Geoscientists, or geologists, are involved in the scientific study of the structure, evolution and dynamics of the Earth and its natural resources. They investigate the internal and external processes that have shaped the Earth through its 4600 million year history.

Their methods of investigation can include drilling, seismic surveying, satellite and aerial imagery, and electromagnetic measurement. The knowledge and expertise of geoscientists can be used in number of ways, including:

• to assess the safety and impact of creating a dam or tunnel
• to locate a suitable landfill site or storage site for nuclear waste
• to search for energy resources, such as gas and oil
• to design exploration programmes for new water supplies. 

Geoscience is a broad subject area that includes many sub-disciplines, such as geophysics, environmental geology, natural hazards, energy resources, hydrogeology, engineering geology, and mining and extraction.

They can work in a number of sectors, such as:

• the oil and gas industry
• mining and quarrying
• the water industry
• civil engineering
• environmental protection.

Hours and Environment

As a geoscientist your hours of work will vary greatly depending on the sector you work in. Some jobs can mean working 9am to 5pm in an office or laboratory. Fieldwork or outdoor projects involving drilling, testing or production will mean longer hours and a more random working schedule. Working on an oil rig will often include spending a number of weeks offshore, followed by the same time off as leave. 

As a professional geoscientist you will usually spend time working in both the lab and in the field. Outdoor and overseas research can mean working in remote and physically demanding parts of the world, on land and sea.

Working in some sectors can include a lot of travel and periods away from home. Protective clothing and safety equipment is worn for certain activities.

Skills and Interests

To be a geoscientist, you should:

• be interested in the natural world around you
• have good scientific and technical skills
• have an accurate approach and good observational skills
• have strong oral and written communication skills
• have a methodical approach to problem solving
• have a good level of general fitness and normal colour vision
• be able to work independently and as part of a team 
• be able to interpret statistical and graphical information
• be willing to travel and stay away from home for long periods.

Entry

To work as a professional geoscientist you will need a degree, and increasingly a postgraduate qualification, preferably in a physical science subject such as geology, geophysics, or geochemistry. Courses in this area will often combine theory with fieldwork and practical training. The Geological Society runs an accreditation scheme, and a list of degree courses that satisfy the first stage in becoming a Chartered Geologist (CGeol) can be found on their website.

To get onto a degree course you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) including English, plus two A levels/three H grades. Many universities demand more than the minimum, often three A levels/four H grades in subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, geology and maths. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements. 

Although it is possible to enter this area of work with a degree, many employers prefer you to have specialist skills achieved through a relevant Masters qualification or PhD. Competition for work is strong, which means that without a postgraduate qualification you can be at a disadvantage when applying for jobs and going for promotion.  

Training

When you begin working in geology you will usually receive on-the-job training from your employer, which is often combined with attendance on short courses. You may also be encouraged to undertake a relevant part-time postgraduate course, if you do not already possess this level of qualification.

Many universities offer postgraduate courses and one-year taught MSc degree courses that provide specialised training in, for example, petroleum geology. Entry to these courses is usually with a first or upper second class honours degree. You will usually need a PhD or DPhil (doctorate) to work in a research post in industry, with a university or with a museum.

As a professional geoscientist you can apply to the Geological Society to become a Chartered Geologist (CGeol). The Society will take into account your qualifications, work background and experience. Check their website for details, see Further Information.

You can apply for Chartered Scientist (CSci)status through the Geological Society if you are a fellow of the society and feel this title more accurately describes the work you do.

The Geological Society run an optional Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme.

Opportunities

There are distinct trends in employment in this area of work. Opportunities tend to follow the discovery, exploitation and demand for resources. The oil and gas industry is the main employer of geoscientists at all levels, although demand is cyclical. There is currently a boom in the extraction sector, which has led to many opportunities being created in mining, quarrying and engineering, particularly outside the UK.

Two of the largest employers of geoscientists in the UK are the British Geological Survey, which is part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC); and the Environment Agency. As a geoscientist you may be able to set up as a consultant, or to move into other areas such as teaching or management.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Geoscientists can earn between £30,000 and £40,000 a year.
Geoscientists in senior positions, such as a project leader, may earn up to £50,000.

Further information

Polaris House
North Star Avenue
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411500 Burlington House
Piccadilly
London
W1J 0BG
Tel: 020 7434 9944 Kingsley Dunham Centre
Keyworth
Nottingham
NG12 5GG
Tel: 0115 936 3143