“The most incomprehensible thing about the universe is that it is comprehensible.”
Albert Einstein
Not all science leads to medicine. Geosciences and physics lead to meteorology, geology, and oceanography. Biology leads to careers in fisheries and environmental science. Statistics, mathematics and physics lead to data analysis and finance, whilst Chemistry leads to material creation and more.
Mathematics
Our modern world is changing rapidly and Mathematics plays a crucial role in virtually every aspect of this progress. For young students, a career in mathematics offers countless opportunities in various fields, such as technology, finance, actuarial science, economics, healthcare, and engineering.
Mathematicians work behind the scenes to develop algorithms that power our computers, analyse complex data at banks and financial institutions, create models that predict weather patterns, manage complex medical treatments, etc. The beauty of mathematics lies in its universality as it equips students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are highly sought after by employers across all industries, especially emerging fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science.
Whether you are passionate about technology, enjoy solving puzzles, or aspire to make impactful decisions in the business world, mathematics provides a strong, versatile foundation that supports your goals and dreams. A career in mathematics is not just about numbers and formulas; it's about opening doors to endless possibilities and making a difference in the world.
Physics
Physics is the study of the fundamental processes which govern the Universe from the very small world of subatomic particles to the very large scale of galaxies and the cosmic web that connects structures in the Universe. Through the lens of physics, we can use similar basic principles to describe many different phenomena under one umbrella through which we can explain many features of the world around us.
The Department of Physics has a large research profile that spans many topics in modern physics, with strong links both to international research consortia as well as local industry. The undergraduate programmes offered by the Department offer a proven pathway to career success with graduates working as researchers, medical physicists, radiation safety officers, data scientists and analysts, environment protection officers, lab analysts, policy advisors, science communicators, product development specialists and technology consultants, academics, and many more.
Chemistry
Whatever your background and future ambitions, studying chemistry can pave the way to success. You will acquire the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact on the world. Whether it's developing life-saving medicines, creating innovative products that shape our everyday lives, or tackling critical challenges in energy, food, and water sustainability, chemistry empowers you to be part of the solution. A degree in Chemistry provides you with a good foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects, which can be applied in several future careers.
Possible job opportunities include Analytical Chemist, Environmental Chemist, Organic Chemist, Lab Technician, Lab Manager, Team Leader, Process Chemist, Pharmaceuticals, Forensic scientist, Air quality consultant, Computational toxicologist, Materials Chemist eg plastics testing, Scientific Editor/Publisher, Policy Advisor, Chemistry and Science Teacher, Pollution Control Officer, Qualified Person in pharmaceuticals, Food Scientist, Analysis of wines, Water-testing, Sustainability Officer, Cosmetics industry, Waste Management
Biology
When choosing a career path, ask yourself: 'What do I want to do?' rather than 'What do I want to become?'.
The technology-driven evolution of the workplace means that adaptability is a very important quality to have nowadays. A degree in Biology prepares you for this, as it provides a mix of critical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis, theoretical knowledge, and practical skills. It prepares you for professions that exist and ones that we have not yet imagined. The advantage of the training provided is that there is a very strong practical component, with several sessions in the lab and in the field, our second classroom. If you are interested in learning more about how the living and nonliving components of the natural world work with each other, then this would be the ideal avenue for you.
Possible career paths include Fisheries scientist, Environmental scientist, Viticulturist, Oenologist, Teaching, Aquaculturist, Ecologist, Environmental Protection Officer, Nature Conservation Officer, Marine Biologist, Vegetation Ecologist, Environmental Impact Assessor.
Statistics
Statistics is the science of collecting, analysing, interpreting, and presenting data. Built on strong mathematical foundations, it enables us to make sense of gathered information by uncovering patterns, relationships, contributing factors, and trends. This understanding allows us to assess risks and make informed, evidence-based decisions.
Graduates in Statistics are highly skilled in coding and computational methods, making them adept at handling complex real-life data sets. With its broad applicability across industries like healthcare, finance, technology, and government, graduates are highly sought after for their ability to drive impactful, data-driven decisions and innovation.
Possible careers include Statistician, Data Analyst, Marketing Analyst, Insight Analyst, Risk Analyst, Business Intelligence Developer, Data Champion
Geosciences
Geosciences is a broad field that covers the study of the Earth, its materials, processes, and history. It includes disciplines such as geology, meteorology, oceanography, and environmental science. There are numerous career paths within geosciences, many of which offer opportunities to work in diverse environments, from the lab to the field.
Geosciences offer exciting career opportunities for those interested in understanding the Earth, protecting its resources, and addressing environmental challenges. Career opportunities in this area include Geologist, Hydrologist, Environmental Scientist, Geophysicist, Palaeontologist, Oceanographer, Meteorologist/Climate Scientist, Seismologist, Environmental Consultant, GIS Specialist (Geographic Information Systems), Volcanologist, Energy Resources Geoscientist, Geomorphologist, Petroleum Geologist.
Industries for Geoscientists include Oil & Gas: Exploration and extraction of natural resources; Mining: Exploration, extraction, and management of mineral resources; Environmental Consulting: Addressing environmental challenges, compliance, and sustainability; Academia & Research: Teaching and conducting scientific research; Government Agencies: Geological surveys, disaster management, environmental protection; Renewable Energy: Exploration and development of renewable energy sources; Disaster Risk Management: Assessing and mitigating natural hazards like earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions.
Space Sciences and Astronomy
Uncharted realms, future space missions, tackling big questions about the cosmos: if you’ve always felt like you were part of something way bigger than yourself, this might be the career for you.
Be at the forefront of groundbreaking research, exploration and innovation in space science. Help push the boundaries of human knowledge.
By signing up for a career in space sciences and astronomy, you’re not only expanding knowledge in fields such as astrophysics, planetary science, and cosmology, but you’re also contributing to the global scientific community’s understanding of the universe and our place within it.
Possible Careers in this area include Astronomer; Astrophysicist; Cosmologist; Planetary Scientists; Space Instrumentation Engineer; Data Scientist; Big Data Engineer; Software Developer
