Considering University?

A good starting point is the UCAS website

...not only can you see what courses are offered by different higher education institutions, but you can also find out what grades (or number of UCAS points) you are likely to need.

When choosing a course it is well worth considering the possible job opportunities when you complete your degree. This website can help:

• take a look at the profiles of people who are currently working in the industry - in research, development, manufacturing and commercial roles,
• look at what they studied and what it has led to.

If you want to work in research and development it is really important to get some substantial experience of what it is like to work in a lab - either through taking a course which offers a 'sandwich' year in industry, or by finding a placement yourself - perhaps for a summer holiday or gap year.

By getting several months lab based experience you will have improved your practical skills and will be able to demonstrate that you have the skills and experience that a company will be looking for. In addition you will have found out whether working you like this type of work, so that, if necessary, you can reconsider the type of job you want when you graduate.  Experience of working in industry will also be useful if you are thinking of doing a PhD after your degree.