What do science graduates do?

Katie Bonner, careers adviser in the faculty of science at the University of Nottingham, sets out the latest findings on outcomes for graduates from science subjects

Science degrees continue to offer strong career prospects. Nearly half (49%) of graduates found full-time work, many in high-skilled roles, across a wide range of industries from research and education to business and sport. Opportunities for further study remained popular, especially in chemistry and physics, and lead to higher salaries over time. With low unemployment and competitive earnings, science graduates continue to be well-placed to make an impact in the workplace and beyond. More than 10,000 science graduates responded to the recent Graduate Outcomes survey.

Graduate destinations

Graduates from physical and geographical sciences were the most likely to be in full-time work, with 57% employed. Chemistry followed closely at 51%. Sports science and physics graduates had similar outcomes, with 49% and 47% in full-time roles. Biology graduates were slightly lower at 43% but still showed strong employment prospects.

Among those working full-time, most were in graduate-level or high-skilled jobs. Physics graduates reported the highest rate of high-skilled employment at 84%. Chemistry graduates followed at 80%, and physical and geographical sciences at 71%.

Many science graduates entered roles in business, HR, and finance. Within that, 19% of physics graduates and 17% of physical and geographical sciences graduates found work. Roles such as programmers and software developers, business sales executives, civil engineers or account managers were commonly reported.

Chemistry and biology graduates were more likely to be in science-related roles, with 32% and 17% respectively, taking on roles such as chemical scientists, laboratory technicians or conservation professionals. Sports science graduates often worked in education or in professional roles linked to tourism, leisure, and sport.

Unemployment was slightly lower than last year. Rates ranged from 8% for biology and physics graduates to just 4% for sports science graduates. This suggests science graduates are finding jobs more easily.

Further study

Around 14% of science graduates chose to continue studying. This is slightly lower than in previous years. Chemistry and physics graduates were the most likely to go on to further study, often aiming for Doctorate-level qualifications.

Biology graduates who continued studying mostly chose Masters degrees. Half (50%) of them were on Masters programmes. Sports science graduates were less likely to study full-time, but 15% combined work and study. This is common for those pursuing careers in physiotherapy or sports psychology.

Graduate salaries

Physics graduates earned the highest salaries among science subjects, even without further study. Male graduates earned an average of £33,580, while female graduates earned £33,165. Chemistry graduates followed, with female graduates earning £30,001 and male graduates earning £29,975.

Without pursuing further study, female sports science graduates earned an average of £25,905, while their male counterparts earned £26,311. Female postgraduates in sport sciences earned slightly more than their male peers, with average salaries of £28,445 compared to £27,722. This suggests that further study can lead to higher earnings over time for certain subjects.

In some subjects, male graduates earned more than female graduates with or without further study. This is likely due to the gender balance in certain courses and industries, which tend to be more male-dominated.

Written by

Katie Bonner

Careers adviser in the faculty of science

University of Nottingham