'For excellent teaching and research, immerse yourself in applied and pure sciences in the UK'
If you're coming to study science in the UK, you'll be arriving at an exciting time. Thanks to the country's excellence in teaching and world-class research ratings, the UK is one of the best places in the world to immerse yourself in applied or pure sciences. New subjects are a growth industry too: Forensics, Radiography and Environmental Sciences are just a handful of the newer science courses available.
You'll be studying in the most productive scientific research nation in the world, where the science, technology and engineering research councils work to keep the UK at the cutting edge. The UK is second in the world in terms of the impact of the research it funds. Over the past decade, eight UK scientists have been awarded Nobel Prizes in the fields of Chemistry, Physics, Physiology and Medicine.
You'll be studying in the most productive scientific research nation in the world, where the science, technology and engineering research councils work to keep the UK at the cutting edge. The UK is second in the world in terms of the impact of the research it funds. Over the past decade, eight UK scientists have been awarded Nobel Prizes in the fields of Chemistry, Physics, Physiology and Medicine.
Science departments at UK universities work closely with other disciplines such as social sciences and the arts. Just two examples of many are:
- The University of the West of England's Bristol Robotics Laboratory is bringing together psychologists, sociologists and engineers to develop Co-operative Human Robot Interaction Systems (CHRIS) that will communicate with and understand humans.
- At the University of Leicester, a Space Research Centre provides a base for researchers from across the scientific and mathematical spectrums to investigate the universe and its possibilities, especially in terms of life sciences and medicine.
New areas of work are also opening up in applied science, ranging from forensic science to the production of new textiles. You can take advantage of the opportunities that exist in 'spin-off' companies (dynamic firms that branch out from universities), in which UK institutions lead the world.
You could also choose to undertake research in the biotechnology industries, where the UK is a European leader. An undergraduate degree may lead directly to a career, to a one-year MSc or MA postgraduate taught course, or to a postgraduate research-based award (MPhil or PhD) as part of a major research project.
What can I study?
Pure sciences: schools and further education
Because the study of pure sciences focuses on theory and ethics rather than practice, you'll need a good grounding in general scientific principles. At school and further education level, you can study GCSEs, AS-levels and A-levels (and their Scottish equivalents) in Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics. A good knowledge of mathematics is also important.
Pure sciences: higher education
If you're unsure which branch of science you want to pursue as a career, a Foundation Degree in a subject such as Biological Sciences, Human Biology or Chemistry will give you a good grounding. If you have a non-science background, don't worry, as many universities and colleges run foundation year programmes that enable you to progress to undergraduate science degrees.
What can I study?
Pure sciences: schools and further education
Because the study of pure sciences focuses on theory and ethics rather than practice, you'll need a good grounding in general scientific principles. At school and further education level, you can study GCSEs, AS-levels and A-levels (and their Scottish equivalents) in Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics. A good knowledge of mathematics is also important.
Pure sciences: higher education
If you're unsure which branch of science you want to pursue as a career, a Foundation Degree in a subject such as Biological Sciences, Human Biology or Chemistry will give you a good grounding. If you have a non-science background, don't worry, as many universities and colleges run foundation year programmes that enable you to progress to undergraduate science degrees.
Undergraduate degrees in the pure sciences are widely available at UK universities. Biology, chemistry and physics can all be studied as individual subjects or may be combined with other theoretical sciences to form joint-honours degrees, such as Physics and Astrophysics, Chemistry with Environmental Studies, or Biology and Education. From the beginning of the degree, students can choose to specialise in specific areas, for example biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, immunology or genetics.
For virtually all pure science degree courses, you'll need to hold a good A-level grade (or equivalent) in the subject you intend to study and it's likely you'll also be asked for an A-level in at least one other science subject and/or mathematics. If you're interested in a pure science degree and your pre-university qualifications are in applied science, you may have to take a foundation year to bridge the gap.
For virtually all pure science degree courses, you'll need to hold a good A-level grade (or equivalent) in the subject you intend to study and it's likely you'll also be asked for an A-level in at least one other science subject and/or mathematics. If you're interested in a pure science degree and your pre-university qualifications are in applied science, you may have to take a foundation year to bridge the gap.
Most degree programmes in the pure sciences last for three years and usually lead to the qualification of Bachelor of Science (BSc). Increasingly, enhanced four-year programmes that lead to undergraduate master's degrees are being introduced. These result in a Master of Science award (abbreviated to MSci to distinguish it from the postgraduate MSc).
Applied sciences: schools and further education options
Applied science refers to the use of science in a laboratory or the workplace. Courses that lead to applied science qualifications are more vocational than those in the pure sciences. There are several options available to you at pre-university level.
Applied sciences: schools and further education options
Applied science refers to the use of science in a laboratory or the workplace. Courses that lead to applied science qualifications are more vocational than those in the pure sciences. There are several options available to you at pre-university level.
You can take a GCSE in Science alone or alongside a GCSE in Additional Science or Additional Applied Science, or a GCSE Double Award in Applied Science. These can lead on to AS- and A-levels (Single or Double Awards) in Applied Science, all of which provide a good basis for a career or for studying applied science at higher education level.
There are also BTEC First Diplomas available in Applied Science, and BTEC Nationals are in a wide range of subjects, including Applied Biology, Applied Chemistry and Applied Physics. On a BTEC National in Applied Science, you can specialise in areas such as Forensic Science, Laboratory Science and Industrial Science.
Applied sciences: higher education
At higher education level, you'll have the opportunity to specialise in a particular professional or technical area, for example scientific literacy or laboratory science. You can also study applied science at BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) level. BTEC HNDs are available in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, biological sciences and ecology. Successful completion of such a course could allow you to work in a responsible position in a research or quality control laboratory.
Applied sciences: higher education
At higher education level, you'll have the opportunity to specialise in a particular professional or technical area, for example scientific literacy or laboratory science. You can also study applied science at BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) level. BTEC HNDs are available in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, biological sciences and ecology. Successful completion of such a course could allow you to work in a responsible position in a research or quality control laboratory.
You can take BTEC HNDs, Foundation Degrees or bachelor's degrees in Animal Science, Applied Biology, Applied Biochemistry, Aquatic Biology, Cell Biology with Industrial Experience, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Applied Ecology, Applied Genetics, Applied Life Sciences, Forensic Science, and Engineering and Materials Science to name just a few of the many options available.
Many degrees in this subject area include a period of relevant work experience, a practice that is becoming increasingly common. Such courses (known as sandwich courses) may have titles such as BSc (Hons) Biological Science with Industrial Experience. It's also possible to combine science with subjects from other disciplines.
