Science Careers

SCIENCE

PARKLANDS HIGH SCHOOL

CAREERS GUIDANCE

This document outlines some of the main career options within SCIENCE, some of which are established traditional roles, some of which are more recent, and some potential jobs of the future.

Each pages contains details about the job, the qualifications required, and useful links that students and parents can follow.

OPTICIAN

PARKLANDS HIGH SCHOOL CAREERS GUIDANCE

An ophthalmic optician tests peoples eyes to check the health of the patient's eyes and to see if a prescription is required.

QUALIFICATIONS At least five GCSE’s at grade A-C including English, Maths and Science. Three A-levels (two of which must be Science based) to gain entry on to a BSc Optometry course. The required A-level grade depends upon the university, but typically AAA/AAB. SALARY: £25,000-£65,000 per year dependent upon experience. https://www.ucas.com/ucas/after-gcses/find-career-ideas/explor e-jobs/job-profile/optometrist

CAR MECHANIC

PARKLANDS HIGH SCHOOL CAREERS GUIDANCE

Servicing and repairing motor vehicles, carrying out MOT’s.

QUALIFICATIONS: Level 2 light vehicle maintenance and repair and a driving licence to enable you to drive the vehicles you are repairing. The level two is usually achieved through an apprenticeship- to access this you will need GCSE’s in Maths and English.

SALARY: £18,000- £35,000 per year dependant upon experience. https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles/motor-me chanic

CHEMICAL ENGINEER

PARKLANDS HIGH SCHOOL CAREERS GUIDANCE

A chemical engineer develops raw materials into a range of useful products. A career in the field offers you the chance to create things such as petrochemicals, medicine and plastics.

QUALIFICATIONS: A four year masters engineering degree.

SALARY: £28,500- £78,000 per year depending upon experience. https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/chemical-engineer

ARCHITECT TECHNICIAN

PARKLANDS HIGH SCHOOL CAREERS GUIDANCE

Architect technicians research and put together the technical details that construction companies need for a new development.You'd support architects, surveyors and other people in the construction industry.

QUALIFICATIONS: HND in Architect design. You would require 20-40 UCAS points depending upon the university offering the course. These could be acquired from completing A-levels or equivalent at college.

SALARY: £18,000- £50,000 per year depending upon experience. https://ciat.org.uk/about-us/professionally-qualified-architecturaltechnician.html https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/my-career-options/job-profiles/ architectural-technician

DIETITIAN

PARKLANDS HIGH SCHOOL CAREERS GUIDANCE

Dietitians are qualified nutritionists that assess a patient’s current dietary habits and provide advice on the health effects of certain foods. They can help plan meals and document the progress of a patient. Dietitians often work with patients with medical issues such as diabetes, heart disease or those that are undergoing chemotherapy.

QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum requirement is a BSc Hons in Dietetics or a related science degree such as Food and Nutrition. To access this course at university, you would need three A-levels (usually between BBB - BBC), including at least one A-level in a Science (typically Biology).

SALARY: £28,000- £36,000. Advanced dietetics earn up to £43,000. https://www.bda.uk.com/publications/dietitian_nutritionist.pdf https://digital.ucas.com/courses/details?coursePrimaryId=46148fd6-467 4-614d-1a08-c8186d8754e6&courseOptionId=cf82b193-84aa-bc75-d74 7-681cf4c7f577

ZOOKEEPER

PARKLANDS HIGH SCHOOL CAREERS GUIDANCE

Zookeepers usually work with a specific type of animal or maintain a certain section of a zoo. Zookeepers have a range of responsibilities including enclosure management, animal food/drink maintenance and care for sick animals under veterinary advice. They keep healthcare records and monitor conditions such as temperature and humidity.

QUALIFICATIONS: Degrees are not essential, however this career is increasingly competitive. Most zookeepers have a BSc (or MSc) in Zoology or Life Sciences. Zoo jobs also require voluntary/internship experience. To access a Zoology degree you will need five GCSEs (9-5) and three A-levels including Biology (between AAB-BBC, depending on the university).

SALARY: £12,000 - £20,000. Head keepers earn £25,000+ https://www.ucas.com/ucas/after-gcses/find-career-ideas/explore-jo

bs/job-profile/zookeeper https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/zookeeper

CIVIL ENGINEER

PARKLANDS HIGH SCHOOL CAREERS GUIDANCE

Civil Engineers design, create and connect villages, towns and cities. This includes the development of roads, bridges, railways, buildings, water access and power supply.

QUALIFICATIONS: Civil Engineers usually have an Engineering degree (BEng) or a Master’s degree (MEng). It is possible to start as a technician and study part-time for a foundation degree, leading to a degree in civil engineering. To access an Engineering degree you will need AAB-BBC at A-level, depending on the choice of university. A-levels requirements typically include Science and Maths, Engineering or Technology.

SALARY: £24,000 - £40,000. Highly experienced engineers earn £50,000 £80,000. https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles/civil-engineer https://www.ice.org.uk/careers-and-training

FORENSIC SCIENTIST

PARKLANDS HIGH SCHOOL CAREERS GUIDANCE

A forensic scientist covers a wide variety of specialisms including blood and DNA analysis, handwriting specialist and CSI officers. Once qualified a forensic scientist will become an ‘expert’ in one particular area.

QUALIFICATIONS: To gain an undergraduate degree you will need at least 5 GCSE’s including Maths, English and Science then a further three science related subjects at A-Level. There can be an option to gather work experience along with a BTEC in Science however it is very rare.

SALARY: £20,000-£45,000 per year dependent upon experience and specialism. https://www.ucas.com/ucas/after-gcses/find-career-ideas/explore-jobs/jo b-profile/forensic-scientist

COLOUR EXPERT

PARKLANDS HIGH SCHOOL CAREERS GUIDANCE

A colour expert or colour technologist looks into the science and technology of colour and its applications. This can include colour in the textiles industry, cosmetic industry and medial products.

QUALIFICATIONS: There is no specific degree to qualify in to access this career. Instead you can choose a degree relevant to the role such as Chemistry or Textile technology. There are options to complete HND courses or even start work within the textile design industry and gain the required skills and knowledge.

SALARY: At technician level you can earn between £17,000 - £20,000 however if you progress into a supervisory role you can earn £30,000 plus. https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/colour-technologist

EMBALMER

PARKLANDS HIGH SCHOOL CAREERS GUIDANCE

An embalmer is someone responsible for preserving and preparing bodies for funerals (buried or cremated). The embalmer can be hired by the funeral director or could be a funeral director themselves.

QUALIFICATIONS: You must have GCSE’s in Maths, Science and English to complete a two year qualification with the British Institute of Embalmers (BIE). However, experience can be gained within a funeral home and then qualifications taken afterwards.

SALARY: Starting at between £17,000 - £19,000 however salary can increase to £28,000 with vast experience. You can also become self employed with higher earning potentials. https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles/embalmer