Biology can be useful in many different careers including jobs within environmental sciences, medicine and nursing, and science and research.
Applied and job-related learning
There is a range of vocational qualifications (such as BTECs, NVQ/SVQs, and diplomas) linked to an interest in biology, such as:
- applied science
- health and social care
- environmental sustainability
- sports and exercise sciences
- countryside and environmental management
- agriculture
- horticulture
- animal care
- horse management
- beauty therapy
Apprenticeships
There is a range of apprenticeships that link to an interest in biology, including:
- animal care assistant
- gardener or landscaper
- health care assistant
- dental nurse
- laboratory technician
- beauty massage therapist
Academic subjects – such as A levels
- You can study biology and human biology.
- Related subjects include chemistry, physics, physical education, social biology, geography, environmental studies, sociology, and psychology.
Skills and qualities - from studying biology
Careers using biology
Acupuncturist
Acupuncturists use very fine needles to stimulate key pressure points on the body.
Entry with level 2 qualifications
Anatomical pathology technicianAn anatomical pathology technician supports specialist doctors during post-mortem examinations.
Animal technicianAnimal technicians are responsible for the day-to-day needs of laboratory animals.
Requiring a degree/Level 4-6 qualification
Arboricultural officerArboricultural officers maintain and manage trees for local councils or arboricultural contractors.
AstronautAstronauts fly spacecraft or work as part of the crew.
BiologistBiologists study plants and animals and the way they live.
BotanistBotanists study all forms of plant life and have many different job roles in lots of areas.
DentistDiagnose and treat teeth and mouth problems, work to prevent dental disease, and promote oral health
GeoscientistGeoscientists study the structure of the Earth and how it was formed over time.
HomeopathHomeopaths create natural remedies to try and stimulate the body’s healing process.
Landscape architectLandscape architects plan, design, create and manage the landscapes we live and work in.
OceanographerOceanographers use knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics and geology to study seas and oceans.
OsteopathOsteopaths are highly competent healthcare professionals recognised by the NHS.
PathologistPathologists diagnose disease by examining cells, tissue samples, and sometimes performing autopsies
PsychiatristPsychiatrists are doctors who diagnose and treat patients with mental health problems.
SurgeonSurgeons carry out operations and medical procedures on patients.
ZoologistZoologists study animals and their behaviour.
Arboricultural officer
Arboricultural officers manage and maintain trees for local councils and arboricultural contractors.
Aromatherapist
Aromatherapists use oils to promote emotional wellbeing.
Beekeeper
Beekeepers manage colonies of honey bees.
Biomedical scientist
Biomedical scientists carry out a range of scientific tests to help diagnose and treat diseases.
Requiring Level 3 qualifications
Broadcast engineerBroadcast engineers make sure programmes are broadcast at the right time and of the highest quality
ReflexologistReflexologists apply pressure to areas of people’s feet to aid healing via ‘energy pathways’.
Chiropractor
Chiropractors manipulate joints, bones, and soft tissue to control pain/prevent recurring injuries.
Dental hygienist
Offer advice, information and treatments to prevent and treat tooth decay and gum disease
Dietitian
A dietitian is a specialist who gives people advice on food, health, and nutrition.
Dog groomer
Dog groomers keep dogs’ fur coats in good condition.
Ecologist
Ecologists look at relationships in the natural world.
Environmental health officer
Environmental health officers make sure homes and work places are safe, hygienic and healthy.
Farm manager
Farm managers deal with the day-to-day running of a farm.
Farm worker
Farm workers do practical and manual work on a farm with animals, crops, or both.
Fish farmer
Fish farmers work as part of a small team, breeding, rearing and harvesting fish and shellfish.
Food scientist
Food scientists develop and test different foods, making sure they are safe for humans to eat.
Gardener
Gardeners design, manage, plant, and tend gardens.
General practitioner
General practitioners (GPs) are doctors who provide medical services to people in their practice.
Hospital doctor
A hospital doctor diagnoses and treats illness and disease in patients admitted to hospital.
Massage therapist
Massage therapists help relieve stress and pain by manipulating muscles in the body.
Medical illustrator
Medical illustrators produce photographs, videos and graphical images for use in healthcare.
Medical secretary
Medical secretaries provide administrative and secretarial support to the medical sector.
Microbiologist
Microbiologists use microscopes to study micro-organisms, such as bacteria, viruses and algae.
Museum curator
Museum curators look after and manage exhibitions.
Nail technician
Nail technicians look after, shape and decorate people’s finger and toe nails.
Nutritional therapist
Nutritional therapists help improve and maintain health and wellbeing through diet and nutrition.
Paediatrician
Paediatricians diagnose and treat health conditions that affect babies, children and young people.
Pharmacologist
Pharmacologists study the effects of drugs and chemicals on animals, people and plants.
Primary school teacher
Primary school teachers teach children from the ages of four to 11
Radiographer
Radiographers use equipment to diagnose or treat patients who are ill or injured.
Secondary school teacher
Secondary school teachers teach children from the ages of 11 to 18.
Veterinary nurse
Veterinary nurses help look after sick animals.
Veterinary surgeon
Veterinary surgeons look after sick and injured animals.
Zookeeper
Zookeepers look after animals in zoos, safari parks, aquariums and sometimes in the wild.