Science Professions
Kickstart Your Future in Science!
Dive into the amazing world of science with our exciting courses designed just for curious minds like yours. Whether you’re fascinated by the mysteries of life, want to uncover the secrets of DNA, or dream of solving big challenges like climate change, we’ve got you covered. Our hands-on experiments and mind-blowing lessons in biology, chemistry, physics, and more will spark your imagination and prepare you for a future full of discoveries. Science isn’t just a subject—it’s your chance to shape the future!
College Courses
Apprenticeships
Part-time Courses (19+)
Career Coach
Annual Openings:
60
Current employment:
1452
Median Earnings:
£49,610.00
Educational requirements:
Honours, Bachelor's degree
Age demographics
The graph shows the distribution of people in Chemical Scientist by age group.
Age group | % |
16-24 years: | 12.35% |
25-34 years: | 36% |
35-44 years: | 26.64% |
45-54 years: | 14.52% |
55-64 years: | 10.05% |
65+ years: | 0.4% |
Annual earnings
The graph shows the annual earnings of people in Chemical Scientist by amount.
Percentile | Earnings £ |
10%: | £28,560 |
25%: | £39,664 |
50%: | £49,610 |
75%: | £61,347 |
90%: | £83,917 |
Core tasks
- Develops procedures for quality control of manufactured products.
- Tests techniques and processes for reliability under a variety of conditions.
- Analyses results and experimental data.
- Operates specialised scientific equipment and conducts experiments to identify chemical composition, energy and chemical changes in natural substances and processed materials.
- Develops experimental procedures, instruments and recording and testing systems.
Education Attainment Levels
The graph shows the education level of people in Chemical Scientist.
Level | % |
Level 2: | 4.03% |
Level 3: | 10.59% |
Level 4-5 (Higher Education): | 0.34% |
Level 6 (Bachelors): | 56.74% |
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent): | 21.86% |
Level 8 (Doctorate): | 6.44% |
Employment numbers by year
The graph shows the employment numbers in Chemical Scientist by year.
Year | Employment |
2022: | 1318 |
2023: | 1438 |
2024: | 1452 |
2025: | 1474 |
2026: | 1493 |
2027: | 1511 |
2028: | 1527 |
2029: | 1536 |
2030: | 1542 |
2031: | 1546 |
2032: | 1549 |
2033: | 1552 |
Hourly earnings
The graph shows the hourly earnings of people in Chemical Scientist by amount.
Percentile | Earnings £ |
10%: | £14.43 |
25%: | £17.92 |
50%: | £21.73 |
75%: | £29.14 |
90%: | £32.65 |
Knowledge
- Chemistry: Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
- Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
- Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
- Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
- Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- Law and Government: Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
- Clerical: Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
- Physics: Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
- Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
- Communications and Media: Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
- Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
- Biology: Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
- Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Geography: Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
- Transportation: Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
- Sales and Marketing: Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
- Building and Construction: Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
- Medicine and Dentistry: Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
- Personnel and Human Resources: Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labour relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
- Psychology: Knowledge of human behaviour and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioural and affective disorders.
- Economics and Accounting: Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
- Telecommunications: Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
- Philosophy and Theology: Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
- History and Archaeology: Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
- Sociology and Anthropology: Knowledge of group behaviour and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
- Therapy and Counselling: Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counselling and guidance.
- Food Production: Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
- Foreign Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
- Fine Arts: Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Skills
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
- Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Workforce demographics
The graph shows the male/ female split in Chemical Scientist.
Male | 56.02% |
Female | 43.97% |
Annual Openings:
72
Current employment:
1522
Median Earnings:
£33,061.00
Educational requirements:
Honours, Bachelor's degree
Age demographics
The graph shows the distribution of people in Biological Scientist by age group.
Age group | % |
16-24 years: | 7.2% |
25-34 years: | 22.06% |
35-44 years: | 27.54% |
45-54 years: | 25.9% |
55-64 years: | 13.96% |
65+ years: | 3.32% |
Annual earnings
The graph shows the annual earnings of people in Biological Scientist by amount.
