The vast majority of people interested in ageological career will study a general‘Single Honours’ degree (i.e. one mainsubject) in geology, geoscience or Earthscience. The ‘classic’ undergraduategeology degree is listed as F600 in theUCAS directory.

In addition to single honours geology,some students combine geology withanother subject. Some universitiesprovide degree courses in specific sub-disciplines such as engineering geologyor geophysics. Finally, the curriculumoffered by different universities varies,with some programmes focused onapplied (industry-linked) geology, andothers based on geological theory andresearch.

If you plan on a geology career but areundecided about your particularspeciality, it’s a good idea to study asingle subject degree or to restrict ajoint degree to other related sciencesubjects. This will make it easier toprogress to a further degree (MSc, PhD)later if you wish.

Geologists are employed in a wide range offields, from research and teaching, to industriesfocused on natural resources, engineering orthe environment. The poster on the reverseshows some of the job sectors you couldchoose from. A typical working day could bespent outdoors, in the lab or office, or all three:

In the field: Geologists travel all over theworld to investigate rocks in their naturalsetting, sometimes in challenging conditions.Mapping or sampling the rocks in an area orlogging the information they record can helplocate oil, water or minerals or identify safelocations for engineering projects.In the lab: Laboratory work often follows onfrom fieldwork, and can include studyingsamples under the microscope, testing theirstrength, or analysing them for minerals orpollution.In the office: Geologists use specialistcomputer software to map or process data andsimulate geological processes, and many aretrained in programming. They also writetechnical reports.

If you are interested in the natural world aroundyou, are good at investigating and problemsolving, are numerate and articulate, haveinitiative and the ability to work in a team…then the exciting world of geology could bewhere your career lies.

BSc – An undergraduate Bachelor ofScience degree. This is usually written as‘BSc (Hons)’ which means with ‘Honours’.Students follow a course of lectures andpractical sessions, and usually undertakean independent research or mappingproject at the end of the second year.

MGeol/MSci – These are 4 yearundergraduate or integrated mastersdegrees. The first two years are usually thesame as for a BSc at the same university,but with a wider range of taught units anda longer research element. These coursesare good preparation if you anticipatecontinuing your education with aPhD/DPhil, but should not be confusedwith an applied postgraduate Masters(MSc), which is often required for a careerin a geological industry.

MSc – Master of Science’, a 1 or 2 yearpostgraduate degree providing training ina specific subject area relevant to a career

in industry (such as engineering geologyor ore mineralogy). Applying skills learntat undergraduate level to a particular fieldis an important first step in continuingprofessional development (CPD) whichwill continue throughout your career.

PhD/DPhil – ‘Doctor of Philosophy’, apostgraduate degree gained throughresearch in a very specific area, usuallytaking at least 3 years to complete. Theseare excellent preparation for a researchcareer in universities, government orresearch organisations, or more seniorroles in industry. Gaining a PhD isdetermined by the submission of asubstantial project (a ‘thesis’ or‘dissertation’), and an interview withexternal examiners termed a ‘viva’.

You will need a good first degree(generally a 2:1 result or higher) to qualifyfor MSc and PhD courses.

Also known as ‘geoscience’ or ‘Earth science’,geology is the study of the structure, evolution anddynamics of the Earth and its natural resources. Itinvestigates the processes that have shaped theEarth through its 4500 million (approximate!) yearhistory and uses the rock record to unravel thathistory. It is concerned with the real world beyondthe laboratory and has direct relevance to the needsof society.

Geology is a huge area of study with manyspecialisms, which overlaps with other sciences,maths and engineering. In schools it is often taughtwithin geography or the sciences instead of as aseparate subject; at university it is offered as adegree subject by geology, geoscience or Earthscience departments.

What is geology? What do geologists do?�

April 2016 The Geological Society of London is a Registered Charity No. 210161

If you are

at school or

college and

EXPLORING

your future

career AND

STUDY

OPTIONS,this leaflet

is for you.

Explore career pathways atwww.geolsoc.org.uk/careers

degree pathways�

About 40 UK universities offer degree courses in geology. A first or ‘undergraduate’degree takes 4 years in Scotland, and 3-4 years elsewhere in the UK. The majority ofstudents enrolling for a first degree are school leavers aged 18–19, but departmentswelcome applications from mature students and those seeking a career change. There area number of qualifications to choose from.

during your degree:travel opportunitiesand placements

Find out more about choosing and funding your degree atwww.geolsoc.org.uk/DegreeChoices Find out more at www.geolsoc.org.uk/DegreePathways

school qualifications andapplying for university

For students starting geoscience degrees after finishing school, evidence of basiccompetence in science is normally required (eg two A/AS level/Scottish Higher passes insciences). Preferred subjects are physics, chemistry, biology, geology and maths.Geography is acceptable for some courses; geology is welcomed but not essential. Whilenot required for degree entry, studying modern languages may give you an advantagelater, due to the career opportunities overseas. You should check precise admissionsrequirements with the departments that interest you (see the university websites) alongwith guidance offered by the University Central Admissions Service (UCAS) atwww.ucas.com.

