Healthcare, pharmacy and science

How do I get into it?

• Health careers
  NHS careers information resource, including:
  Compare roles in health
  Information about various allied health professions.
  Considering or at university
  Looks at study options for the various professions and early career progression.
  Find your health career
  A 10 minute Q+A to help you explore your career options.
• Prospects
  Graduate careers site with information on:
  Sector Guide: Healthcare
  An overview of the sector and links to many detailed job profiles.
  What can I do with my degree?
  Explore career options relating directly and indirectly to broad qualification categories, including a number relating to health professions.

Jobs and employers

National Health Service

• HSCRecruit.com
  Vacancies in Northern Ireland Health Service organisations.
• NHS Jobs
  For opportunities in England and Wales.
• NHS Scotland Recruitment
  Opportunities in Scotland.

Other sources of vacancies

• British Association of Occupational Therapists
  Vacancies accessible to members only. Student membership available.
• BDA Dietitians' jobs
  Vacancies from the Association of UK Dietitians.
• Health Jobs UK
  Browse by specialism and location.
• Nutrition Society
  Jobs and internships in nutrition.
• Work the World
  Student healthcare placements in Africa and Asia.

Further information

General

• Health Professions Council (HPC)
  The HPC regulates 14 health professions and maintains a register of health professionals who meet their standards for training, professional skills, behaviour and health.

Acupuncture

• British Acupuncture Council (BAcC)
  Works to bridge the gap between traditional acupuncturists and the western medical community. Free student membership available.
• British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS)
  Open to most UK-based health professionals who are subject to statutory regulation. Student membership available.

Dietetics

• BDA - The Association of UK Dietitians
  Provides professional development, resources and union representation to practitioners. Student membership available.

Nutrition

• British Nutrition Foundation
  Student membership offers professional development opportunities, and information and support.
• Nutrition Society.
  Offers student membership, grants and a access to publication in a range of professional journals.

Obstetrics and Gynaecology

• Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
  Information on training and professional development, and access to a global practitioner network. Discounted membership for newly qualified practitioners.

Operating Department Practitioner

• College of Operating Department Practitioners
  Offers professional support and advice to practitioners as part of the trade union UNISON.

Osteopathy

• General Osteopathic Council (GOsC)
  News and resources for practitioners. Penultimate and final year students of GOsC accredited courses are granted access to members-only online resources.
• Osteopathic Sports Care Association (OSCA)
  Offers a mentoring programme for osteopathy graduates to develop sports-specific skills.

Paramedic

• College of Paramedics
  Professional development, advice and support for practitioners. Student membership available.

Physiotherapy

• Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
  Professional development, online resources and support available. Offers student and newly-qualified practitioner membership.

Podiatry

• Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists/College of Podiatry
  Professional development, advice and union representation. Student and newly qualified practitioner membership available.

Radiography

• Society of Radiographers
  Advice and resources for career progression at all stages. Awards and grants also available. Reduced rate membership for students and trainees.

What is complementary medicine?

Complementary medicine is an umbrella term for a range of professions including aromatherapist, chiropractor, acupuncturist, Alexander Technique practitioner, reflexologist, naturopath and homeopath.

Most practitioners are self-employed, although a number of multi-disciplined clinics have been established. These provide reception facilities allowing practitioners to work from a number of different locations.

How do I get into it?

Prospects
A graduate careers website with information on:
Job profiles - Healthcare.
Includes detailed information on a range of career options

Further information

General

• College of Naturopathic Medicine UK
  Offers courses in nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy and naturopathy.
• Complementary Medical Association (CMA)
  Offers student membership and a directory of training providers.
• Complimentary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
  Government's national voluntary register of practitioners. Includes paid and voluntary opportunities exclusive to CNHC members.
• Federation of Holistic Therapists
  Various membership options and benefits, and a directory of member profiles.

Acupuncture

• The Acupuncture Society
  Professional body of acupuncture and oriental therapies practitioners.
• British Acupuncture Council (BAcC)
  Includes links to accredited training courses and member directories.

Alexander technique

• The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT)
  Includes information on training and availability of courses.

Chiropractic

• British Chiropratic Association
  Information on training in the UK and the advantages of membership.
• General Chiropractic Council
  Information on undergraduate training and continuing professional development.
• The Royal College of Chiropractors
  Includes a jobs board and information resources.

Herbal medicine

• British Herbal Medicine Association (BHMA)
  Includes a members only area with practitioner resources and more.

Homeopathy

• Society of Homeopaths
  Information on training to practice as a homeopath.

