Careers in Biology and Chemistry

Studying Biology and Chemistry can prepare you for university courses leading towards careers in healthcare, laboratory science, medicines, public health and sport. Depending on your chosen degree and further training, you could work with patients, investigate disease, develop products or help people improve their health and physical performance.

Our Access to HE Diploma (Health Science Professions) Biology and Chemistry pathway provides a foundation for further study. This QAA-recognised qualification is awarded through Skills and Education Group Access. It contains 24 graded Biology credits, 15 graded Chemistry credits, six graded Social Science credits and 15 ungraded credits, giving 60 credits in total.

The career options below describe opportunities following relevant university study, professional training and experience. The Access diploma prepares you for higher education; professional qualifications and registration are completed through the appropriate later training route.

Audiology Careers

Audiology focuses on hearing and balance. Qualified practitioners assess hearing difficulties, help people use hearing aids and other technologies, and support patients in managing the effects of hearing loss.

• NHS and independent audiology: assessing hearing, fitting hearing aids and providing continuing patient support.
• Specialist services: developing expertise in children's hearing, tinnitus, balance assessment or implant services.
• Research and industry: contributing to hearing research, audiology equipment or hearing technology development.

Training and progression: relevant degrees include Audiology and Healthcare Science (Audiology), with clinical training forming an important part of professional preparation. Registration requirements vary by role; hearing aid dispensers and clinical scientists have specific HCPC registration routes. The British Academy of Audiology explains the available options.

Explore our Access to Audiology course.

Biomedical Science Careers

Biomedical Science explores how the human body works and how disease develops. Careers can involve analysing patient samples, investigating infections, supporting diagnosis or carrying out laboratory research.

• Diagnostic laboratories: working in areas such as blood science, microbiology or cellular pathology after the required professional training.
• Biomedical research: investigating cells, disease processes, treatments or diagnostic methods.
• Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals: supporting laboratory testing, product development or quality assurance.

Training and progression: becoming an HCPC-registered biomedical scientist requires an appropriate academic qualification and evidence of practical competence, commonly through an IBMS-accredited degree and the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio. Check whether a university course includes a suitable training placement. See the Institute of Biomedical Science registration guidance.

Explore our Access to Biomedical Science course.

Chemistry Careers

Chemistry examines substances, their properties and how they interact. Graduates can apply this knowledge across medicines, manufacturing, food, energy, materials and environmental testing.

• Analytical chemistry: identifying substances and measuring their composition or purity.
• Product development: developing and testing formulations, materials or manufacturing processes.
• Environmental and quality testing: analysing samples and checking that products meet required specifications.

Training and progression: a relevant degree and practical laboratory experience support entry to many scientific roles. Further study may lead towards specialist research or university teaching. Some Chemistry degrees require more Chemistry or Mathematics than this pathway contains, so check the exact entry requirements. Explore Chemistry careers with the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Explore our Access to Chemistry course.

Environmental Health Careers

Environmental Health professionals investigate conditions that affect people's health at home, at work and in the wider community. Their work combines scientific knowledge with inspection, advice and public protection.

• Food safety: inspecting food businesses and helping prevent foodborne illness.
• Housing and public health: investigating unsafe housing, poor living conditions and health hazards.
• Environmental protection: responding to pollution, noise and other environmental concerns.
• Workplace health and safety: assessing risks and helping organisations protect workers and the public.

Training and progression: professional routes commonly involve an accredited Environmental Health degree and assessment of practical competence. With experience, practitioners may specialise, manage services or work in consultancy. Requirements vary across the UK; the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health explains its registration routes.

Explore our Access to Environmental Health course.

Forensic Biology Careers

Forensic Biology applies biological science to investigations. It can involve examining biological material, analysing DNA and interpreting findings that may contribute to criminal justice proceedings.

• Forensic laboratory analysis: examining biological evidence and carrying out validated tests.
• DNA analysis: developing expertise in genetic profiling and the interpretation of biological findings.
• Laboratory research and support: improving methods, maintaining quality systems or supporting scientific investigations.

