Geoscientist

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.

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

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

Further information

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

You'll need:

• maths knowledge
• knowledge of geography
• analytical thinking skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• knowledge of physics
• knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• assessing the ground for building suitability on engineering projects like dam or tunnel building
• advising on suitable sites for landfill or storage of nuclear waste
• searching for energy resources and minerals, like gas and oil
• designing projects to search for new water supplies
• studying volcanic and seismic activity to develop early warning systems for communities living close to earthquake zones

You could work in a laboratory, on a rig or in an office.

Your working environment may be you'll travel often, physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.