Percentile | Earnings £ |
10%: | £19,033 |
25%: | £26,718 |
50%: | £33,061 |
75%: | £47,480 |
90%: | £55,923 |
Core tasks
- Monitors the distribution, presence and behaviour of plants, animals and aquatic life, and performs other scientific tasks related to conservation not performed by Job holders in MINOR GROUP 215: Conservation and Environment Professionals.
- Advises farmers, medical staff and others, on the nature of field crops, livestock and produce and on the treatment and prevention of disease.
- Observes the structure of communities of organisms in the laboratory and in their natural environment.
- Researches the effects of internal and external environmental factors on the life processes and other functions of living organisms.
- Studies the physical form, structure, composition and function of living organisms.
Education Attainment Levels
The graph shows the education level of people in Biological Scientist.
Level | % |
Level 0: | 1.10% |
Level 1: | 2.14% |
Level 2: | 3.44% |
Level 3: | 11.16% |
Level 4-5 (Higher Education): | 7.33% |
Level 6 (Bachelors): | 36.51% |
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent): | 21.05% |
Level 8 (Doctorate): | 17.27% |
Employment numbers by year
The graph shows the employment numbers in Biological Scientist by year.
Year | Employment |
2022: | 1410 |
2023: | 1488 |
2024: | 1522 |
2025: | 1550 |
2026: | 1571 |
2027: | 1589 |
2028: | 1604 |
2029: | 1614 |
2030: | 1620 |
2031: | 1624 |
2032: | 1627 |
2033: | 1629 |
Hourly earnings
The graph shows the hourly earnings of people in Biological Scientist by amount.
Percentile | Earnings £ |
10%: | £11.33 |
25%: | £14.46 |
50%: | £17.07 |
75%: | £21.05 |
90%: | £25.65 |
Knowledge
- Biology: Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
- English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Chemistry: Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
- Law and Government: Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
- Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
- Geography: Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
- Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
- Clerical: Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
- Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
- Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
- Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- Medicine and Dentistry: Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
- Physics: Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
- Personnel and Human Resources: Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labour relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
- Communications and Media: Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
- Transportation: Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
- Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Psychology: Knowledge of human behaviour and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioural and affective disorders.
- History and Archaeology: Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
- Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
- Sales and Marketing: Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
- Building and Construction: Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
- Food Production: Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
- Economics and Accounting: Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
- Sociology and Anthropology: Knowledge of group behaviour and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
- Philosophy and Theology: Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
- Telecommunications: Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
- Foreign Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
- Therapy and Counselling: Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counselling and guidance.
- Fine Arts: Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Skills
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
- Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Workforce demographics
The graph shows the male/ female split in Biological Scientist.
Male | 46.98% |
Female | 53.01% |
Annual Openings:
74
Current employment:
1579
Median Earnings:
£36,273.00
Educational requirements:
Honours, Bachelor's degree
Age demographics
The graph shows the distribution of people in Biochemist or Biomedical Scientist by age group.
Age group | % |
16-24 years: | 8.46% |
25-34 years: | 26.99% |
35-44 years: | 28.77% |
45-54 years: | 21.48% |
55-64 years: | 12.04% |
65+ years: | 2.23% |
Annual earnings
The graph shows the annual earnings of people in Biochemist or Biomedical Scientist by amount.
Percentile | Earnings £ |
10%: | £19,627 |
25%: | £26,511 |
50%: | £36,273 |
75%: | £42,465 |
90%: | £61,357 |
Core tasks
- Researches, develops and quality checks new products in the pharmaceuticals, food production and agricultural Industries.
- Performs tests to help clinicians diagnose and treat various conditions, evaluates existing treatments and researches new ways to treat diseases.
- Researches the effects of internal and external environmental factors on the life processes and other functions of living organisms.
- Performs tests to study physiological and pathological characteristics within cells and other organisms.
- Identifies and studies the chemical substances, including microbial infections, involved in physiological processes and the progress of disease.
- Studies the chemical form, structure, composition and function of living organisms.
Education Attainment Levels
The graph shows the education level of people in Biochemist or Biomedical Scientist.
