Careers and employability

Our chemistry graduates are highly sought-after by today’s employers.

• 20th for overall graduate prospects, research, and student satisfaction (The Complete University Guide 2021)
• 98% graduates in employment or further study (HESA data)

Skills and knowledge

Our graduates are equipped with:

• excellent communication skills
• experience in a laboratory environment
• IT literacy
• confidence in analysing varied information.

You will gain many transferrable skills, such as being able to:

• work independently to deadlines and priorities whilst managing a range of tasks
• articulate well-researched projects with the right degree of assertiveness
• learn from constructive criticism and incorporate its insights into future work
• demonstrate enterprise and initiative in researching topics and developing theories for future research
• work in a team, having respect for the ideas and arguments of others and developing a collaborative approach to inquiry and problem-solving.

Having undertaken a wide and in-depth amount of training within a laboratory environment, you will also be confident in practical chemical techniques used in laboratories around the world. Finally, you will have practised and developed a range of communicative skills, including the use of IT programmes and digital media.

Research careers

You will be able to use your knowledge to pursue a range of exciting research careers in areas such as: the discovery of new medicines and vaccines, forensic analysis for criminal cases, improving understanding of environmental issues, and the development of new chemical products and materials.

Career options

The skills gained in the lab can also provide a stepping stone to roles in the manufacturing industry, where emphasis is currently on finding greener, cheaper and faster processes.

But chemistry careers don’t begin and end in the lab. You could use the logical and practical training you’ll gain to enter marketing, sales, management, finance, scientific journalism, teaching and much more.

Employers include exciting organisations such as Hichrom Ltd, Johnson Matthey, Patent Seekers, Price Bailey LLP, PCI Pharma, Randox, Hazlewoods LLP and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water.

Find out why chemistry is an important career

Professional placements

The placement year is designed to help you further develop your skills and encourage the use of initiative, to acquire a professional work methodology and experience some degree of professional responsibility.

Check out Harriet's year in industry

Year abroad

Working abroad allows you to experience a different culture, expand your network, and develop employability skills.

Check out Emilia's experience at University of Wollongong

Your dedicated Careers Advisor

We have our own dedicated Careers Advisor, who offers regular appointments to help you explore your options and plan your career journey.

This can include support with:

• job hunting
• CVs
• application forms
• covering letters
• mock interviews.

The appointments are invaluable for helping you discover career options, decide on which direction to take, and knowing what to do next.

Our University also offers an extensive Careers Service, as well as a vibrant and social media presence so you are always in the know.