All Graduate Salaries Compared
| Degree | Starting | Mid-Career | Take Home/Mo (Start) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | £32,000 | £55,000 | £2,213 |
| Medicine | £32,398 | £65,000 | £2,237 |
| Law | £25,000 | £45,000 | £1,793 |
| Engineering | £28,000 | £48,000 | £1,973 |
| Accounting & Finance | £26,000 | £50,000 | £1,853 |
| Economics | £28,000 | £50,000 | £1,973 |
| Nursing | £29,970 | £38,000 | £2,092 |
| Architecture | £24,000 | £42,000 | £1,733 |
| Marketing | £24,000 | £40,000 | £1,733 |
| Teaching | £31,650 | £43,607 | £2,192 |
| Psychology | £22,000 | £35,000 | £1,613 |
| English & Humanities | £22,000 | £32,000 | £1,613 |
| Business Management | £25,000 | £42,000 | £1,793 |
| Maths & Statistics | £28,000 | £55,000 | £1,973 |
| Art & Design | £20,000 | £30,000 | £1,493 |
| Biology | £22,000 | £35,000 | £1,613 |
| Chemistry | £24,000 | £40,000 | £1,733 |
| Physics | £26,000 | £50,000 | £1,853 |
| Pharmacy | £33,000 | £45,000 | £2,273 |
| Dentistry | £33,000 | £55,000 | £2,273 |
Career Outlook for Biology Graduates
Biology graduates have diverse career options spanning healthcare, pharmaceutical research, environmental science, and teaching. The UK's strong life sciences sector (particularly around Cambridge, Oxford, and London) provides growing employment opportunities. A postgraduate degree (MSc or PhD) significantly improves career prospects and earning potential in research roles.
Typical First Roles and Career Paths
Common first roles include laboratory technician, research assistant, environmental consultant, science teacher (with PGCE), pharmaceutical sales representative, and biomedical scientist trainee. Many biology graduates pursue further study — MSc programmes in molecular biology, ecology, or biomedical science open up specialist career paths.
Tips for Biology Graduates
Pure research roles typically require a PhD and offer modest starting salaries (£28,000-£35,000 postdoc). Industry roles in pharmaceutical and biotech companies pay significantly more. Teaching biology is a strong option with bursaries available during PGCE training. The NHS Scientist Training Programme offers a funded clinical career path.
Student Loan Repayments
Biology graduates on £25,000 are near the Plan 2 repayment threshold with minimal monthly repayments. Those entering industry or NHS training programmes see repayments increase with salary progression.