How to become a hydrologist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You'll need a first degree, and often postgraduate training, to get into hydrology. Degrees include:
- environmental science
- geography
- civil engineering
- environmental engineering
- Earth sciences
- ecology
Postgraduate courses
After finishing your degree, you could complete a postgraduate course. You can find postgraduate courses through the British Hydrological Society.
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 could do an Environmental Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship before specialising in hydrology.
This can take up to 5 years to complete and is a mix of learning on the job and studying at an approved university.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
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Work
You could start as an assistant hydrologist or technical officer, if you have a degree in a science or environmental subject.
Your employer may encourage you to take a postgraduate qualification, like a master's degree in hydrology, while you're working.
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Career tips
The UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology has information about hydrology, including work on water pollution, flooding and drought.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the British Hydrological Society or Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management.
This could help you find:
- industry news
- advice on professional development
- networking opportunities
Further information
You can learn about the different types of hydrology work through the British Hydrological Society.
You can also find out more about being a hydrologist from The Geological Society.