Hypnotherapy

• British Society of Clinical Hypnosis (BSCH)
  A professional body promoting and assuring high standards in the practice of hypnotherapy.

Naturopathic

• General Council and Register of Naturopaths
  Information on training opportunities and a members directory.

Osteopathy

• The General Osteopathic Council
  Information on training and registration, and news from the profession.

Reflexology

• Association of Reflexologists
  Information on training and registration.

How do I get into it?

• Health Careers
  NHS site with information about a wide range of specialist therapeutic careers.
• Prospects
  Graduate careers site with information on:
  Sector guide: Social care
  Includes an overview of the sector and links to a range of detailed job profiles.

Professional bodies

• British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
  Information on training and careers.
• British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC)
  Information on training as a Psychoanalytic or Psychodynamic Psychotherapist.
• The Institute of Psychoanalysis
  Detailed information on training as a Psychoanalyst.

Jobs and employers

• BACP Jobs Online
  Upload your CV and browse vacancies.
• Cruse
  Paid and voluntary opportunities in bereavement counselling.
• JobsGoPublic
  Public sector opportunities and jobseeker advice.
• NHS Jobs
  Find opportunities within your local NHS trusts.
• Relate
  Jobs with the national relationship support service.

Further information

• British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
  Membership offers professional development and networking opportunities. Student membership available.
• British Psychoanalytic Council
  Includes professional and peer support resources for trainees.
• The British Psychotherapy Foundation
  Support for trainees and information on membership benefits.
• COSCA
  The professional body for counselling and psychotherapy in Scotland. Site includes information on training opportunities.
• UK Council for Psychotherapy
  Includes information on student, trainee and practitioner membership.

How do I get into it?

• The Foundation Programme
  A two-year generic training programme which forms the bridge between medical school and specialist/general practice training.
• Health Careers
  NHS site with information about various allied health professions.
• Prospects
  A graduate careers website with the following information:
  Job profiles - Healthcare
  Detailed job profiles for careers across the sector.
  Job sectors - Healthcare
  An overview of the sector.

Jobs and employers

National Health Service

• HSCRecruit.com
  Vacancies in Northern Ireland Health Service organisations.
• NHS Jobs
  For opportunities in England and Wales.
• NHS Scotland Recruitment
  Opportunities across Scotland.

Other vacancy sources

• BMJ Careers
  National and international jobs across a wide range of specialisms.
• Jobs4Medical
  Opportunities outside the UK.
• The Lancet Careers
  Jobs in the UK and internationally.

Further information

• Academy of Royal Medical Colleges
  The Academy co-ordinates the work of its Royal College members and has links to all their websites.
• British Medical Association (BMA) 
  The BMA is the trade union and professional body for 170,000 doctors in the UK.
• General Medical Council (GMC) 
  The GMC helps to protect patients and improve medical education and practice in the UK by setting standards for students and doctors.
• The Lancet
  Links to the full range of general and specialist Lancet titles.
• Royal College of Surgeons 
  A professional membership organisation and registered charity, representing surgeons in the UK and abroad.

How do I get into it?

• Health Careers
  NHS site with information about various allied health professions.
• Nursing and Midwifery Council
  Information and advice on routes into the professions, how to get the most out of your training and next steps after qualification.
• Prospects
  Industry Insights - Health
  Information about working in the sector, how to get into it, labour market information and more.
  Options with your subject - Nursing
  Detailed information on a broad range of job options for nursing graduates.
  Types of jobs - Healthcare
  A wide range of detailed job profiles.

Jobs and employers

National Health Service

• HSCNI Jobs
  Vacancies in Northern Ireland Health Service organisations.
• NHS Jobs
  For opportunities in England and Wales.
• NHS Scotland Recruitment

Other vacancy sources

• Greathealthcare.co.uk
  Includes opportunities in the private sector.
• Nuffield Health
  Vacancies in theatre, ward and outpatients.=
• PracticeNursing.co.uk
  Browse vacancies and post your CV.
• Pulse Nursing
  Permanent and temp/locum vacancies nationwide and across all disciplines.
• Staff Nurse.com
  Browse current vacancies and add your CV to their searchable database.

Further information

• Department of Health
  Provides strategic leadership for public health, the NHS and social care in England.
• Health Service Journal
  News and views from across the sector.
• Just For Nurses
  Sector news, case studies and job vacancies.

NHS sites

• HSCNI (Northern Ireland)
  NHS England
  NHS Education for Scotland
  NHS Wales

• Nursing Times - Student community
• Resources and news targeted at student nurses.
• Royal College of Midwives
• Royal College of Nursing
• Containing news and analysis, practitioner support resources and more.

