What can you do with a biology degree?

In addition to subject-specific knowledge of biological systems and concepts, you develop a range of practical and technical skills and learn how to use specialist techniques and technical equipment. You also develop more general skills, which are attractive to employers in all sectors.

These include:

• Scientific and technical understanding of ecology, biodiversity, cell biology, animal behaviour and physiology concepts developed through lectures, laboratory work and independent research.
• Laboratory skills and experience including designing & conducting experiments, systematic sample collection and instrument calibration in preparation for analysis and monitoring. Plus, also and systematic recording of data and observations.
• Advanced numeric and data handling skills: manipulating, interpreting and analysis of experimental data
• Verbal communication skills developed through conveying complex scientific information and delivering presentations
• Written communication skills developed through regular submission of concise, coherent laboratory reports
• Problem solving, analytical and logical thinking with attention to detail through designing and conducting experiments in the laboratory and applying knowledge of chemical science to solve new and familiar problems
• Project management: designing and conducting scientific investigations from research and problem-recognition through to objective-setting, experimental design and execution to evaluation and conclusion
• Time management: producing laboratory reports and other assignments to competing deadlines.

Biology graduates are well placed to succeed in any job where data handling or research skills are important. These jobs would not necessarily have to be restricted to science-based employers.

Employers recruiting graduates for biology-related jobs include:

• universities and clinical research organisations
• pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
• private hospitals and NHS trusts
• national and global health, conservation and environmental charities
• scientific and technical consultancies
• schools and colleges
• outreach organisations, such as museums, science centres and broadcast companies.

Many biology graduates pursue opportunities outside the science, education and health sectors in industries such as business, finance, the civil service, retail management, marketing and sales.

You could also apply the broader skills developed during your degree to many other opportunities: it is estimated that although graduate employers often specify a minimum degree classification as part of their shortlisting, approximately 70% of graduate employers do not specify that you must have studied a particular subject to work for them. However, graduate employers do highly prize skills such as strategic planning, resilience under pressure, creative problem-solving and commercial awareness which are some of the key skills you can develop during your course. Therefore, you could use your degree to access work in a multitude of sectors or industries.

It is also worth noting that around one third of Biology graduates go onto postgraduate study.

Researching your career options

With such a wide range of careers open to you as a biology graduate, it is important to make sure you explore and research your options thoroughly so that you can make informed decisions about your future.  

Take a look at the Prospects, TargetJobs and the professional associations websites for inspiration:

• Prospects -What can I do with a Biology degree
• Target Jobs - What can I do with a Biology degree
• Royal Society of Biology
• British Society for Cell Biology
• Association of Applied Biologists
• Marine Biological Association UK
• Animal Behaviour Society

Employment Opportunities

Below is a snapshot of what some of University of Plymouth Biology graduates told us they were doing 15 months after graduation. For some graduates, these jobs serve as steppingstones to professional posts by providing relevant workplace experience.  

• Development Scientist
• Graduate Field Research Assistant
• Research Assistant
• Seasonal Ecologist
• Sustainability Consultant
• Science Teacher
• Assistant Scientist
• Laboratory Assistant
• Laboratory Technician
• Senior Production 
• Technician
• Performance Officer
• Delegate Sales Executive
• Medical Workshop Leader
• Water Quality Inspector
  
• Necropsy Technician
• Seasonal Ecologist
• Teacher
• Waste Officer

Employers

• Campden BRI
• Ecology Solutions
• Green Power Global
• Greenbell Veterinary Surgery Diagnostics
• Huntsworth Health
• Medical Mavericks
• NHS
• Pharmaron
• Porton Biopharma
• Scottish Water
• The Vaccine Group
• Thermo Fisher Scientific
• University of Exeter
• Valuation Office Agency
• Viridor
• Wessex Water
  

*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys of 2017/18 and 2018/19. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for 24 UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.

Accessing support from the Careers Service couldn’t be easier, come along to the Careers Service Helpdesk in the Student Hub or access our 24/7 online resources.

There is a wide range of support available from skills workshops to events, placements and internships advice, 1-2-1 appointments and help getting started with LinkedIn.

Our bite-sized Skills Workshops can give your career the boost it needs. Choose from a range of topics:

• effective career planning
• job hunting techniques
• finding part-time work
• CVs and interviews
• mastering LinkedIn
• and more.

Workshops are delivered by the Careers Service, however they are also an opportunity to learn from your peers, share experiences and ask questions. Visit myCareer to see the full range of activities and to book your place.

Build your network and job sector knowledge using LinkedIn’s alumni tool. This will allow you to see the career journeys of graduates from your programme, the qualifications they completed, the skills they developed and employers they worked for. You can then ‘connect’ with people of interest.

• Search LinkedIn for ‘University of Plymouth’
• click on ‘Alumni’
• filter the results by subject, sector, company or location.

For more information about the alumni tool click on LinkedIn alumni tool guide. If you are looking for help to set up or learn how to make the most out of your LinkedIn profile, click on the LinkedIn guide for students or come to one of our workshops.

Gain work experience 

Undertaking work experience in your first and second years will help you stand out from the crowd when the time comes for you to complete applications for graduate employment and further study. Work experience develops valuable skills and qualities that employers are looking for and is essential for many roles. It can also help you to confirm or rule out particular career choices. Furthermore, experience in the workplace can bring you into contact with people who may be able to assist you at the beginning of your career.

You have plenty of options open to you. You could apply for a placement year, work part-time around your studies, undertake volunteering or approach organisations directly to negotiate short periods of work experience. Some organisations offer paid internships over the summer or of one year’s duration.

The University of Plymouth Students’ Union also offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities.

Clubs & Societies  

Engaging in a sport or society shows employers you are engaged and seek out opportunities, it also helps you improve your teamwork, communication and negotiation skills. Committee members develop leadership, diplomacy and organisational skills and will gain experience of meetings, handling funds, and society promotion

You may choose to join a society that is specifically linked to Biology or take the opportunity to explore the huge range of clubs, societies and sports, all of which can help you to broaden your horizons and explore new interests.

Tutor and academic support

Your tutor and other academic staff are an excellent source of support for your career development. They will have experience and contacts across industry and academia, so do approach them for advice and insights into careers you are considering. Your tutor will ultimately be writing references for your employment or further study applications, therefore establishing a positive relationship with this person is invaluable.