Accounting to science

Hey,
If I pursue a bsc in accounting, Is it possible to go into science-based job as a data analyst. would that require further study if so what type of course would I have to complete.

I was thinking more specifically into microbiology or epidemiology.

Reply 1

MindMax2000

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by smellycatfriends

To get a job as a data analyst, you don't specifically need any qualifications. However, if you want to be a bioinformatician (which from the sounds of it you want to be), then accounting won't help.

If you want to work in life sciences, you would need a life science degree on most parts (unless you are happy settling to be a lab technician). A degree in biological sciences, biomedicine, or microbiology should get you into microbiology or epidemiology. if you study the material all the way up to PhD level.

If you want to be a bioinformatician, you are likely going to apply through the NHS (assuming you're a British citizen and want to work in the UK). They have 3 paths for you:
Genomics: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/healthcare-science/roles-healthcare-science/clinical-bioinformatics/clinical-bioinformatics-genomics
Health informatics: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/healthcare-science/roles-healthcare-science/clinical-bioinformatics/clinical-bioinformatics-health-informatics
Physical sciences: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/healthcare-science/roles-healthcare-science/clinical-bioinformatics/clinical-bioinformatics-physical-sciences
To get into genomics, you would need a life science degree. For the other 2, you need a quantiative degree. Accounting degrees won't cut it for either.

On the other hand, if you decide to pursue a life science degree, you would still be able to go into accounting (unless you're in a country like the US or possibly Canada). Accounting jobs will require you to have professional accounting qualifications like ACA, CIMA, ACCA; you can go into these with just passes at A Levels. Accounting graduate employers would also be able to accept you for accounting roles with degrees in any subject.

If you want to leave your options open, I would recommend looking to do a life science degree in either biological sciences or biomedicine with intentions of later specialising in microbiology or epidemology. You can then go into life science research or accounting should you wish (assuming you will get hired for the roles).

The only time when you wouldn't want to do a life science degree is if you want to work in health informatics or physical sciences as a bioinformatician for the NHS. In which case, you would need a quantiative degree.
If you do pick a quantiative degree, you can still go into accounting afterwards, but you are unlikely be able to go into life sciences unless you do a second bachelor's (which is not easy to do) plus any postgrad you need to do.