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Geoscientist

Alternative titles for this job include Geologist

Geoscientists study the Earth's structure and formation, and analyse rocks to explore its natural mineral and energy resources.

Average salary (a year)

£28,000 Starter

to

£42,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

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How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a geoscientist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course

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

More Information

More Information

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.

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
  • knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
  • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
  • 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

In the field you could:

  • travel to investigate rocks in their natural setting
  • assess the ground for suitability on engineering projects like dam or tunnel building
  • sample rocks and record information to search for energy resources and minerals, like water, gas and oil
  • study volcanic and seismic activity to develop early warning systems for communities living close to earthquake zones
  • supervise site teams
  • advise on suitable sites for landfill or storage of nuclear waste

In the laboratory you could:

  • use a microscope to study rock samples
  • test for things like strength or pollution levels
  • use software modelling programmes
  • analyse data and write reports

Working environment

You could work in a laboratory, visit sites or in an office.

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 progress towards a consultant position, or move into teaching or management.

You may also be able to apply for chartered environmentalist status. You can find out more about being a chartered environmentalist from the Society for the Environment.

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

Geology

  • Provider: LITTLEOVER COMMUNITY SCHOOL
  • Start date: 06 September 2021
  • Location: Derby

Geology

  • Provider: ALTRINCHAM GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR BOYS
  • Start date: 03 September 2021
  • Location: Altrincham
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Jobs In the United Kingdom

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