Level | % |
Level 3: | 1.68% |
Level 4-5 (Higher Education): | 4.81% |
Level 6 (Bachelors): | 44.64% |
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent): | 28.60% |
Level 8 (Doctorate): | 20.27% |
Employment numbers by year
The graph shows the employment numbers in Biochemist or Biomedical Scientist by year.
Year | Employment |
2022: | 1461 |
2023: | 1542 |
2024: | 1579 |
2025: | 1606 |
2026: | 1628 |
2027: | 1646 |
2028: | 1661 |
2029: | 1671 |
2030: | 1677 |
2031: | 1681 |
2032: | 1684 |
2033: | 1687 |
Hourly earnings
The graph shows the hourly earnings of people in Biochemist or Biomedical Scientist by amount.
Percentile | Earnings £ |
10%: | £15.03 |
25%: | £19.01 |
50%: | £23.3 |
75%: | £27.22 |
90%: | £35 |
Knowledge
- Biology: Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
- Chemistry: Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
- English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
- Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
- Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Physics: Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
- Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
- Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
- Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Clerical: Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
- Medicine and Dentistry: Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
- Communications and Media: Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
- Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
- Personnel and Human Resources: Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labour relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
- Psychology: Knowledge of human behaviour and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioural and affective disorders.
- Foreign Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
- Law and Government: Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
- Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Building and Construction: Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
- Transportation: Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
- Sales and Marketing: Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
- Telecommunications: Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
- Economics and Accounting: Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
- Geography: Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
- Therapy and Counselling: Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counselling and guidance.
- Philosophy and Theology: Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
- Food Production: Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
- Sociology and Anthropology: Knowledge of group behaviour and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
- Fine Arts: Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
- History and Archaeology: Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Skills
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
- Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
- Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Workforce demographics
The graph shows the male/ female split in Biochemist or Biomedical Scientist.
Male | 43.07% |
Female | 56.92% |
Annual Openings:
120
Current employment:
2765
Median Earnings:
£45,387.00
Educational requirements:
Honours, Bachelor's degree
Age demographics
The graph shows the distribution of people in Pharmacist by age group.
Age group | % |
16-24 years: | 10.28% |
25-34 years: | 32.35% |
35-44 years: | 29.95% |
45-54 years: | 16.05% |
55-64 years: | 9.9% |
65+ years: | 1.44% |
Annual earnings
The graph shows the annual earnings of people in Pharmacist by amount.
Percentile | Earnings £ |
10%: | £20,457 |
25%: | £30,151 |
50%: | £45,387 |
75%: | £56,739 |
90%: | £67,323 |
Core tasks
- Ensures that drugs and medicaments are in good supply and are stored properly.
- Tests and analyses drugs to determine their identity, purity and strength.
- Liaises with other professionals regarding the development, manufacturing and testing of drugs.
- Maintains prescription files and records issue of narcotics, poisons and other habit-forming drugs.
- Checks that recommended doses are not being exceeded and that instructions are understood by patients.
- Highlights a drug’s potential side effects, identifies harmful interactions with other drugs and assesses the suitability of treatments for patients with particular health conditions.
- Advises health professionals on the selection and appropriate use of medicines.
- Prepares or directs the preparation of prescribed medicaments in liquid, powder, tablet, ointment or other form following prescriptions issued by medical doctors and other health professionals.
Education Attainment Levels
The graph shows the education level of people in Pharmacist.
Level | % |
Level 0: | 0.95% |
Level 1: | 0.41% |
Level 2: | 0.85% |
Level 3: | 2.38% |
Level 4-5 (Higher Education): | 0.36% |
Level 6 (Bachelors): | 46.29% |
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent): | 47.20% |
Level 8 (Doctorate): | 1.55% |
Employment numbers by year
The graph shows the employment numbers in Pharmacist by year.
Year | Employment |
2022: | 2709 |
2023: | 2724 |
2024: | 2765 |
2025: | 2794 |
2026: | 2816 |
2027: | 2835 |
2028: | 2852 |
2029: | 2862 |
2030: | 2868 |
2031: | 2873 |
2032: | 2876 |
2033: | 2878 |
Hourly earnings
The graph shows the hourly earnings of people in Pharmacist by amount.
