Biologist

You'll usually need a relevant degree and often a postgraduate master's qualification in a life science subject like:

• biology
• biological science
• ecology
• marine biology

Employers may also want you to have experience in your area of interest and possibly a PhD.

You could begin by doing a degree apprenticeship.

For example:

• Laboratory Scientist Level 6
• Research Scientist Level 7
• Bioinformatics Scientist Level 7

The Level 6 apprenticeship takes around 5 years to complete.

The Level 7 apprenticeships are likely to have a higher entry criteria and typically take 2 to 3 years.

You could start as a laboratory technician and train as a biologist by working and studying for a relevant qualification at the same time.

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:

• forensic science
• biochemistry
• forensic anthropology
• computer and digital forensics
• medical sciences

It may help to choose a university qualification that is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, as entry into the profession is competitive.

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

• Digital Forensic Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Scientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship - options in chemistry, biology and physics

These apprenticeships last between 2 and 5 years. They are offered by companies that provide forensic services and police forces that have their own in-house forensics unit.

You can apply directly to forensic services providers if you've got a lot of lab experience, and higher education qualifications in science, especially chemistry.

You'll usually need qualifications relevant to agriculture like a higher national diploma, foundation degree or degree in:

• agriculture
• biology
• crop and plant science
• ecology
• environmental science

Some employers may also look for relevant postgraduate qualifications in subjects like:

• soil science
• genetics
• crop technology

With a degree or postgraduate qualification you can apply for a graduate training scheme with organisations, such as:

• independent consultancies
• companies selling agrochemicals, seed or fertiliser products
• land and farming charities
• government departments

You could get relevant skills and knowledge by taking a course like:

• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture
• T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production

Courses like these can help you move on to further training at university or an apprenticeship.

You could apply to do a Crop Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

You might also specialise by doing a Soil Scientist Level 7 Apprenticeship, depending on your experience and job role.

These apprenticeships can take around 2 years to complete and combine on-the-job training and time spent with a learning provider.

You could study for the BASIS Foundation Award in Agronomy if you're new to the industry and have limited crop experience and knowledge. This will give you an introduction to agronomy, crop protection and crop nutrition.

You could study for a degree in a subject, such as:

• zoology
• animal ecology and behaviour
• conservation
• marine biology
• environmental biology

You may need a relevant postgraduate qualification like a master's degree or PhD for certain jobs, particularly in research.

Some degree courses offer a placement year where you can get relevant experience in areas like conservation.

Doing an internship during the summer holidays can also help you gain useful knowledge and skills. Your university careers department will be able to give you information about opportunities. They may also have links with wildlife or conservation organisations in the UK or overseas.

Volunteering in conservation work is a good way to strengthen your application for university courses.

Many opportunities won't be advertised, so you could contact organisations directly.

You can also use sites like:

• Royal Society of Biology
• The Wildlife Trusts
• World Wildlife Fund
• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)

To become a microbiologist, you could do a degree in:

• microbiology
• biology
• life sciences
• biological science

Some degree courses include an integrated master's qualification like MBiol or MSci. You'll usually have more time for independent research and they're designed to lead directly onto further postgraduate study like a PhD.

You may be able to become a microbiologist by doing an apprenticeship, for example:

• Scientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
• Research Scientist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship

These apprenticeships can take between 3 and 5 years to complete.

You can take either a medical doctor route or clinical scientist route to become a pathologist.

To become a veterinary pathologist, you'll need to train as a vet.

The most direct way to become a pharmacologist is by studying for a pharmacology degree.

You could also complete a postgraduate course in pharmacology, if you've done a degree in a related subject, like:

• biochemistry
• physiology
• microbiology
• biomedical science

Some courses include a year working in industry, which will give you an advantage when you start applying for work. You can also get experience by working as a lab assistant or through work shadowing.

You could apply to do a Clinical Pharmacology Scientist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship takes around two and half years and is a mix of work-based training and study.

To apply, you'll need:

• to be working in a clinical research role
• a degree in medicine, biomedical science or pharmacy