How do I get into it?

• ABPI Careers resources
  Information on routes into the industry from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.
• Health Careers
  NHS site with information about various allied health professions.
• Prospects
  A graduate careers website with information on:
  Types of jobs: Science and pharmaceuticals
  Detailed job profiles for a range of roles in the industry.
  Job sectors: Science and pharmaceuticals
  An overview of the industry.
  What can I do with my degree?
  Pharmacology
  Pharmacy
• The Royal Pharmaceutical Society
  Information and support for newly qualified pharmacists and other professionals.

Jobs and employers

National Health Service

• HSCRecruit.com
  Vacancies in Northern Ireland Health Service organisations.
• NHS Jobs
  For opportunities in England and Wales.
• NHS Scotland Recruitment

Other vacancy sources

• Advance Recruitment
  Medical sales and marketing reps recruitment within the UK.
• C&D jobs
  Vacancies in pharmacy specialisms nationwide.
• Pharmajobs 
  Jobs in medical sales.
• PharmiWeb.com 
  Vacancies worldwide..
• Pharmaceutical Journal
  The official journal of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. Includes a jobs section.
• ProClinical
  Recruitment consultancy for the pharmaceutical industry. 

Further information

• The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) 
  The UK industry's trade association. Includes news and professional development resources.
• British Pharmaceutical Students Association 
  Represents pharmacy students and pre-registration trainees.
• Chemist and Druggist
  News, education and tools for the pharmacist community.

How do I get into it?

• Prospects
  What can I do with my degree - Psychology
  Includes links to a wide range of detailed job profiles relating to psychology.
  Sector Guides
  The following sector guides may be of interest in relation to the job profiles above.
  Education
  Healthcare
  Recruitment and HR
• Psychology Students' Employability Guide (pdf)
  Covers traditional and emerging career options in Psychology, job seeking and applications.

Jobs and employers

• Community care jobs
  Opportunities in the social care sector.
• HM Prison Service
  Provides an insight into the different types of work available in the service and links to current vacancies.
• Jobs In Psychology
  Vacancies from the British Psychological Society.
• JobsGoPublic
  Public and charity sector opportunities.
• NHS jobs
  Opportunities in the National Health Service.

Further information

• Association for Business Psychology (ABP)
  Professional community promoting current thinking in business and psychology. Offers membership to graduate practitioners and students.
• Association of Educational Psychologists (AEP)
  The trade union and professional association for Educational Psychologists in the United Kingdom. Offers trainee membership to students undertaking postgraduate study.
• British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
  Offers student membership, bi-annual networking events and a database of placement opportunities.
• British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC)
  Information about the BPC Trainees Association, networking events and peer-to-peer advice.

• British Psychological Society (BPS)
  Includes sector news, advice on career progression, and student and graduate membership options.
• Clearing House for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology
  Manages the application process for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at UK universities. Offers advice on applying for and funding your studies.
• European Federation of Psychologists Associations
  A forum for European cooperation in academic training, psychology practice and research.
• Health Service Journal
  News from the NHS and the wider healthcare sector.

How do I get into it?

• Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine
  Information on careers in clinical science including biomedical.
• British Society for Immunology
  Information on study options and resources to help you plan your career.
• Health Careers
  NHS site with information about various allied health professions.
  Find your health career
  A 10 minute Q+A to help you explore your career options.
• Health Physics Society 
  Careers in health physics
• Institute of Biomedical Science  
  Resources to help you to decide whether biomedical science is a suitable career option.

• Prospects
  Graduate careers site with information on:
  Types of jobs: Healthcare, Science and pharmaceuticals 
  Detailed profiles of a variety of roles in the industries.
  Job sectors: Healthcare Science and pharmaceuticals,
  An overview of each sector.
  What can I do with my degree?
  Information on career options with a range of related subjects including biomedical science and biology.
• Targetjobs - Science, research and development Information on graduate careers in science and research.

Jobs and employers

National Health Service

• HSCRecruit.com
  Vacancies in Northern Ireland Health Service organisations.
• NHS Jobs
  For opportunities in England and Wales.
• NHS Scotland Recruitment

Other vacancy sources

• Cogent Life Sciences Placements Service
  12 month and shorter industrial placement opportunities.
• Jobs.ac.uk
  Jobs in research, science, academic and related professions, includes a 'health and medical' section.
• Laboratory News
  Lists over 900 companies offering products and services for scientists. Excellent source of contacts for speculative applications.
• Matchtech Science
  Permanent, temporary and contract positions.
• SIRELifeSciences.com
  Jobs in biotechnology, medical devices, clinical research, agro, food, cosmetics, chemicals, FMCG and healthcare.
• STEM Graduates
  Graduate schemes and graduate/postgraduate level biology, chemistry and physics jobs.

