What can you do with a biology degree?

Things to consider when choosing a career or considering further study after studying a biology degree

Biological Science graduates can pursue careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology, environmental conservation, pharmaceuticals, forensic science, education, agriculture, bioinformatics, and quality control. They work in academic and government research labs, hospitals, biotech firms, environmental agencies, agricultural companies, and schools, contributing to scientific advancements and public health.

Knowledge and skills

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 and conducting experiments, systematic sample collection and instrument calibration in preparation for analysis and monitoring. Plus systematic recording of data and observations
a good understanding of information technology applications, including RStudio and possibly GIS
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.

Career options

15 months after graduating*

94% of our graduates are in work or further study

81% of our graduates said their current activity is meaningful

87% of graduates say their degree was a formal requirement for their job or gave them an advantage

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.

*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.

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:

Employment opportunities

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

Acquisition Consultant
Audio Engineering
Biomedical Support Worker
Brewer
Decontamination Technician
Digital Designer
Ecologist (ECOW)

Graduate Scientist
Lab Scientist
Lab Supervisor
Laboratory Technician
Lab Technician Covid Testing
Molecular Scientist
Pharmaceutical Stability Analyst

Renewables System Designer
Research Analyst and Advisor
Research Assistant
Science Technician
Senior Scientist

Employers

ADM
Angle Europe Limited
Cignpost Diagnostics/ SRGsynergy
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
DiaSorin
Enims Ltd
Evac Group

Lighthouse Laboratory - Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC)
NHS Devon And Cornwall Trust
Novogene
One Scientific Ltd
PGC Consultancy Ltd
Public Health Wales
Red Sea Project

Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust
Environment Agency
Torbay Pharmaceuticals (NHS TSDFT)
Tropic Biosciences
Turnbull Infrastructure and Utilities (Part of the YTL Group)
UK Biocentre
UK Health and Security Agency

Things to consider when choosing a career or considering further study after studying a biology degree

Discover employment and further study opportunities that you could consider once you graduate with a biology degree and learn how you can stand out to graduate employers.
We encourage you to:

undertake career planning and research
build your networks, meet employers and graduates
gain essential work experience during your course
attend career fairs and events
continually develop your skills and knowledge
get involved with relevant clubs and societies
visit the Careers Service for advice.

Further study

Some of the careers chosen by biology graduates will require or benefit from further study, so this should be considered carefully. The University of Plymouth offers the following postgraduate study options that could be of interest to biology graduates:

You should consider the financial implications of further study as well as selecting a programme that suits your interests, learning style and future career direction. The following websites are a good starting point for exploring postgraduate options, but you may also benefit from talking to a Careers Consultant about your particular situation.

Some useful websites to help you find a suitable postgraduate programme:

It is also worth investigating what

further study options the University has to offer

as you may find the perfect course for yourself in an institution you already know. There are also sometimes financial benefits of staying on such as a fee discount to Alumni –

find out your funding options

Careers Service support

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.

Connect with graduates

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’
select ‘Alumni’
filter the results by subject, sector, company or location.

For more information about the alumni tool select the 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, select the LinkedIn guide for students or

come to one of our workshops

Other advice and guidance

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 and 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.