innovative sector. Additionally, the strong communication skills you developed during your biosciences degree will prove highly advantageous when it comes to successfully arguing cases.


Physician associate
If you want a hands-on medical role but you aren’t interested in becoming a doctor, then pursuing a highly rewarding career as a physician associate could be your ideal next step. A relatively new role, physician associates support doctors with the diagnosis and management of patients, and are crucial to the healthcare sector.
A biosciences degree provides the perfect base to pursue training as a physician associate. The analytical skills gained from a biosciences degree will enable you to analyse test results and diagnose illnesses. You will also benefit from the strong communication and interpersonal skills gained from your biosciences degree, which will significantly assist you with examining patients and providing treatment plans.

Thank you to Prospects for the content on these pages.

Other careers

Some jobs related to your degree include: Source of information (www.prospects.ac.uk)

Skills gained

Skills and experience

Biology-related jobs are particularly competitive, so it is valuable, and sometimes crucial, to gain practical experience in the field.
The link below details a wide range of programmes that you could apply to work experience

https://www.rsb.org.uk/get-involved/grants/undergraduate-studentships

Work experience demonstrates your commitment to the career and knowledge of what is involved.
During your course, you could also use the summer holidays or evenings and weekends to get some experience through paid opportunities or voluntary work.
A number of organisations offer work experience including the Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute.
You could also try contacting science museums, research and clinical laboratories, conservation facilities or pharmaceutical companies

Medical research Council

Has an excellent resource to support students in finding opportunities for funding, job, studentships as well as lots of careers advice as well. 

https://mrc.ukri.org/skills-careers/

Find a job

A range of employers recruit graduates for biology-related jobs including:

  • Universities and clinical research organisations;
  • Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies;
  • Private hospitals and NHS trusts;
  • National and global health and environmental charities;
  • Scientific and technical consultancies;
  • Schools and colleges;
  • Museums, science centres and broadcast companies.
  • Research institutions
  • Charities

Bioscience Employers/Research

Additional resources to help you find a job

You may also find useful reviews and application/interview tips for specific organisations on the following websites:
Glassdoor
The Job Crowd

Further study

Graduates could continue to an MSc in Infectious Diseases, Drug Design, Reproductive Medicine, Cancer Biology or Biotechnology and Engineering at Kent

More information on postgraduate study

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