Percentile | Earnings £ |
10%: | £14.38 |
25%: | £21.41 |
50%: | £25.45 |
75%: | £29.04 |
90%: | £34.03 |
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Medicine and Dentistry: Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
- Chemistry: Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
- Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Psychology: Knowledge of human behaviour and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioural and affective disorders.
- Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
- Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
- Clerical: Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
- Therapy and Counselling: Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counselling and guidance.
- English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Law and Government: Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
- Biology: Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
- Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
- Sales and Marketing: Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
- Communications and Media: Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
- Personnel and Human Resources: Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labour relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
- Physics: Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
- Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
- Sociology and Anthropology: Knowledge of group behaviour and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
- Economics and Accounting: Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
- Telecommunications: Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
- Foreign Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
- Transportation: Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
- Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
- Philosophy and Theology: Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
- Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- Food Production: Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
- Geography: Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
- Fine Arts: Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
- History and Archaeology: Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
- Building and Construction: Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Skills
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
- Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
- Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Workforce demographics
The graph shows the male/ female split in Pharmacist.
Male | 36.08% |
Female | 63.91% |
Annual Openings:
104
Current employment:
2715
Median Earnings:
£25,964.00
Educational requirements:
Level 4 NVQ
Intermediate, DipHE, DipFE
Age demographics
The graph shows the distribution of people in Laboratory Technician by age group.
Age group | % |
16-24 years: | 18.98% |
25-34 years: | 21.97% |
35-44 years: | 17.57% |
45-54 years: | 25.2% |
55-64 years: | 13.83% |
65+ years: | 2.42% |
Annual earnings
The graph shows the annual earnings of people in Laboratory Technician by amount.
Percentile | Earnings £ |
10%: | £13,990 |
25%: | £16,980 |
50%: | £25,964 |
75%: | £26,127 |
90%: | £37,941 |
Core tasks
- Keeps up to date with new technical developments.
- Disposes of chemical and biological waste safely.
- Maintains and rotates stock and supplies.
- Records and collates data obtained from experimental work and documents all work carried out.
- Operates and services specialised scientific equipment, undertakes prescribed measurements and analyses and ensures that sterile conditions necessary for some equipment are maintained.
- Prepares organic and inorganic material for examination and stains and fixes slides for microscope work.
- Sets up and assists with the construction and the development of scientific apparatus for experimental, demonstration or other purposes.
Education Attainment Levels
The graph shows the education level of people in Laboratory Technician.
Level | % |
Level 0: | 2.34% |
Level 1: | 4.88% |
Level 2: | 14.35% |
Level 3: | 20.67% |
Level 4-5 (Higher Education): | 10.60% |
Level 6 (Bachelors): | 35.39% |
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent): | 9.17% |
Level 8 (Doctorate): | 2.60% |
Employment numbers by year
The graph shows the employment numbers in Laboratory Technician by year.
Year | Employment |
2022: | 2525 |
2023: | 2668 |
2024: | 2715 |
2025: | 2756 |
2026: | 2788 |
2027: | 2816 |
2028: | 2839 |
2029: | 2853 |
2030: | 2863 |
2031: | 2869 |
2032: | 2874 |
2033: | 2877 |
Hourly earnings
The graph shows the hourly earnings of people in Laboratory Technician by amount.
Percentile | Earnings £ |
10%: | £11.01 |
25%: | £11.58 |
50%: | £13.04 |
75%: | £15.26 |
90%: | £19.76 |
Knowledge
- Chemistry: Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
- Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- Clerical: Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
- Biology: Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
- Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
- Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
- Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
- Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
- Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
- Physics: Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
- Geography: Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
- Medicine and Dentistry: Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
- Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Communications and Media: Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
- Transportation: Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
- Personnel and Human Resources: Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labour relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
- Sales and Marketing: Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
- Law and Government: Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
- Economics and Accounting: Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
- Sociology and Anthropology: Knowledge of group behaviour and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
- Building and Construction: Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
- Psychology: Knowledge of human behaviour and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioural and affective disorders.
- Telecommunications: Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
- Therapy and Counselling: Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counselling and guidance.
- Philosophy and Theology: Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
- Food Production: Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
- Foreign Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
- History and Archaeology: Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
- Fine Arts: Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Skills
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
- Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
- Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Workforce demographics
The graph shows the male/ female split in Laboratory Technician.
