Career opportunities

A Biosciences degree from the University of Birmingham is an excellent qualification for securing your future career in a diverse range of industries and employment sectors.

In recent years, Graduates from BSc/MSci-degree programmes at the School of Biosciences have enjoyed a steady rise in their prospects of finding graduate employment or getting onto further degree programmes at Masters or PhD-level.

In the video above current students and one of our graduates discuss their experiences of studying at the School of Biosciences and offer advice on how it has helped their career prospects.

This significant improvement reflects the substantial investment by the University of Birmingham in its careers advice and support services, collectively known as Careers Network. Advisors within the Careers Network work closely with staff in individual Schools and Departments to systematically prepare students for a highly competitive job market.

“I am currently running my own company... as a result of support I received from the University of Birmingham”

Samantha Decombel - Play DNA Ltd
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Furthermore, the School of Biosciences has been among the first to be awarded Accreditation from the Society of Biology for its MSci Biochemistry programme. Accreditation kite-marks courses for employers and vouches for high standards in subject-specific knowledge and skills.

A large number of our students enjoy their subject so much that they choose to take a further degree, a Masters or PhD. This is an important step in many career paths for scientists particularly those who want a career in research. Other options include undertaking postgraduate training to become teachers, dentists or doctors.

Our graduates are highly sought after by universities around the world, many stay in Birmingham and join one of our prestigious research groups. Did you know that PhDs are fully funded and that graduate students receive a tax free stipend equivalent to a salary?

Our students are an adventurous bunch; around 10% go travelling or work on conservation projects for a time after graduation before settling onto their permanent career path.

Helping you find the right career

The School of Biosciences Careers and Employability Coordinator and the University’s Careers Network are there to help you to improve your employability and to find the right career for you. Even if you are not yet sure what you want to do, an appointment with a Careers Advisor will help you to clarify the kind of direction you want to take, and provide a plan for how to get there.

Our unique careers guidance service is tailored to your academic subject area. Our team source exclusive work experience opportunities to help you stand out amongst the competition, with mentoring, global internships and placements available to you.  Once you have a career in your sights, one-to-one support with CV’s and job applications will help give you the edge. In addition, our employer-endorsed award-winning Personal Skills Award (PSA) recognises your extra-curricular activities, and provides an accredited employability programme designed to improve your career prospects.