How To Become A Chemist | Career Paths & Education

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Pathways to this career

1. Complete an undergraduate science degree and major in Chemistry.

2. Develop your practical experience by securing an internship while studying. Professional guidance and mentorship from accomplished chemists will help set you apart from other graduates.

3. Qualified already? Build on your knowledge with postgraduate degree in chemistry or specialised industry experience.

4. Research and join recognised institutions. You may benefit from networking with like-minded individuals and staying up to date with industry breakthroughs.

What does a chemist do?

Duties and tasks

• Perform experiments to understand the properties of chemical substances and the effects of chemical compounds under different testing conditions

• Research and develop theories, techniques and tests to measure the reliability of outcomes

• Develop practical applications based on experiment and research findings, and present to broader science community

Industry bodies

• The Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI)

Related jobs

• Biochemist

• Medical scientist

• Science technician

Discover related degrees

Bachelor of Science

Undergraduate | MAQ-BSC-DEG

Learn from international leaders in science

Benefit from the guidance of teachers whose research findings are known on a global scale. Use this research to conduct case studies. Take a hands-on approach with a lab component. Specialise in biology, including genetics, genes and life processes.

Read moreStudy methodOnline & on-campusDuration3 years full time or part time equivalentEntry requirementsNo ATAR required. Start with a subject.Explore details

Diploma in Science

Undergraduate | UNE-DSC-DIP

Discover the basic methods, techniques, and tools of science

Engage your curiosity about the natural world with this online science course. Build a solid and broad foundation of scientific knowledge, starting with core subjects including physics and chemistry. Focus on a specialisation such as maths or biology.

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Diploma of Science

Undergraduate | SCU-SCI-DIP

A pathway to the lab or further science studies

An online science course with specialisations in forestry, marine, or Earth and environmental systems. You’ll explore chemistry, physics, biology and geology. Think about the role science plays solving big issues like climate change and pollution. 

Read moreStudy methodOnline & on-campusDuration1 year full time or part time equivalentExplore detailsExplore chemistry courses

Discover related subjects

Fundamentals of Chemistry

Undergraduate | MUR-SCI18

Study method100% onlineStart datesStarts 1 Jun 2026, 30 Nov 2026Explore details

Essentials of Chemistry

Undergraduate | LTU-CHM101

Study method100% onlineStart datesStarts 2 Mar 2026, 1 Jun 2026, 31 Aug 2026, 30 Nov 2026

Next enrolment closes 22 Feb

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Introduction to Chemistry

Undergraduate | TAS-KRA161

Study methodOnline & on-campusEntry requirementsNo ATAR required. Start with a subject.Start datesStarts 23 Feb 2026, 6 Jul 2026

Next enrolment closes 15 Feb

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Introductory Chemistry

Undergraduate | UNE-CHEM100

Study method100% onlineEntry requirementsNo ATAR required. Start with a subject.Start datesStarts 23 Feb 2026, 22 Jun 2026

Next enrolment closes 22 Feb

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