FST
Careers information and resources for science and technology students.
Chemistry
E.g. Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, etc.
Chemistry accordion Accordion
-
Skills
A Lancaster graduate in Chemistry typically will have the ability to:
- Develop a strong mathematical and numerical ability
- Awareness of the ethical implications of chemistry including issues relating to environmental impact and sustainability
- Gain specific knowledge in the traditional fields of chemistry, including organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry
- Process data and use computer software models
- Observation, research and development abilities
- Creative, logical and quantitative thinking
-
Career options
- Analytical chemist
- Biotechnologist
- Chemical engineer
- Healthcare scientist, clinical biochemistry
- Forensic scientist
- Nanotechnologist
- Pharmacologist
- Research scientist (physical sciences)
- Scientific laboratory technician
- Toxicologist
For more information visit the Prospects pages on Chemistry.
-
Further study
- MSc (Research) Chemistry
- MSc (Research) Materials Science
- MSc (Research) Natural Sciences
- PhD Chemistry
- MSc Environmental Management
Find out more about funded PhD opportunities in Chemistry at Lancaster University. Are you interested in being paid to research? The Lancaster-based Centre for Global Eco-Innovation runs funded Master's and PhD projects in cooperation with local and national businesses.
- Specialist vacancy sources
-
Professional bodies
- The Royal Society of Chemistry
- Institute of Chemical Engineers
- Association for Science Education
- International Council for Scientific and Technical Information
- International Council of Scientific Unions
- American Chemical Society
- Society of Toxicology
- British Pharmacological Society
- Association of Applied Geochemists
- The Society of Chemical Industry
Computing and Communications
E.g. Computer Science, Computer Science and Mathematics, Software Engineering, etc.
Computing and Communications accordion Accordion
-
Skills
A Lancaster graduate in Computing & Communications typically will have the ability to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, principles and theories relating to computing and applications
- Use such understanding in modeling and designing computer based systems for the purposes of comprehension, communication and prediction
- Use criteria and specifications appropriate to specific problems, and plan solutions
- Analyse the extent to which a computer-based system meets defined requirements
- Deploy appropriate theory, practices and tools to specify, design, implement and evaluate computer-based systems
- Present succinctly to a range of audiences (orally, electronically or in writing) rational and reasoned arguments that address a given information handling problem or opportunity
- Recognise professional, moral and ethical issues exploiting computer technology and be guided by appropriate practices
- Work as a team member, recognising different roles within a team and different ways of organising teams
- Operate computing equipment, taking account of its logical and physical properties
-
Career options
- Application analyst
- Applications developer
- CAD technician
- Cyber security analyst
- Data analyst
- Database administrator
- Forensic computer analyst
- Game designer
- Games developer
- Information systems manager
- IT consultant
- Machine learning engineer
- Multimedia programmer
- Penetration tester
- SEO specialist
- Software engineer
- Systems analyst
- UX designer
- VFX artist
- Web designer
- Web developer
For more information visit the Prospects pages on Computer Science.
-
Further study
- MSc (Research) Computer Science
- MPhil/PhD Computer Science
- MSc Cyber Security
- MSc (Research) Communication Systems
- PhD Communication Systems
- MSc Data Science
Find out more about funded PhDs at Lancaster University on the Computing & Communications PhD webpages
- Specialist vacancy sources
- Professional bodies
Earth, Environmental and Natural Science
E.g. Environmental Science, Earth and Environmental Science, Ecology and Conservation, Natural Sciences, etc.
Earth and Environmental Science Accordion Accordion
-
Skills
A Lancaster graduate in Earth & Environmental Science typically will have the ability to:
- Monitor and manage natural and human-induced environmental changes; surface & groundwater, human, agricultural & industrial waste, natural & semi natural environments, environmental impact assessment and environmental legislation.
- Bring an interdisciplinary approach to the solution of environmental problems that combines breadth and depth of understanding along with global awareness and an understanding of earth systems, sustainability and conservation.
- Think and make decisions in an integrated and holistic way and to work with and appreciate complexity and change.
- Develop arguments from many points of view including scientific, philosophical and ethical perspectives.
- Work in teams on laboratory, desk and field-based research.
- Develop project management ability including planning, execution and evaluation; involves skills such as time-management, risk-assessment, problem solving and analysis.
- To generate and use a diversity of data types (text, numbers and images); and therefore have well-developed literacy, numeracy and graphicacy skills, and they are accustomed to manipulating and presenting these various data using a range of ICT formats.
- Be flexible and adaptable – they must have the confidence and initiative to be able to deal with the unexpected
-
Career options
- Environmental consultant
- Environmental education officer
- Environmental engineer
- Environmental manager
- Marine biologist
- Nature conservation officer
- Recycling officer
- Sustainability consultant
- Waste management officer
- Water quality scientist
For more information visit the Prospects pages on Environmental Science.