Further information

• Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine
  Professional and trade union support for practitioners at all stages of their careers.
• British Society for Immunology
  Promotes excellence in research, scholarship and clinical practice in immunology. Online resources and membership available.
• Department of Health
  Government department responsible for policy making and funding of healthcare.
• Institute of Biomedical Science
  IBMS affiliates with university student societies nationwide.
• Institute of Food Science and Technology
  Highlights issues in the industry and supports professional development. Student membership available.
• Life Science Network
  For life science professionals who wish to network, communicate, share ideas and connect with others.

• Medical Research Council
  Promotes research careers through funding and professional support.
• Microbiology Society
• Graduate and postgraduate membership available.
• Royal Society of Chemistry
  UK's professional body for chemical scientists. Undergraduate and postgraduate membership available.
• The Society of Biology
  Advises government and influences policy. Student membership available.
• World Health Organisation
  WHO works alongside government agencies in over 150 countries.

Advice from employers 

IQVIA took time out from the 2018 Careers Fair to talk about their graduate scheme opportunities, what they look for from jobseekers, and how to make your applications stand out from the crowd. 

Graduate stories

Satyanarayana
MSc Pharmacology (2012)

Satyanarayana (Satya) graduated from the University of Brighton in 2012 with an MSc in Pharmacology but after a few months seeking work he decided he needed extra support.

In September 2012  he took part in a three day course called Transform Your Life which is run by the Careers Service  in partnership with the Counselling and Well-being service. Over 3 days this course helps students and graduates improve their CV writing, job interview techniques but above all gives them a platform of confidence and enthusiasm to help them succeed in getting work.

Soon after completing this course Satya was successful in getting a Scientific Officer position at the Institute of Cancer Research.

"My degree was a necessary requirement but I needed to show other skills in my application. Above all the communication and presentation skills I learnt at university and during the Transform Your Life course helped me succeed in the interview."

For Satya confidence is also important. "My advice to students is to show how BIG you are". Developing self confidence and conveying this are big factors in the Transform Your Life course and these transferable skills combined with his degree have helped Satya  realise his ambitions

How do I get into it?

Therapy specialists work with groups or individuals to bring about positive changes in their lives, regarding personal, emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration issues.

Practitioners are employed by a range of private, statutory and voluntary sector organisations.

• Art therapists in the UK
  The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) lists approved postgraduate courses.
• British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT)
  Information on careers in nutritional therapy.
• Dance movement psychotherapy - an overview of training
  Information from the Professional Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy in the United Kingdom.
• Prospects
  A graduate careers website with information on:
  Sector Guide - Healthcare
  Includes a broad range of detailed job profiles relating to therapeutic career options.
• Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
  Includes advice on working in the profession inside and outside the UK.
• Social and therapeutic horticulture
  Thrive offers a variety of training and education opportunities, ranging from one-day courses to higher education opportunities.

Jobs and employers

Therapy specialists are employed by a range of private, statutory and voluntary sector organisations including: the NHS, Social Services, the prison service, educational establishments, community centres and charities.

• British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT)
  Includes a directory of practitioners.
• Community Care
  Search for home-based or workplace opportunities.
• NHS jobs
  Search jobs across the UK.
• Thrive Network News
  Paid and voluntary opportunities in therapeutic horticulture.

Further information

• The Association for Dance Movement Therapy UK
  Promotes the use of dance movement therapies in the UK. Offers training and other professional development opportunities. Student registration available.
• Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP)
  Provides support and information for independent practitioners in the UK. Postgraduate membership available.
• British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT)
  Includes information, professional support and training opportunities. Student and trainee membership available.
• British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT)
  News, events, webinars and professional resources. Student membership available.
• British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT)
  Professional organisation for art therapists in the United Kingdom. Offers networking opportunities and professional development to members.

• Health Professions Council (HPC)
  The HPC is responsible for the regulation of a range of therapeutic practices. Student registration available.
• Royal College of Occupational Therapists
  Membership gives access to networks of students and new graduate practitioners.
• Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
  Resources and support for practitioners, also news and campaign information. Student membership available.
• Thrive
  National horticultural charity that enables disadvantaged, disabled and older people to participate fully in the social and economic life of the community.
• World Federation of Occupational Therapists
  Offers online resources and a programme of events and professional networking opportunities.