And a degree or a recognised equivalent, such as one of the qualifications awarded by the Royal Society of Chemistry, London, will certainly advance your own career prospects. A bachelor's degree then with a major in chemistry or a related discipline is necessary for many beginning jobs as a chemist. Beginning chemists however should have a broad background in chemistry, with good laboratory skills. Many universities, overseas and local offer a bachelor's degree in chemistry. In addition to required courses in analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, undergraduate usually study mathematics and physics as well.
Several universities award advanced degrees in chemistry.
In graduate school, students generally specialise in a subfield of chemistry. Requirements for the master's or doctoral degrees usually include a thesis based on independent research. Students planning careers as chemimsts should enjoy studying science and mathematics and should like working with their hands building scientific apparatus and performing experiments. Graduates with a bachelor's degree generally begin their careers in government or industry by analysing or testing products, working on technical sales or service or assisting senior chemists in research and development laboratories. Some employers have training and orientation programmes which provide special knowledge needed for the employer's type of work.