• Question: What qualifications do you need to become a scientist?

    Asked by anon-221692 to Sam, Galina on 28 Oct 2019.
    • Photo: Galina Badalova

      Galina Badalova answered on 28 Oct 2019:

      Hello!
      There is more than one way of becoming a scientist, actually.
      First and foremost – the basics. It would be very beneficial to have GCSE qualifications in STEM subjects – like mathematics, general science, english (you need to be able to write well about your exciting discoveries!), biology.
      Then when considering your A-levels, they may vary slightly depending on your course (and university). For example, if you are wishing to read medicine at uni, you would need an A level in biology, chemistry, mathematics and AS in either physics or further maths. If you are looking to read a natural science like chemistry, then standart choice would be A level in chemistry, mathematics and either physics or further maths (some universities accept English or languages).

      Then to become a scientist you would need to get a Barchelors (or Masters) in related field. Then you can apply directly to graduate programs or entry-level jobs in big science companies.

      If you wish to be more academia-orientated scientist (being at the frontline of discoveries) then it would be highly advised to obtain a PhD qualification.

      Hope this helps and let me know if you have any further questions!

    • Photo: Sam Henry

      Sam Henry answered on 8 Nov 2019:

      The usual route to become a professional scientist is to get a degree in your chosen subject (physics, biochemistry, environmental science, or whatever), then do a PhD, where you will complete an original research project over 3-4 years. There are other types of scientists – for example ‘citizen scientists’ are volunteers from all background who join in projects such as those at https://www.zooniverse.org/. They don’t need any qualifications.

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