Your careers advisor or sixth formteacher will advise you on how toapply for a university place viaUCAS. Note that applicationscan only be made online, eitherby individuals or through aschool group. There is adeadline of January in the yearof intended entry for mostsubjects, with a clearing systemin the summer for last minute or

amended applications, dependent onexam results.

Explore advice on applications, work experience and the importance ofscience and maths at www.geolsoc.org.uk/GeologyAtSchool

Studying geology involves work outdoors ‘inthe field’. Fieldwork is valuable preparationfor working life as a geologist; for example,exploration for oil or minerals often involvestravel to remote parts of the world, both onland and at sea.

However, the ability to carry out fieldworkisn’t essential to a geological career -laboratory work and data interpretation isequally important. Meanwhile, access tofieldwork for students of all abilities isconstantly improving, particularly with theincreasing role of technology.

Some degrees offer the chance to broadenyour experience through a year in industry ora year abroad. Many students undertake workor volunteering placements during theirdegree, gaining valuable experience andcontacts with potential employers.

Find out what to expect duringyour degree and how to get themost out of it atwww.geolsoc.org.uk/DuringYourDegree

choosing your degree�

TURN OVER FOR APOSTER ON THEFOLLOWING GEOLOGYJOB SECTORS

Research, Teachingand Communication

Mining and Quarrying

Energy

Hydrogeology

Engineering Geology

EnvironmentalGeology andContaminated Land

Natural Hazardsand Risk

Other sectors

Chartership ANDACCREDITEDDEGREESIn general, to become aprofessional geologist you need adegree in geology or a relatedsubject. The Geological SocietyAccreditation Scheme for firstdegrees and Masters courses is anestablished mark of quality that hasbeen awarded to over 150 courses.Accredited status shows that acourse provides students with theopportunity to gain the core skillsnecessary to continue to a career asa professional geologist.

With sufficient professionalexperience after gaining yourdegree, you can apply for CharteredGeologist (CGeol) status. Holdingan accredited degree or MSc cangive you a head-start by decreasingthe number of years’ experienceneeded to apply for Chartership

Find out more aboutChartership atwww.geolsoc.org.uk/chartership or exploreaccredited degrees atwww.geolsoc.org.uk/AccreditedDegreescredit

Do I need adegree?A variety of Earth sciencetechnical and support rolesare available, which do notrequire a degree. Geotechnicaljobs include working withdata, geological maps andsections, fieldwork, laboratorytesting and servicingequipment.

Entry requirements vary butleaving school with at leastfour GSCEs (A-C) or StandardGrades (1-3), including mathsand a science, will give youaccess to further training suchas Higher National Diplomas,which are required for someroles. Some posts require Alevels / Highers or NVQs /SVQs.

Find out more atwww.geolsoc.org.uk/NonGraduateRoutes

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Geologists teaching in schools and sixth form collegeshave an enormous influence on students and are vitalto the future of the subject.

serving science & profession

Working in the mining and quarrying sector involveslocating and extracting natural resources includingmetals and minerals, with applications from agricultureto high-tech industry.

Teaching in schools andcolleges

Geologists have important jobs in the communicationof science, either to the general public or otherprofessionals, through the work of museums andarchives, or through government agencies andmembership bodies. Researchers are also employed inthis sector.

Museums, communications and government

Mining and Quarrying

Hydrogeologists specialise in underground water andwork in a variety of contexts, from exploration andsustainable management of groundwater resources tocontamination and flooding.

Many geologists are employed in the petroleum sector,in a huge range of jobs related to the search for andextraction of oil and natural gas. Palaeontology andgeophysics are just two of the specialisms. Geologistsalso work in the nuclear sector, and the growing area ofsustainable energy, developing geothermal energy,wind and tidal power.

Hydrogeology

ENGINEERING GEOLOGY

Engineering geologists use their understanding ofsurface and sub-surface geology in engineeringprojects, from building construction to slope stability,mining, tunnelling or coastal defences.

environmental geology andcontaminated land

Environmental geologists work to address environmentalproblems affecting water and land, which may haveresulted from human activities or natural processes. Many geologists specialise in remediation of contaminatedland, often working for engineering consultancies.

natural hazards and risk

Geohazards specialists study phenomena such asearthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, floods and climatechange, working to forecast them, improve resilienceand minimise damage.

OTHER SECTORS

Geologists may apply their transferable skills, such asnumeracy and problem-solving, in a broad range ofother sectors, from forensic geology to charities andaid organisations.

GeologyCAREER PATHWAYSwww.geolsoc.org.uk / careers

ENERGY

A number of Higher Education establishments employgeologists at all levels. If you do not have a degreethere are often opportunities in technical andlaboratory-based roles, as well as teaching support.For those with a degree and post-graduate experience,normally a PhD, there are opportunities in researchand lecturing in almost any Earth science specialism,from planetary science to climate change.

Universities

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