How to become Geoscientist
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
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Apprenticeship
If you want to work in geoscience engineering, you could apply to do a Geotechnical Engineer Level 7 Integrated Degree Apprenticeship.
You'll usually need a first degree to apply. Employers look for graduates in subjects like:
- engineering
- science
- geoscience
- maths
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
a degree in a relevant subject
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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.