How to become a biologist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
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.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
Apprenticeship
The following degree apprenticeships may be relevant to this role:
- Level 6 Laboratory Scientist
- Level 7 Research Scientist
- Level 7 Bioinformatics Scientist
The level 6 apprenticeship typically takes around 60 months to complete.
The level 7 apprenticeships are likely to have a higher entry criteria and typically take 30 months to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
Work
You could start your career as a laboratory technician and train as a biologist by working and doing a relevant qualification at the same time.
More Information
Career tips
Laboratory experience would be useful for this career.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Royal Society of Biology for your professional career development.
Further information
You can find more details about careers, courses, training and research in biology from: