Exam results 2024: what's next?
If you have just received your exam results and are keen to pursue a career in chemistry but aren't sure what comes next, we have a guide to help you figure out your future.
First off, everyone at the RSC would like to congratulate you for completing your exams and reaching this point, and we hope you got the results you wanted.
You are one of tens of thousands of students across the UK and Ireland who are about to embark on the next stage of your journey now that those eagerly awaited grades have been revealed.
On days like these, it's normal to think about what comes next and the options available to you - and the RSC has plenty of resources to help you make your decision. If you unfortunately didn't get the results you hoped for or just want some advice, we can offer you support.
Take a look at the tabs below, which are tailored to your home country and stage of education, to see what your future could hold. There is also information about free Student membership, too.
You can also check out our helpful careers page, A Future in Chemistry. There, you can access resources that cover a whole range of different career and study options and explore the opportunities available in chemistry. These include:
- Job profiles to give you insights into the world of work, including a list of jobs by qualification (from secondary through to PhD)
- Detailed guides laying out what qualifications are open to you
- A map of employers of chemical scientists from across the UK and Ireland, to help you find jobs, placements, work experience or apprenticeships nearby.
- Student finance and gap year advice
- And much, much more.
Results day advice
Results day: Tuesday, 6 August 2024
Today thousands of students in Scotland are finding out how they performed in their Nationals, Highers and Advanced Highers.
We would like to congratulate everyone on the commendable effort they put into their studies in preparation for the exams.
What happens next?
If you are thinking of choosing chemistry for the next stage of your learning, take a look at our helpful careers page A Future in Chemistry, where you can access information on what to do next. Find more links to support and advice further up this page.
If you have not received the results you were hoping for, there really are still plenty of options for you to find your path to an impactful and rewarding scientific career. The SQA’s pages offer a candidate advice line (0345 279 1000), alongside further support and advice to help you plan your next steps.
Results day: Thursday, 15 August
Today, thousands of students across England, Northern Ireland and Wales are finding out how they did in AS level, A level and BTEC exams.
Congratulations to all students receiving their results today. We celebrate the hard work that you have put into achieving your grades.
What happens next?
Check out our helpful careers page A Future in Chemistry if you are interested in pursuing your passion for chemistry at the next stage of your learning. There, you can access all the information you need to make an informed decision on what to do next. More links to support and advice can be found at the top of this page, too.
If you did not receive the results you hoped for today, there really are still plenty of options for you to find your path to a rewarding scientific career. UCAS' 'who to contact' page is there to support your next steps.
In England, the National Careers Service runs a careers advice service for those who want advice on their next steps.
If you are in Wales, WJEC offers further information on their post-results services including making an appeal.
In Northern Ireland, you can access specific advice and information on understanding your results, resits and review services on the CCEA website.
Results day: Thursday, 22 August
We would like to congratulate the thousands of students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland who are receiving their GCSE results today – you have demonstrated great resilience, effort and determination during your studies.
What happens next?
If you think chemistry could be right for you and are keen to learn more about your next steps, visit our helpful careers page A Future in Chemistry and get all the information on what to do next. Find more links to support and advice at the top of the page.
In England, the National Careers Service has lots of useful links on its website, including a hotline connecting you to careers advisors and information on further education and training options.
For careers advice in Wales, Careers Wales provides information on further education, apprenticeships and getting a job. It also runs a hotline which offers careers advice.
In Northern Ireland, NI Direct offer an online chat option for those in need of careers advice. Through their website, you can also access lots of useful information on your options after Year 12.
Results day: Friday, 23 August
Today thousands of students in the Republic of Ireland are receiving their Leaving Certificate results. We recognise and celebrate your hard work and determination to achieve your results.
What happens next?
Look at our helpful careers page A Future in Chemistry if you want to know more about what you can do next in the world of chemistry. Find more links to support and advice at top of the page.
You can access useful information and contact details through the Leaving Certificate page on the Department of Education website.
What adjustments were made this year?
Taking into consideration the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Examinations Commission (SEC) have continued to apply post-marking adjustments this year to ensure that the overall Leaving Certificate results in the aggregate will be no lower on average than those in 2023. It also applied some adjustments to the chemistry written examination paper.
ChemisTRY shaping your future with free undergraduate student membership from the Royal Society of Chemistry!
You have an exciting future ahead of you. Let us help you get there, with free Student membership. For undergraduate degree students use code CATALYST100 at the checkout, or for apprenticeships, use code APP100.
As a RSC Student member, you’ll receive:
- Discounts on a huge range of things, including textbooks, shopping and holidays
- Grants and funding for your studies
- Career support and professional development advice, such as CV checks
- Networking opportunities across the chemical sciences (including event discounts!)
- Plus much more!
Once you’ve signed up, you can access everything in one place – just log in to the members’ area and you’re ready to go.
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