-
Further study
- PhD Environmental Science
- MSc Environmental Science (by research)
- MSc Environmental Management
- MSc Management
- MSc Volcanology & Geological Hazards
- LLM Environment & Law
- MA Environment, Culture & Society
Find out more about the Graduate School for the Environment at Lancaster University.
- Specialist vacancy sources
- Professional bodies
Engineering
E.g. Engineering, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, etc.
Engineering Accordion Accordion
-
Skills
A Lancaster graduate in Engineering typically will have the ability to:
- Understand scientific and mathematical principles and methodologies underpinning an engineering degree and the ability to integrate these to achieve solutions to real problems
- Understand and apply a systems approach to engineering problems.
- Design and develop economically viable products, processes or systems involving significant technical and intellectual challenges
- Investigate and define a problem and identify constraints, including environmental and sustainability limitations, health and safety and risk assessment issues
- Plan and manage complex projects
- Understand customer and user needs and the importance of considerations such as aesthetics, manufacturing process and cost
- Use creativity to establish innovative solutions whilst managing design processes and evaluating outcomes
- Ensure fitness for purpose for all aspects of the problem including production, operation, maintenance and disposal
- Appreciate the social, environmental, ethical, economic and commercial considerations affecting the exercise of their engineering judgment
-
Career options
- Aerospace engineer
- Automotive engineer
- CAD technician
- Contracting civil engineer
- Control and instrumentation engineer
- Maintenance engineer
- Mechanical engineer
- Nuclear engineer
- Materials engineer
- Product/process development scientist
- Research scientist (physical sciences)
- Technical sales engineer
- Acoustic consultant
- Broadcast engineer
- Design engineer
- Electrical engineer
- Electronics engineer
- IT consultant
- Network engineer
- Systems analyst
For more information visit the Prospects pages on Mechnical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Civil Engineering.
-
Further study
- MSc Electronic Engineering
- MSc Engineering Project Management
- MSc Engineering (by research)
- MSc Mechanical Engineering
- MSc Mechanical Engineering with Project Management
- PhD/MPhil Engineering
Find out more about funded PhD opportunities in Engineering at Lancaster University.
- Specialist vacancy sources
- Professional bodies
Geography
E.g. Geography, Geography and Economics, Human Geography, Physical Geography, etc.
Geography Accordion Accordion
-
Skills
A Lancaster graduate in Geography typically will have the ability to:
- Understand cultural, political, economic and environmental issues incorporating local, regional and international perspectives.
- Understand moral and ethical issues arising from an awareness and appreciation of diversity in people and places.
- Understand Issues of globalisation, environmental sustainability, multiculturalism and citizenship.
- Integrate, analyse and synthesise information from a range of sources gained by working with complex environments and issues.
- Routinely work in teams on laboratory, desk and field-based research. Geographers are versed in project management including planning, execution and evaluation; this involves skills such as time-management, risk-assessment, problem solving and analysis.
- Generate and use a diversity of data types (text, numbers, images and maps) develop literacy, numeracy and graphicacy skills
- Manipulate and present various data using a range of ICT formats, including geographical information systems (GIS).
- Understand complex ‘real-world’ nature of geographical research which requires geographers to be flexible and adaptable – they must have the confidence and initiative to be able to deal with the unexpected
-
Career options
- Cartographer
- Commercial/residential surveyor
- Environmental consultant
- Geographical information systems officer
- Planning and development surveyor
- Secondary school teacher
- Town planner
- International aid/development worker
- Landscape architect
- Logistics and distribution manager
- Market researcher
- Nature conservation officer
- Sustainability consultant
- Tourism officer
- Transport planner
For more information visit the Prospects pages on Geography.
-
Further study
- MA Environment and Development
- MSc Environment and Development
- LLM Environment and Law
- LLM/MA Human Rights and the Environment
- MA Environment, Culture and Society
- MSc Environment Management
- MSc Environmental Science (by research)
- MSc Flood and Coastal Risk Management
- MSc Food Security (distance learning)
- MSc Sustainable Water Management
- MSc Volcanology and Geological Hazards
- MA Gender and Women's Studies
- MA Gender and Women's Studies and Sociology
- MA Politics
- PhD/MPhil Geography
Find out more about the at Lancaster University.
- Specialist vacancy sources
- Professional bodies
Mathematics and Statistics
E.g. Mathematics, Mathematics and Philosophy, Mathematics with Statistics, Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics (MORSE), Theoretical Physics with Mathematics, etc.
Maths and Statistics Accordion Accordion
-
Skills
A Lancaster graduate in Maths & Statistics typically will have the ability to:
- To deal with abstract concepts including the logical development of formal theories and applying them to solve problems design and conduct observations and experiments, and to subsequently analyse and interpret the resultant data.
- Be adaptable, in particular displaying readiness to address problems from new areas.
- Apply concepts and principles in loosely-defined contexts, showing effective judgement in selecting and applying tools and techniques.
- Demonstrate appropriate transferable skills and the ability to work with relatively little guidance and support.
- Demonstrate strong communication skills such as the ability to write coherently and clearly Formulate physical theories in mathematical terms.
-
Career options
- Acoustic consultant
- Actuarial analyst
- Actuary
- Chartered accountant
- Chartered certified accountant
- Data analyst
- Data scientist
- Investment analyst
- Research scientist (maths)
- Secondary school teacher
- Software engineer
- Statistician
- Civil Service fast streamer
- Financial risk analyst
- Market researcher
- Operational researcher
For more information visit the Prospects pages on Mathematics and Statistics.
-
Further study
- MSc Statistics
- PhD Statistics (& integrated)
- PhD Statistics & Epidemiology
- MRes Statistics & Operational Research
- PhD Statistics and Operational Research
- MSc Business Analytics
- MSc Marketing Analytics
- MSc Data Science
- PhD Mathematics
- MSc Quantitative Finance
Find out more about funded PhD opportunities in Mathematics & Statistics at Lancaster University.
Are you interested in being paid to research? The Lancaster-based Centre for Global Eco-Innovation runs funded master's and PhD projects in cooperation with local and national businesses.
- Specialist vacancy sources
- Professional bodies
Physics
E.g. Physics, Physics with Particle Physics and Cosmology, Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology, Theoretical Physics, Theoretical Physics with Mathematics, etc.
Physics accordion Accordion
-
Skills
A Lancaster graduate in Physics typically will have the ability to:
- Solve problems by identifying appropriate principles, using science techniques and limiting cases and order-of-magnitude estimates
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of fundamental physical laws and principles and apply these principles to diverse areas of physics
- Plan, carry out, analyse and report the results of an experiment or investigation and produce a clear and accurate scientific report
- Analyse data and evaluate the level of uncertainty in results
- Use mathematics to describe the physical world and understand mathematical modelling and the role of approximation
- Communicate well, listen carefully, read demanding texts, and present complex information clearly and concisely
- Pay attention to detail and manipulate precise and intricate ideas, construct logical arguments and use technical language correctly
- Develop computing and it skills in a variety of ways, including using appropriate programming languages and packages
- Work independently, using initiative, planning and organising to meet deadlines, and interact constructively with other people
- Manipulate numerically and present and interpret information graphically
-
Career options
- Acoustic consultant
- Geophysicist
- Healthcare scientist, medical physics
- Higher education lecturer
- Metallurgist
- Meteorologist
- Nanotechnologist
- Radiation protection practitioner
- Research scientist (physical sciences)
- Secondary school teacher
- Technical author
For more information visit the Prospects pages on Physics.
-
Further study
Find out more about PhD opportunities in Physics at Lancaster University.
- Specialist vacancy sources
- Professional bodies
Psychology
E.g. Psychology, Psychology and French Studies, Psychology and Linguistics, Psychology and Management, etc.
Psychology Accordion Accordion
-
Skills
A Lancaster graduate in Psychology typically will have the ability to:
- Be able to analyse and evaluate large amounts of data
- Have an in-depth understanding about human behaviour and motivations
- The ability to engage with a range of complex issues and develop a strong understanding of areas that may be new to them in a relatively short space of time
- Effectively debate and work within a group setting or equally well individually
- Have the ability to think about problems and analyse them from a critical perspective
- Understand the sources of interpersonal conflict and can deal with people’s interpersonal problems when they surface
- Approach data and issues with an open mind
-
Career options
- Clinical psychologist
- Counselling psychologist
- Educational psychologist
- Forensic psychologist
- Further education teacher
- Health psychologist
- High intensity therapist
- Occupational psychologist
- Psychological wellbeing practitioner
- Sport and exercise psychologist
For more information visit the Prospects pages on Psychology.
-
Further study
- MSc Psychological Research Methods
- MSc Psychology of Advertising
- MSc Developmental Psychology
- MSc Developmental Disorders
- PhD Psychology
- DClinPsy Clinical Psychology
Find out more about PhD opportunities and scholarships in Psychology at Lancaster University.
- Specialist vacancy sources
- Professional bodies
-
Psychology Employability Programme
The Psychology Employability Programme is a joint initiative created by the Psychology Department, the Science and Technology Business Partnerships and Enterprise team, and Careers.
We have developed partnerships with local and national organisations to provide current Psychology undergraduate students with volunteering opportunities to help develop skills for a career in Psychology. There are also opportunities to volunteer as a research assistant to staff in the Psychology Department.
Register your interests for FST internships or visit the Psychology Employability Programme webpage.