what do you need to be a scientist

Karen Burstow answered on 5 Mar 2021:

There are different ways to become a scientist: so you could look for an apprenticeship for when you finish school (with GCSEs and/or A Levels). You could do a science-related degree and even a PhD in a specific subject, which will help you to get a job in the exact field you’re interested in. Generally to be a scientist, I think you need to be enthusiastic, hard-working and ask a lot of questions!

Chris Waller answered on 5 Mar 2021:

The most important thing about being a scientist is you need to ask questions – lots of them! If you are enthusiactic about what you do then everything else is easy. A good understanding of maths and science helps of course, but it isn’t a strict requirement – you can learn the things you need when you get a job and start to get experience in your chosen field.

Claire Price answered on 6 Mar 2021:

There are many different ways to become a scientist. I would good to have GCSEs and AS/A levels in scientific subjects. You can then go to university to do a science degree. Then you can do further qualifications like a PhD in a specific subject. But you can go to work in a lab as an apprentice or after just gaining a degree. But whatever you do when you are older, it is still good to get GCSEs and AS/A levels in science.

Anna Westland answered on 7 Mar 2021:

Getting good GCSEs and A-Levels in science/maths subjects is a good start! You can do some more practical qualifications instead of A-Levels as well.
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Most scientists go to university to do an undergraduate degree and then get a job as a scientist after that. If you want to specialise more then some people do a Master’s degree and then a PhD.
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While getting good grades is important, once you start working as a scientist being curious and persistent is even more important =)

Felicity Hunter answered on 8 Mar 2021: last edited 8 Mar 2021 11:01 am

Excellent question! Many people think you need to study extra hard for years and years and have many qualifications to become a scientist, but this is not entirely true. The length of time to train and qualifications needed can actually be very similar to most other careers. As a minimum requirement, you would need your level 2 qualifications (GCSEs/BTEC equivalent) and your level 3 qualifications (A-levels or BTEC/access course). With these qualifications, you could actually get a science job or an apprenticeship training position. For example, some people who have only their GCSE + A level qualifications currently working as Covid testers who test samples for positive or negative results. However, most science employers prefer you to also have a 3 year University degree or equivalent but that is the same requirement for most non-science professional careers! If you want to become a Dr. who holds a PhD in science you’d need to do a PhD degree as well which can take between 3-5 extra years. Some people also do a masters degree before their PhD. But please note, you do not need a masters degree or a PhD to be a scientist. (You may not even need a degree for many entry level science positions.) But each qualification you have will excel your career further. I hope that helps!

Jess Buddle answered on 8 Mar 2021: last edited 8 Mar 2021 12:50 pm

Great question! This depends what sort of scientist and also within your field what kind of job you want.
Generally, GCSES, A-levels (or similar like BTEC) and then it depends how high up the ladder you want to be! A degree is fantastic for learning more about science and deciding what part youre interested in!
Be prepared to work hard and think creatively, asking questions and solving problems!

Megan Metcalfe answered on 15 Mar 2021:

I think one of the most important things you need as a scientist is passion! Sometimes science can be hard, such as when an experiment isn’t going to plan, or when you’re having to do something that’s hard work. But, if you’re really interested and passionate about the subject, it will make any challenges feel much easier. Plus you will be even happier once you’ve solved it 🙂

Question: what do you need to be a scientist

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