Geoscientist
Also called Geologist.
Geoscientists study the Earth's structure and formation above and below ground to explore natural processes, minerals and energy resources.
- Potential salary
- £28,000 starter to £75,000 experienced per year
- Typical hours
- 40 to 45 variable. Working pattern: evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home.
- Career area
- Science and laboratory work
- Where they might work
- You could work in a laboratory, in an office or visit sites. Your working environment may be physically demanding, outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often. You may need to wear protective clothing.
- A typical task
- assess sites for engineering projects, like dam or tunnel building
- Subjects that may help
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- Typical route
- To work as a professional geoscientist you'll need a degree in a relevant subject. Courses often combine theory with fieldwork and practical training.
- Interest area used here
- Asking questions and research, Making, fixing and working outdoors
What you might do
- assess sites for engineering projects, like dam or tunnel building
- search for gas, oil and mineral resources
- investigate potential locations to exploit geothermal energy
- study volcanic and seismic activity to develop early warning systems for eruptions and earthquakes
- collect data on groundwater levels to measure the impact of climate change
- research ways to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it safely
More tasks (4)
- supervise technical teams on site
- study rock samples, using scientific instruments
- use software modelling to simulate underground rock formations
- analyse soil, air and water samples for pollution and contamination levels
Could this suit me?
Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of geography
- analytical thinking skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- knowledge of physics
More skills
- the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
Routes into this career
University route
- To work as a professional geoscientist you'll need a degree in a relevant subject. Courses often combine theory with fieldwork and practical training.
- Degree subjects include:
- geology
- geoscience
- geophysics
- Earth science
- It's becoming more common for new entrants to hold or be working towards postgraduate qualifications like an MSc or PhD.
- Integrated postgraduate master's qualifications like a MGeol or MSci can be studied at university. These courses include more independent research and are designed to lead directly onto further study like a PhD.
- It's useful to get some work experience through an internship or year in industry placement while you are at university. Your university careers service can help you find opportunities.
- Organisations like Geology for Global Development also run projects and placements to help you gain skills.
- You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
University courses that could lead to this career
These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.
- Atmospheric Science
Alternative route. Useful for some climate and earth-observation work, not for every geoscience job.
- Environmental science
Alternative route. Closer if the degree includes substantial earth science. Geology is the more direct title.
- Geography
Related, but not enough on its own. Not a substitute for geology.
- Geology
Direct qualifying route. The closest undergraduate route.
- Urban Planning
Related, but not enough on its own. Urban planning is not geoscience.
Apprenticeship or vocational route
- You could apply to do a Geoscientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
- You could also apply to do a Geotechnical Engineer Level 7 Integrated Degree Apprenticeship if you already have a first degree in a subject like::
- engineering
- science
- geoscience
- maths
- You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
- equivalent entry requirements
- guide to apprenticeships
Career progression
- With experience, you could become a senior geoscientist, project manager or consultant. You might also work in higher education research and teaching.
- You could apply for chartered status. This demonstrates that you have a high level of knowledge and expertise in your profession. The exact chartership will depend on your job but examples include:
- Chartered Geologist
- Chartered Scientist
- Chartered Environmentalist
Subjects that may help
Subject guidance
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship