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Engineering Geologist

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Primary Secondary Post-16

An engineering geologist is a scientist who studies the earth to help make sure buildings, roads, tunnels, and bridges are safe and stable. They analyse rocks, soil, and groundwater to understand what is under the ground before construction starts. Their work helps to predict and prevent problems such as landslides, flooding, or ground collapse. Engineering geologists often work on construction sites, but also spend time in laboratories and offices. They may use special tools and equipment to collect samples and data. This job combines science with engineering and requires problem-solving skills, good communication, and an interest in the natural world.

Engineering Geologist

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for an engineering geologist in the UK is between £25,000 and £45,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning up to £60,000 or more.

Job Availability

There are around 4,000 to 5,000 engineering geologists employed in the UK, with opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

Typical Working Hours

Engineering geologists usually work around 37 to 40 hours per week, but may need to work longer hours during site investigations or large projects.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Rock Core Sampler

Collects and prepares samples of rock from different sites for testing and analysis, helping to understand the structure and stability of the ground.

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Groundwater Survey Assistant

Helps to test and monitor the quality and flow of underground water, which is important for building projects and the environment.

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Soil Testing Technician

Carries out tests on soil to check its strength and suitability for building roads, bridges or other structures.

Explore Geology and Science

Study Science Subjects

Focus on subjects like geography, chemistry, physics, and maths at school.

Taking science-based GCSEs, especially geography and chemistry, will help you build a strong foundation for understanding Earth processes. These subjects will also be useful for A-levels or equivalent qualifications later on.

Join Science Clubs

Participate in after-school science or geography clubs and activities.

Getting involved in clubs can boost your interest and knowledge in geology by letting you explore rocks, soils, and natural events in fun and practical ways. Look for local geology or science groups for young people.

Build Geology Knowledge

Take Relevant Qualifications

Choose A-levels or equivalent in geology, geography, maths, or sciences.

Having A-levels or Scottish Highers in these subjects will help you meet university entry requirements for geology-related degrees. Some colleges also offer BTECs or diplomas in applied science.

Gain Work Experience

Find work experience with construction, engineering, or environmental companies.

Many engineering or construction companies offer short placements to students interested in geology. This will help you see what engineering geologists do and make useful contacts for the future.

Get a University Degree

Apply for a Geology or Engineering Degree

Study for a degree in geology, engineering geology, or a related subject at university.

Look for courses accredited by the Geological Society or similar professional bodies. These degrees usually take three or four years and include both classroom learning and practical fieldwork.

Develop Practical Skills

Take part in field trips, laboratory work, and geology projects during your degree.

Practical skills such as soil testing, mapping, and analysing rock samples are important for an engineering geologist. University courses will offer fieldwork and hands-on projects to help you develop these skills.

Start Your Career

Apply for Graduate Schemes

Look for graduate jobs or schemes with engineering, construction, or environmental consultancies.

Most engineering geologists start as trainees or assistants, working on-site investigations, risk assessments, and report writing. Large employers offer training programmes to help you gain experience and professional qualifications.

Work Towards Chartership

Aim to become a Chartered Geologist or Chartered Engineer for better career prospects.

After gaining experience, you can apply for chartered status through professional bodies like the Geological Society. This usually involves demonstrating your skills and knowledge through a portfolio and interview.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Engineering Geologist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

An Engineering Geologist and a Geoscientist both specialise in understanding the Earth's processes and materials. They typically undergo similar training in geology, geomorphology, and environmental assessment to evaluate and manage geological risks, making their qualifications closely aligned.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship

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.

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.

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

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Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Geoscientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

You could also apply to do a Geotechnical Engineer Level 7 Integrated Degree Apprenticeship if you already have a first degree in a subject like::

  • engineering
  • science
  • geoscience
  • maths

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

More Information

More Information

Career tips

Experience of specialist geological software and computer modelling packages can be an advantage when you are applying for jobs.

Since many employers of geoscientists operate internationally, extra language skills can also be useful.

Further information

You can discover more about careers in geoscience through The Geological Society.

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