"One of the best reasons for studying science is the wide variety of work it gives you access to. There is a shortage of Biomedical Scientists so there is little job competition here, I previously worked as a science teacher, again a shortage area. My science background can also get me involved in research and the strong academic challenges of a science degree make it applicable to other careers. Science can provide a career for life because even if you don’t want to stay in one area of science many careers are interchangeable with a little extra study, again this is how I changed from teaching to laboratory science by following a part time one year course. Finally it is extremely interesting and has many layers of depth of understanding, I recommend it."

"Studying science opens the students to a range of ways of thinking e.g. analysis of observations, spotting trends and patterns, as well as some mathematics and computation, in addition to the important practical laboratory work. Thus, the student can discover which ways of working (s)he is most suited to, and there is a chance for these to develop during the time at University. For this reason a science degree is a well established platform to a surprisingly wide range of careers outside science (e.g. accountancy, management, sales) as well as within science (research, teaching).  A science degree leaves a student's options open as to what final career to choose, and can include work placements in industry, to give a flavour of the opportunities available."

Prof John Wallis, Nottingham Trent University

“Studying science at university is a fantastic opportunity – not only do you get all the fun of being at university but there is a lot of state of the art equipment meaning you can study things that you couldn’t at school, you can focus in on the specific subject areas you find most interesting and a university education will lead on to a whole host of careers”

"As a science graduate you will have honed some extremely transferable skills:
Your ability to be analytical is vital in roles where important and complex decisions need to be made, your research skills will enable you to add value in new start up situations and project work. Finally your excellent numeric skills will give you confidence in situations where you need good commercial acumen and have to compete in a world run by accountants!"

Kristina Lloyd, Recruitment & Selection Administrator, Human Resources, Nottingham Trent University

"I have chosen to study chemistry because it has always been my favourite subject and I would like to be a chemistry teacher eventually."

Undergraduate Chemistry Student, Nottingham

"I chose chemistry because I am interested in the Pharmaceutical side and would like to eventually be involved in research."

Undergraduate Chemistry Student, Nottingham

"I really enjoyed chemistry and biology in my GCSEs and A-levels especially all the practical and hope to gain a career in chemistry in the future."

Undergraduate Chemistry Student, Nottingham

Science degrees are often held in high regard by employers and therefore give you a head start in making yourself stand out when applying for jobs. Employers are aware of the skills you gain from a science degree and realise how many of them can be transferred to the projects they run.

Postgraduate Student, Nottingham

"The attraction of science for me was in the healthcare professions. As a woman, I wanted a career path that would challenge me and interest me but that I could take time out of to have a family."

Female Science Graduate working in healthcare, Nottingham

“European citizens need to understand better the relationships between science and economic and social development and to realise the global nature of science and industry. Research on public understanding of science demonstrates that this is best achieved through the formal education system, hence the need for well informed teachers”

Dr. Tony Ashmore, Registrar, Royal Society of Chemistry, London

"My father was a science teacher and suggested I study science because it was easier to get a job, and I have to agree with this. I would add that once you are in a fairly well paid job, you can dabble with the arts in your spare time if you want to!"

Liz Hames, Pharmacist, Nottingham