Training and progression: relevant degrees may include Forensic Biology, Forensic Science or Biological Sciences. Laboratory experience, careful record keeping and an understanding of evidence handling are valuable. Recruitment is competitive, and some specialist roles require postgraduate study or additional employer training. Read the National Careers Service forensic scientist profile.

Explore our Access to Forensic Biology course.

Nutrition and Dietetics Careers

Nutrition and Dietetics examine the relationship between food, health and disease. Dietitians use nutritional assessment and evidence-based treatment to support people with medical conditions, while nutrition graduates may work in research, public health or the food industry.

• Clinical dietetics: supporting patients in hospitals, community services or specialist clinics after qualifying as a dietitian.
• Public health nutrition: contributing to programmes that improve eating habits and population health.
• Food and nutrition research: investigating diet, developing products or evaluating nutritional evidence.

Training and progression: to practise as a dietitian, you must complete an HCPC-approved professional programme, including practice-based learning, and register with the HCPC. A general Nutrition degree does not automatically qualify you as a dietitian. See the British Dietetic Association's training guidance.

Explore our Access to Nutrition and Dietetics course.

Optometry Careers

Optometrists examine vision and eye health, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and identify eye conditions that need further investigation or treatment. They work in community practices, hospitals and other eye care settings.

• Community optometry: providing eye examinations and continuing care in independent practices or optical groups.
• Hospital and specialist services: developing expertise in areas such as children's vision, specialist contact lenses or low vision.
• Domiciliary optometry: providing eye care for patients who cannot attend a practice.
• Research and optical industry: contributing to vision research, equipment development or professional education.

Training and progression: complete a General Optical Council-approved qualification and meet its registration requirements. Under the newer education framework, optometry qualifications incorporate clinical and placement learning within the programme. Check the structure for your intended course and entry year. Further approved training can lead to additional clinical qualifications, including independent prescribing. See the GOC's education guidance.

Explore our Access to Optometry course.

Orthoptics Careers

Orthoptists assess and manage problems involving eye movement, eye alignment and how the eyes work together. They support children and adults with conditions such as squint, double vision and difficulties with visual development.

• Hospital orthoptics: assessing patients and planning care within eye care teams.
• Children's and community services: supporting visual development and contributing to vision screening.
• Specialist practice and research: developing expertise in complex eye movement disorders, education or clinical research.

Training and progression: complete an HCPC-approved Orthoptics programme with clinical training and apply for HCPC registration. Experience and further development can support progression into specialist, leadership or academic roles. Learn more from the British and Irish Orthoptic Society.

Explore our Access to Orthoptics course.

Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science Careers

Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science applies Biology and Chemistry to the development, testing and manufacture of products. Work can include medicines, skincare, toiletries and other formulated products.

• Formulation development: investigating ingredients and developing products with suitable properties.
• Quality control: testing raw materials and finished products for consistency and compliance with specifications.
• Product safety and regulatory work: supporting safety evidence, technical documentation and product requirements.

Training and progression: relevant degrees include Pharmaceutical Science, Cosmetic Science and Chemistry. Laboratory experience supports entry to technical roles, while specialist research or safety assessment may require further qualifications. These degrees do not qualify graduates to practise as pharmacists. Read about formulation chemistry careers.

Explore our Access to Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science course.

Pharmacology Careers

Pharmacology investigates how medicines and other substances affect living systems. Pharmacologists help explain how treatments work, assess their effects and contribute to the development of new medicines.

• Drug discovery: investigating potential treatments and how they act on biological processes.
• Clinical research: supporting studies that examine the safety and effectiveness of medicines.
• Drug safety and scientific communication: evaluating evidence, monitoring medicine safety or explaining research findings.

Training and progression: a relevant degree can support entry to laboratory and industry roles. Postgraduate study may be needed for specialist research. Pharmacology graduates who wish to become pharmacists must complete the separate professional Pharmacy route. Explore careers with the British Pharmacological Society.

Explore our Access to Pharmacology course.

Pharmacy Careers

Pharmacists are experts in medicines and their safe use. They advise patients and other healthcare professionals, review treatment and help people obtain the greatest benefit from their medicines.

