• Question: how many years did it take to get a good enough degree to become a scientist

    Asked by miniscientist to Hannah, Jenny, Oli, Steven on 16 Nov 2016.
    • Photo: Hannah Bolt

      Hannah Bolt answered on 16 Nov 2016:

      Hi,

      I did science subjects at A Level (I studied Chemistry, Maths, Physics and German) then did an undergraduate degree in Chemistry. There are a wide variety of degrees you can take, and they typically take either 3 or 4 years. I did a 4 year degree that led to the award of Master of Chemistry.

      I’m now 3 years through my postgraduate degree (PhD), but lots of researchers in scientific careers will not have a postgraduate degree and many scientists do not have any University degree! Lots of companies take students straight from finishing school in apprenticeships, so it really depends what you are interested in.

      Hannah

    • Photo: Steven Street

      Steven Street answered on 18 Nov 2016:

      Hi miniscientist,

      So if you go to university, then it takes 3 years for a Bsc, or 4 years for a masters degree! There are a few different grades, and typically you will need a 2:1 or higher to get the best jobs. To get into university, you just need to have good A-level grades! So if you work hard, it’s perfectly achievable. From when you start GCSE’s in year 10, it’s 8 years of studying until you Finnish your undergraduate degree! If you really like science, then many people go on to do a PhD, which is another 4 years and entitles you to be called a doctor. That’s what I’m just finishing!

      But as Hannah said, there are plenty of scientists without degrees… so it depends on what you want to do, and what you are interested in!

      Steve

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