Male | 51.89% |
Female | 48.1% |
Annual Openings:
124
Current employment:
3496
Median Earnings:
£13,757.00
Educational requirements:
Level 2 NVQ
GCSE at grades A*-C
Age demographics
The graph shows the distribution of people in Pharmacy or Optical Dispensing Assistant by age group.
Age group | % |
16-24 years: | 18.85% |
25-34 years: | 26.88% |
35-44 years: | 16.14% |
45-54 years: | 18.78% |
55-64 years: | 17.2% |
65+ years: | 2.12% |
Annual earnings
The graph shows the annual earnings of people in Pharmacy or Optical Dispensing Assistant by amount.
Percentile | Earnings £ |
10%: | £6,606 |
25%: | £9,337 |
50%: | £13,757 |
75%: | £17,651 |
90%: | £26,769 |
Core tasks
- Carries out sales transaction, wraps and packages goods.
- Relays information to customers under the direction of pharmacist and opticians or optometrists.
- Arranges displays of merchandise.
- Checks stock levels, rotates stock, orders new stock from supplying companies and ensures that products are stored appropriately.
- Maintains records of prescriptions received and drugs issued.
- Checks received prescriptions for legality and accuracy and confirms patients’ or customers’ details.
Education Attainment Levels
The graph shows the education level of people in Pharmacy or Optical Dispensing Assistant.
Level | % |
Level 0: | 3.12% |
Level 1: | 7.41% |
Level 2: | 29.37% |
Level 3: | 31.65% |
Level 4-5 (Higher Education): | 8.74% |
Level 6 (Bachelors): | 16.51% |
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent): | 3.20% |
Employment numbers by year
The graph shows the employment numbers in Pharmacy or Optical Dispensing Assistant by year.
Year | Employment |
2022: | 3547 |
2023: | 3477 |
2024: | 3496 |
2025: | 3529 |
2026: | 3551 |
2027: | 3568 |
2028: | 3581 |
2029: | 3589 |
2030: | 3595 |
2031: | 3599 |
2032: | 3601 |
2033: | 3603 |
Hourly earnings
The graph shows the hourly earnings of people in Pharmacy or Optical Dispensing Assistant by amount.
Percentile | Earnings £ |
10%: | £11.63 |
25%: | £11.69 |
50%: | £12.19 |
75%: | £12.9 |
90%: | £14.1 |
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Chemistry: Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
- English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
- Clerical: Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
- Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Medicine and Dentistry: Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
- Psychology: Knowledge of human behaviour and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioural and affective disorders.
- Therapy and Counselling: Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counselling and guidance.
- Law and Government: Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
- Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
- Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
- Sales and Marketing: Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
- Personnel and Human Resources: Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labour relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
- Sociology and Anthropology: Knowledge of group behaviour and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
- Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
- Economics and Accounting: Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
- Telecommunications: Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
- Philosophy and Theology: Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
- Communications and Media: Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
- Biology: Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
- Foreign Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
- Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
- Food Production: Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
- Physics: Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
- Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- Transportation: Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
- Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Fine Arts: Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
- Building and Construction: Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
- Geography: Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
- History and Archaeology: Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Skills
- Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
- Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
- Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Workforce demographics
The graph shows the male/ female split in Pharmacy or Optical Dispensing Assistant.
Male | 12.54% |
Female | 87.45% |



Reasons to join us at Barnsley College
1) We’re proud to have a 100% pass rate for our Applied Science students in 2023/2024. Our team is here to support you, making sure you have everything you need to do well and reach your goals.
2) With over 200 industry work placements available, you’ll get hands-on experience in real-world science jobs. This is your chance to learn from experts, build your skills, and get ready for your future career.
3) 100% of students who apply to university from our courses get into a program of their choice. Plus, 98% of our students would recommend our courses to a friend. We’ll help you take the next step towards your future, whether that’s university, a career, or something else you’re passionate about.
Science Professions News:
Student Profile
Name: Harry Lugg
Course: Level 3 Applied Science
Former Crofton Academy pupil.

Student Profile
Name: Hannah Frank
Course: Level 3 Applied Science
Former Penistone Grammar School pupil.
