A Biological Science degree provides graduates with skills applicable to a broad range of careers, especially where their analytical, problem solving, research and IT skills are highly valued.

Data obtained from

• Biology (BSc and MSci)
• Plant Sciences (MSci)
• Graduates from the UK 

Responses were received from 101 UK graduates from 2019/20; this is a response rate of 63.9%

Destinations

Most important activity	Percentage of graduates
Paid work for an employer	60.4%
Self-employment/freelancing	1%
Running my own business	0%
Developing a creative, artistic or professional portfolio	2%
Voluntary/unpaid work for an employer	2%
Engaged in a course of study, training or research	26.7%
Taking time out to travel	0%
Caring for someone	0%
Retired	0%
Unemployed and looking for work	13%
Doing something else	5%

Sector information

Biological Scientists enter a wide range of careers, not always directly related to the content of their studies. Large numbers of graduate vacancies (currently around 70%) are open to graduates of any degree discipline, and areas where Biological Scientists have found work include education, recruitment, IT and careers within the public sector.

Employment sector	Number of graduates
Regulation of and contribution to more efficient operation of business	4
Other human health activities	4
Other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering	3
Manufacture of medical and dental instruments and supplies	2
Manufacture of pesticides and other agrochemical products	2
Other sectors (23 sectors)	35

Employers and occupations

Examples of employers

• Animal and Plant Health Agency
• Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs
• Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• NHS Blood and Transplant
• Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust

Examples of occupations

• Lab Technician
• Data Reviewer
• Laboratory Scientist
• Mental health support worker
• Sustainability Consultant

Further study

Graduates undertaking further study entered a wide range of programmes, including biological sciences research, e.g. Biological Sciences (PhD), Environmental Science (PhD); taught Master's programmes, e.g. Biology (MSc), Biophysics and Molecular Life Sciences (MSc), Computer Science (MSc); and the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

Qualification type	Percentage of graduates
Higher degree, mainly by research (e.g. PhD, DPhil, MPhil, MRes)	25%
Higher degree, mainly by taught course (e.g. MA, MSc, MBA)	40.6%
Postgraduate diploma or certificate (including PGCE/PGDE)	6.3%
Professional qualification	9.4%
Undergraduate degree (including integrated master’s degrees) (e.g. BA, BSc, MBChB, MEng)	6.3%
Other undergraduate diploma or certificate not specified above	0%
Other qualification	0%
Not aiming for a formal qualification	9.4%