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Geoscientist

Alternative titles for this job include Geologist

Geoscientists study the Earth's structure and formation above and below ground to explore natural processes and mineral resources.

Average salary (a year)

£28,000 Starter

to

£45,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 42 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship

University

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.

Entry requirements

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

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

Entry requirements

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

More Information

More Information

Career tips

Experience of specialist geological software and computer modelling packages can be an advantage when you are applying for jobs.

Since many employers of geoscientists operate internationally, extra language skills can also be useful.

Further information

You can discover more about careers in geoscience through The Geological Society.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of geography
  • analytical thinking skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • knowledge of physics
  • 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

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a geoscientist in the field, you might:

  • assess sites for engineering projects, like dam or tunnel building
  • search for gas, oil and mineral resources
  • 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
  • supervise technical teams on site

In the laboratory, you could:

  • 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

Working environment

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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and 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:

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a geoscientist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a geoscientist?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

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