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Geologist

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Geologists study the Earth, including its materials, processes, and history. In the UK, geologists often work for environmental consultancies, energy companies, government agencies, and research institutions. Their work can involve field studies, collecting samples, analysing rocks and minerals, and using computer models to predict geological changes. Geologists play a crucial role in searching for natural resources like oil, gas, water, and minerals, as well as helping to assess and manage environmental impacts such as land contamination and natural hazards. A typical day may include both office-based analysis and outdoor fieldwork, sometimes in remote or challenging locations.

Geologist

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a geologist in the UK ranges from £25,000 for entry-level positions up to £60,000 or more for experienced professionals.

Job Openings

There are approximately 4,000 to 5,000 geologists employed in the UK, with new job openings mainly in environmental consultancy, oil and gas, and government sectors.

Typical Working Hours

Geologists usually work between 37 and 40 hours per week, but fieldwork can sometimes require longer or irregular hours.

🚀 Careers in this path

Petroleum Geologist

Studies rock formations to help find and extract oil and gas resources.

Engineering Geologist

Assesses ground conditions for engineering projects such as tunnels, roads, and buildings.

Environmental Geologist

Investigates how geological processes affect the environment and helps manage natural resources responsibly.

Develop Your Scientific Foundation

Take Science Subjects at School

Focus on subjects like Geography, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology during your GCSEs and A-levels.

Strong performance in science subjects is essential as geology relies on knowledge from several scientific disciplines. Geography and Chemistry are particularly important, but Physics and Biology can also be relevant, depending on the area of geology you want to specialise in.

Gain Fieldwork Experience

Participate in school trips or local clubs that offer outdoor activities related to geology, such as rock collecting or nature walks.

Fieldwork is a crucial part of geology. Getting involved in practical experiences early, even through informal means, helps you develop observational skills and a passion for the subject. You can also look for geology or science clubs in your area.

Pursue Higher Education

Apply for a Geology Degree

Choose and apply for an undergraduate degree in Geology or Earth Sciences at a UK university.

Look for universities with strong geology departments and fieldwork opportunities. Some universities offer joint honours degrees in Earth Sciences or Environmental Geoscience, so explore the options to find what interests you most.

Participate in Field Courses and Internships

Take advantage of fieldwork modules and seek out summer placements or internships with geological organisations.

Field courses are an essential part of geology degrees and provide hands-on experience. Internships or summer placements with companies in mining, environmental consultancies, or research institutions give you valuable industry experience and contacts.

Start Your Professional Career

Find Entry-Level Geology Roles

Apply for graduate roles such as trainee geologist or research assistant in sectors like environmental consulting, mining, or government agencies.

Entry-level positions allow you to develop practical skills and begin specialising in areas such as hydrogeology, engineering geology, or environmental geology. Look for opportunities with organisations like the British Geological Survey or private consultancies.

Consider Further Study or Professional Accreditation

Pursue a Masters degree or professional accreditation to advance your career and specialise in a chosen area.

A postgraduate qualification can help you progress to more senior or specialised roles. You may also work towards Chartered Geologist status through the Geological Society, which is recognised in the industry and can improve your career prospects.

Available Apprenticeships

Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.

Click on any card to be redirected to their vacancy page.

Engineering Technician Apprentice

THURSTON ENGINEERING LTD

( Added 22 Feb 2024 - 2 positions available )

A great opportunity to join the team and learn the day-to-day processes of a busy engineering workshop. Working alongside skilled engineers you will progress to be conversant with all processes and machinery. The successful applicant will be given the opportunity to become a valuable player in this specialist world learning valuable skills.

Closing date: in 29 days

Possible start date: 06 Jan 2026

The Royal Navy - Medical Assistant Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship

Royal Navy

( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 80 positions available )

Being a Medical Assistant in the Royal Navy means embarking on a career that offers more variety and adventure than you’d ever experience in civilian medicine. From the day you join, you’ll gain new skills, pushing yourself to the limit in some unique and challenging environments.

Closing date: in 8 months

Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026

The Royal Navy - Physical Training Specialisation Direct Entry - Personal Trainer Apprenticeship

Royal Navy

( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 10 positions available )

Throughout your career as an Apprentice Physical Trainer you could be employed at Naval Bases, training establishments, Naval Air Stations and onboard Ships. You might be delivering a Royal Navy Fitness Test one day and organising a sporting event in an overseas national stadium the next.

Closing date: in 8 months

Possible start date: 03 Jun 2026

The Royal Navy - Survival Equipment Technician - Survival Equipment Fitter Apprenticeship

Royal Navy

( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 20 positions available )

As a Survival Equipment Technician (SET), you will maintain vital lifesaving equipment to enable aircrew to operate safely. This equipment will help them to survive on land, sea or in the air in peacetime or on military operations. You will also learn how to assist in the training of aircrew on land and sea in survival techniques.

Closing date: in 8 months

Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026

The Royal Navy - Accelerated Apprentice (Submariner) - Engineering Technician Apprenticeship.

Royal Navy

( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 60 positions available )

Joining the Royal Navy on the Accelerated Apprentice Scheme (Submariner) means being fast-tracked to working with one of our most elite teams. You'll be paid to study, gain practical skills and use highly sophisticated equipment. Prior to that you'll spend time in active service as either a Marine Engineer Submariner or Weapon Engineer Submariner.

Closing date: in 8 months

Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026

The Royal Navy - Comms Specialist (Submariner)-Maritime Mechanical & Electrical Mechanic Apprentice

Royal Navy

( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 70 positions available )

As an Engineering Technician Communications and Information Systems Specialist (Submariner) you'll be part of the elite Silent Service and a central member of your vessel’s engineering team. Using ultramodern radio and satellite systems to communicate with off-vessel command, you’re key to tactical and strategic communications.

Closing date: in 8 months

Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026

The Royal Navy - Weapon Engineering - Engineering Technician Accelerated Apprenticeship

Royal Navy

( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 96 positions available )

Joining the Royal Navy on the Accelerated Apprentice Scheme means accelerating your training and development within one of our most elite teams. You’ll be fast-tracked to real responsibility, getting your hands on some of the most advanced kit on the planet, and guaranteeing your warship’s performance as a state-of-the-art fighting machine.

Closing date: in 8 months

Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026

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

A Geologist and a Geoscientist both study the Earth's materials, processes, and structure using similar scientific principles. The primary difference lies in the scope and terminology, with Geoscientist often encompassing a broader range of Earth sciences, but their qualifications and expertise are 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

More Information

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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