Careers in science: where your science degree could take you

As the future of work evolves, a degree in science or mathematics will ensure you are ready to tackle the challenges our world faces. In fact, a recent report found that by 2030 our workforce will spend 77% more time using science and mathematics skills*.

Studying science allows you to turn your passions into a life-long career. The possibilities are endless, take a look at what you could do with your science degree.

Agriculture, food and agribusiness

Want to help solve the world’s most pressing problems? The food and agriculture sectors are thriving, and your science background will be highly sought after in a range of areas.

Develop solutions for food sustainability, become a pioneer in the management of natural resources, revolutionise agribusiness or help people better understand nutrition.

We have degree options that will help get you where you want to be. Find out how you can study agriculture and food with us.

Business, management and consultancy

Did you know that many corporate high achievers got their start in science and mathematics? Armed with the in-demand skills you have developed during your science degree, you could launch a career in the dynamic landscape of business.

The skills you will develop in problem-solving, logical reasoning and complex data analysis are highly transferable, and will be valuable across a broad range of roles and industries.

Depending on which career path you’re interested in, you could partner your primary study in science with study in a business discipline to give you an edge.

Learn more about our flexible undergraduate courses.

Conservation, resources and sustainability

Use science as a vehicle for improving our world. A science degree can be a launching pad for a career working with the communities most in need, protecting threatened species, managing critical resources or maximising eco-efficiencies within organisations.

We have partnered with the Taronga Conservation Society Australia to create transformative education programs for our students. Our new Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Taronga Wildlife Conservation) will give you the opportunity to study in a unique environment, as you learn to address global conservation challenges.

Whether you’re passionate about the environment, animals or corporate social responsibility, our broad range of study areas will allow you to forge your own path.

Explore the possibilities studying environment and geosciences or animal health and veterinary sciences with us.

Education, communications and media

Take your love of science and help the world understand it, by pursuing a career in education, communications or media. 

People with technical expertise in science that can inform people about the discipline’s importance are sought after by educational facilities, media outlets and other science institutions.

Discover our range of study areas and build a career around your interests.

Entrepreneurship

If you'd rather create your own career, you can combine your areas of interest with your entrepreneurial drive to bring business ideas to life.

Take advantage of the University’s accelerator and support programs that can help you during your entrepreneurial journey.

Find out more about student innovation and entrepreneurship at Sydney.

Government, defence and law

People with backgrounds in science and mathematics play an important role in a range of government and legal sectors.

Science graduates are needed to inform policy in areas such as finance, emergency services, primary industries, defence and transport. You could also work with legal firms in specialised areas like forensics, patents and intellectual property.

From psychology to mathematics, chemistry to geography, you could help enact real change by applying the skills you develop during your degree in these sectors.

Take a look at our study areas and find which might be right for you.

Health, medicine and psychology

Science underpins all medical and health-related fields.

Undertake study in medical science to work in a laboratory researching disease, investigate human behaviour by studying psychology or study nutrition to promote healthy eating habits.

A science degree can serve as a pathway to a career in improving health in Australia and around the world. Explore our study options in human health and psychology.

Research

Face new challenges and explore areas you are truly passionate about by pursuing a career as a researcher.

We offer excellent pathways to a career in research during your undergraduate studies including honours in science. Our combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies provides you with the opportunity to undertake research projects. For high-achieving students, the Dalyell Scholars program introduces research practices from your very first semester through a research project unit.

No matter which course you choose, a career in research will allow you to utilise a range of skills developed during your undergraduate degree. You can help develop solutions that benefit society, while building expertise in your area of interest.

Learn more about our research areas.

Tomorrow's technologies

Build technological skills that will prepare you for a career in areas that are rapidly changing and integral to our world today.

Information and communications technology (ICT) professionals seek to utilise technologies to benefit organisations, government and society. Roles in ICT take on many forms, with global opportunities available to graduates skilled in this area.

Emerging fields such as photonics, optics, quantum technology, data analytics and nanotechnologies are at the centre of the development of tomorrow’s technologies. A science degree that explores them will equip you with the knowledge and experience you need to launch a career in these evolving fields.

Find out how you can study technology with us.

Veterinary and animal sciences

Turn your passion for animals into a rewarding career. Australia has a thriving veterinary and animal science industry, with a range of careers for graduates who love working with animals that extends beyond becoming a veterinarian.

Whether you want to work with cats, monkeys, pigs or cattle, your science degree will arm you with the experience you need for an exciting career in this industry. Find out how you can study animal health and veterinary science at Sydney.

*The New Work Smarts: Thriving in the New Work Order, The Foundation for Young Australians, Melbourne, Australia, 2017

Article first published: