How to become a 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.
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 the engineering sector using geoscience, you could do a Geotechnical engineer integrated degree apprenticeship.
Employers look for graduates with a degree 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
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.
Experience of specialist geological software and software modelling packages can be an advantage when you are applying for roles.
Since many employers of geoscientists operate internationally, having additional language skills can also be useful.
Further information
You can discover more about careers in geoscience through The Geological Society.