Chemistry is an excellent degree for opening up opportunities in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, environment, food and drink companies working as toxicologists, biochemists and forensics. Within these companies there are many varying roles working within research, design, production, marketing and management using your expertise. Your specialist knowledge is ideal for getting involved in science journalism, whether writing to bespoke audiences or writing for the general public. Often there are opportunities with further study which can often lead to candidates carrying out research in industry. With a chemistry degree as a basis, pursuing further study in any field may enhance your CV. More than 27 percent of the chemistry graduates in 2010 decided to study for a postgraduate qualification while 4.4 percent started a PGCE.

Skills obtained such as problem solving and numeracy abilities are ideally matched with careers in commerce, from accounting to banking. These attributes are also keenly sought after in the IT world. There is also a large shortage of science teachers at secondary school level so a PGCE qualification would give you plenty of employment options in this field.

Even though many graduates end up working in either scientific research, analysis and development or in other technical occupations, many chemistry graduates have purused a career in retail. So, the options are endless.

Figures are taken from the 2011 edition of "What Do Graduates Do?".