How to become a hydrologist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You can start by doing a degree in:
- environmental science
- geography
- civil engineering
- environmental engineering
- Earth sciences
- ecology
After finishing your degree, you could go on to complete a postgraduate course in water engineering, flood risk management or hydrogeology.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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Apprenticeship
You can do an environmental practitioner degree apprenticeship before specialising in hydrology.
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
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Work
You could start as an assistant hydrologist if you have a relevant degree. Your employer may encourage you to study for a postgraduate qualification, like a master's or PhD in hydrology, while you're working.
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Career tips
You can get information about hydrology, including work on water pollution, flooding and drought, from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the British Hydrological Society or Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management for industry news, advice on professional development and networking opportunities.
Further information
You can discover more about careers in hydrology from the British Hydrological Society and The Geological Society.