• Question: How do you become a scientists?

    Asked by hali to Freya, James, Usman on 25 Jun 2015.
    • Photo: James Gilbert

      James Gilbert answered on 25 Jun 2015:

      Hi hali,

      There are a number of different routes. I guess the most common in the UK is to do maths and a science at A-level (or equivalent to A-level), and then choose a science-based degree at university. Most professional scientists also have a PhD, which is when you learn research skills and how to publish new findings. You can usually go straight into a PhD after your degree.

      So we’re generally talking something like 6 or 7 years after you leave school until you’ll be able to get jobs in scientific research.

      That’s not the only way though. For example, I did an electrical engineering degree, got a job as an engineer (at a scientific organisation) for 3.5 years, and then as a result of my work there I got offered a place to do a PhD in astrophysics! This is what I’m doing now.

      It all depends on what interests you most. I think as long as you don’t drop maths or science while you’re at school then your options will be open to become a scientist 🙂

      j

    • Photo: Usman Bashir

      Usman Bashir answered on 26 Jun 2015:

      Hi Hali,

      I like James reply – very complete. Will just summarize & highlight a few things:
      Scientist = A levels -> BSc -> MSc (optional usually)->and then PhD.

      PhD means you select a subject you wish to specialize in. You do research in that subject (for example, a certain type of cancer, or telescope or whatever). You spend 3 – 4 years just in the PhD and at the end you publish a thesis of about 80,000 words describing what you did. Now you usually have all the skills to start as an independent scientist, and apply for a job to your liking.

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