Seismologist

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:

• geology
• geography
• Earth science
• geophysics
• environmental science
• computer science

Many employers will expect you to have, or be working towards, a PhD in a relevant subject.

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

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• finance for postgraduate courses
• university courses and entry requirements

You could start as a PhD research assistant, for example in a university Earth sciences or geophysics engineering department. With further training and experience you could become a seismologist.

Further information

You can discover more about working in seismology from The Geological Society and the British Geological Survey.

You'll need:

• knowledge of geography
• science skills
• maths knowledge
• analytical thinking skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• excellent written communication skills
• knowledge of physics
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

• monitoring and analysing data from seismic sensors around the world
• mapping seismic regions and fault lines in the Earth's surface
• developing early warning systems for earthquake zones
• investigating target sites for new seismic stations
• searching for oil and gas deposits under land and sea
• producing survey reports for mining and energy companies
• attending conferences and publishing research findings
• taking students on field trips to study earthquake and volcano hot spots
• teaching

You could work at a research facility, at a university or in a laboratory.

Your working environment may be physically active and you may spend nights away from home.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.