If you’re an aspiring student aiming to study for a degree in science, you may have come across some terms and definitions you aren’t quite sure of. Aren’t all BSc and MSc degrees similar? Well, yes and no. Science is a broad term covering many disciplines and specialisations. This is true of Pure Science and Applied Science. In this article, we guide you through the differences between these approaches, the degrees and subjects they relate to, entry requirements and career options.
- What is Pure Science?
- What is Applied Science?
- Why study a scientific discipline?
- What can you study for a Pure Science degree?
- What can you study in an Applied Science degree?
- What are the entry requirements for science degrees?
- What can you do with a scientific qualification?
What is Pure Science?
Pure Science is the development of scientific theories and predictions in three broad subjects: Chemistry, Biology or Physics. Also known as ‘Basic Science’ or ‘Natural Science’, Pure Science is research which doesn’t consider how these theories can be applied but is used to answer questions or phenomena. Pure Sciences usually take place in a laboratory setting.
What is Applied Science?
Applied Science is the application of scientific theories and methodology to practical problems, such as in engineering, medicine, or technology. These are usually applied in research and development, otherwise known as simply R&D. Applied Sciences mostly take place outside of a laboratory setting.
Why study a scientific discipline?
If you are naturally curious and constantly questioning the world around you, studying science is a great way to develop your knowledge, make discoveries and develop new technology. Scientific theory and testing is often the first step to finding solutions to real-world problems, from engineering to medicine.
Studying for a degree in a scientific discipline can allow you to contribute to important research and breakthroughs. There are also a few further reasons why international students choose STEM-related fields. These include:
- Jobs and opportunities are estimated to grow by over 15 per cent globally by 2030. This is twice the rate of other fields. (Source: Institute for the Future)
- STEM graduates earn starting salaries higher on average than for other disciplines.
- GBP 23,000 to GBP 37,000 per year in the UK.
- AUD 65,000 to AUD 85,000 per year in Australia.
- CAD 45,000 to CAD 75,000 per year in Canada.
- Demand for STEM graduates continues to grow in many popular study destinations.
- 70 per cent of employers in Australia indicated their preference for STEM-skilled employees. (Source: Deloitte)
- 9.4 million people in the UK are employed in a STEM-related industry or discipline. STEM graduates enjoy the highest employment in the UK. (Source: Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Service)
- STEM jobs will grow in the USA by 10.8 per cent by 2032, while non-STEM jobs at only 2.8 per cent. (U.S. Department of Labor Statistics)
- STEM degrees will also equip you with essential transferable skills, meaning working in multiple industries is possible. You may also qualify for preferential work visas based on your skill set, allowing for travel and work abroad.
- Canada has introduced category-based draws within express entry that target specific skills shortages significantly related to STEM.
- Australia offers several visas for skills considered scarce, including:
- Skilled independent visa
- Skilled nominated visa
- Skilled regional visa
Discover more about the differences between an MA and an MSc.
What can you study for a Pure Science degree?
Much of what you will study depends on your chosen discipline. You can select from several major subjects for a degree in pure science. These include:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Botany
- Biochemistry
You will usually study a BSc degree which takes between three and four years to complete. You’ll focus on the core elements of the subject exploring theories and hypotheses. As you progress you will be able to focus on more specific areas of the discipline. Taking a physics degree as an example a typical curriculum may include:
- Year one
- Introductory quantum mechanics
- Introductory astrophysics
- Laboratory physics
- Algebra and calculus
- Year two
- Laboratory skills
- Quantum mechanics principles
- Astrophysics principles
- Vector calculus
- Thermodynamics
- Astronomy
- Computation
- Year three
- Advanced material and solid state physics
- Advanced quantum mechanics
- Fundamental particle physics
Remember that you can study a physics degree in a specialist area including mathematical physics, nuclear physics, quantum physics and medical physics.
Discover more about how to select your major at university.
What can you study in an Applied Science degree?
The main focus of your qualification is developing essential skills and knowledge to apply scientific principles to develop solutions to everyday challenges. The precise nature of your degree depends on the specialisation you select. Some of the most popular disciplines include:
- Biomedical engineering
- Aerospace engineering
- Computer science
- Actuarial science
- Food science
- Chemical engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Forensic science
- Environmental science
You will usually study towards a BSc or BEng degree, with many qualifications classed as professional degrees and including work placements. If we use a biomedical engineering degree as the example, your curriculum may include:
- Year one
- Computer programming
- Biomedical statistics
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Electronic engineering principles
- Physics of biomedical engineering
- Year two
- Computational applied methods and mathematics
- Object-oriented programming
- Electromagnetism
- Signals and systems
- Synthetic anatomy
- Year three
- Mechatronics
- Medical imaging
- Machine learning
- Molecular and cell biology
- Research project
Read more about what you can expect when you study a degree in engineering.
What are the entry requirements for science degrees?
The entry requirements for a science-related degree will differ between specialisations and institutions. However, there are some common requirements needed for a successful application. These include:
- A secondary level qualification that includes science subjects such as mathematics, physics, biology or chemistry.
- A minimum A-Level result of AAB or the equivalent. This equates to a GPA score of 3.5 to 4.0 or an International Baccalaureate score of 34 to 37.
- Proof of English language ability with an IELTS score of 6.5 or above with no band score below 6.0.
- If you are applying for an MSc qualification, an undergraduate result of a 2:1 is needed. This is equivalent to a percentage score of 60 to 70.
Remember to check the admission requirements with your prospective university and understand whether your current qualifications are applicable and will be verified.
Get more information on how to apply to study abroad.
What can you do with a scientific qualification?
Graduates of degrees in STEM-related fields can pursue a wide variety of roles. Much will depend on whether you have specialised in a particular area or have chosen a more general approach. If you have completed a professional degree, this will usually mean working in a specific industry or profession, while an academic degree may be more transferable. If you’ve studied a qualification in Pure Science, some of the positions you could work in include:
- Researcher
- Academic
- Analyst
- Scientist
- Lab technician
- Chemist
- Physicist
If you’ve pursued an Applied Science path, some of the careers and roles available include:
- Geophysicist
- Aerospace engineer
- Biomedical engineer
- Computer scientist
- Electrical engineer
- Forensic scientist
- Microbiologist
- Environmental scientist
- Chemical engineer
- Analytical chemist
Hopefully, you now have a better sense of the different kinds of science degrees that are available. You can also continue your research into studying abroad by reading our guides on choosing a study destination, the reasons to study abroad and university prospectuses.
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