• Community pharmacy: providing medicines advice, dispensing prescriptions and delivering clinical services.
• Hospital pharmacy: working with clinical teams to support safe and effective treatment.
• General practice and primary care: reviewing medicines and helping manage patients' treatment.
• Industry and research: contributing to medicine development, regulatory work or clinical studies.

Training and progression: the usual route in Great Britain includes a GPhC-accredited MPharm degree, 52 weeks of foundation training, passing the registration assessment and meeting the remaining registration requirements. Some programmes integrate foundation training within the degree. Northern Ireland has a separate regulator. Check the General Pharmaceutical Council's training guidance.

Explore our Access to Pharmacy course.

Podiatry Careers

Podiatrists assess, diagnose and treat problems affecting the feet, ankles and lower limbs. Their work helps people manage pain, maintain mobility and reduce the risk of complications associated with conditions such as diabetes.

• NHS and community podiatry: providing assessment and treatment in clinics, hospitals and patients' homes.
• Specialist services: developing expertise in areas such as diabetic foot care, wound management or musculoskeletal problems.
• Independent practice: providing private care or establishing a practice after qualification and registration.

Training and progression: complete an HCPC-approved Podiatry programme and register with the HCPC. Further training and experience can support specialist clinical work, service leadership, teaching or research. Read the National Careers Service podiatrist profile.

Explore our Access to Podiatry course.

Sport and Exercise Science Careers

Sport and Exercise Science explores how the body and mind respond to physical activity. It brings together physiology, biomechanics and psychology to investigate performance, movement, health and wellbeing.

• Sport performance support: helping assess fitness, movement and responses to training.
• Exercise and health: supporting physical activity programmes, subject to the qualifications required for the role.
• Research and education: investigating exercise, analysing performance data or progressing towards teaching and research.

Training and progression: a relevant degree, practical experience and further professional development support entry to specialist roles. Clinical exercise work and other specialist services may require additional training or accreditation. Becoming a physiotherapist or sport and exercise psychologist requires the appropriate separate professional training. Explore the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences career guide.

Explore our Access to Sport and Exercise Science course.

Choosing the Correct Biology and Chemistry Pathway

Begin with the university course and career you want to pursue. Check the required diploma title, subject credits, individual units and grades, together with any GCSE, Mathematics, practical science or work experience requirements.

Our Biology and Chemistry pathway contains 45 graded Level 3 credits: 24 in Biology, 15 in Chemistry and six in Social Science. A further 15 ungraded credits develop academic and study skills. The diploma is studied online through assignments, with tutor support and UCAS guidance, including an academic reference.

Acceptance is decided by the university. Obtain written confirmation that the diploma and its unit combination meet your chosen degree's requirements before enrolling. Professional courses may also have interviews, occupational health checks, background checks or other selection requirements.

If the standard units do not match your intended degree, we may be able to offer a customised Health Science Professions diploma, subject to the qualification's rules and available units. Any alternative combination must also be checked with the university.

View the Biology and Chemistry pathway and its full unit list, or contact Academy Online Learning to discuss your study plans.

Biology and Chemistry Careers: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What careers can Biology and Chemistry lead to?
A: Following relevant university study and training, options include audiology, biomedical science, analytical chemistry, environmental health, forensic biology, dietetics, optometry, orthoptics, pharmaceutical and cosmetic science, pharmacology, pharmacy, podiatry and sport and exercise science.

Q: Can I change career without A Levels?
A: A relevant Access to HE Diploma can support applications to university courses that accept this qualification. You must meet the chosen course's requirements for subjects, credits, grades and additional qualifications. Obtain written confirmation before enrolling.

Q: Will the Access diploma qualify me to work in a regulated healthcare profession?
A: No. The diploma prepares you for higher education. Regulated healthcare careers require the relevant approved professional qualification, practical training and registration.

Q: Does this pathway include laboratory attendance or clinical placements?
A: No. The Access diploma is studied online and assessed through assignments. Laboratory work and clinical placements may form part of your later university course. Check whether your intended degree requires any practical science experience before entry.

Q: Can I use the same diploma to apply for different degree subjects?
A: You may be able to use the same diploma for more than one subject, provided each university accepts its title, unit content, credits and grades. Each degree application must be checked against its own entry requirements.