What can I do with my geological sciences degree?

As well as learning about the earth's composition and processes, you will conduct in depth study into minerals, rocks, fossils and as well as geological structures.  You will develop techniques of analysis, interpreting data and mapping both in the field and the laboratory. During a Geology degree you will also develop a range of transferable skills that are attractive to a broad range of employers in the industry and beyond, including:

• skills in observation, data collection, analysis and interpretation
• verbal communication skills developed through conveying complex information and delivering presentations
• written communication skills developed through regular submission of essays, reports and dissertation.
• the ability to understand abstract concepts and articulate these to a range of audiences
• the ability to handle information in a range of different mediums, e.g. textual, numerical, oral, graphical
• skills in research and data collection, analysis and evaluation utilising GIS and remote sensing skills and reports
• mathematical and computational skills including tectonics and geophysics
• IT skills, for example computer cartography and the use of databases and spreadsheets
• problem-solving skills and lateral thinking
• teamworking skills and the ability to work on your own initiative.
• planning and problem-solving skills
• creative thinking and the ability to recognise the moral and ethical issues involved in debates
• self-motivation, self-reliance and resilience
• time management and the ability to meet deadlines.

15 months after graduating

92% of our geological science graduates are in work or further study

83% of geological science graduates in highly skilled work said their degree was a formal requirement or gave them an advantage*

Many geology graduates enter professions directly related to their geology degree. Popular roles include exploration and production, water supply, environmental engineering and geological surveying. However, many other graduates will go into other areas that are related and include environmental planning and consultancy, sustainability hydrogeology, surveying and pollution control.

You could also apply the broader skills developed during your degree to many other opportunities: it is estimated that although graduate employers often specify a minimum degree classification as part of their shortlisting, approximately 70% of graduate employers do not specify that you must have studied a particular subject to work for them. However, graduate employers do highly prize skills such as strategic planning, resilience under pressure, creative problem-solving and commercial awareness which are some of the key skills you can develop during your course. Therefore, you could use your degree to access work in a multitude of sectors or industries.

It is also worth noting that over one third of geology graduates go onto postgraduate study.

Researching your career options

With such a wide range of careers open to you as a geology graduate, it is important to make sure you explore and research your options thoroughly so that you can make informed decisions about your future.  

Take a look at the Prospects, TargetJobs and the Geologist Association websites for inspiration:  

• Geologists’ Association
• The Geological Society
• British Geological Survey
• Prospects -What can I do with Geology degree

Employment Opportunities

Below is a snapshot of what some of University of Plymouth geology graduates told us they were doing 15 months after graduation. For some graduates, these jobs serve as ‘steppingstones’ to professional posts by providing relevant workplace experience.

• Engineering Geologist
• Field Scientist
• Geotechnical Engineer
• Monitoring Engineer
• Software Developer
• Environmental Engineer
• Geo-Environmental Consultant
• Auditor
• Commercial Analyst
• Composites Technician
• Quality Control Technician
• Survey Technician
• Environmental Outreach Worker
• Data Analyst
• GIS Technician
• Civil Contingencies Officer

Some of the careers chosen by Geology graduates will require or benefit from further study, so this should be considered carefully. The University of Plymouth offers the following postgraduate study options related to Geology:

• ResM Geological Sciences
• MSc Environmental Geochemistry
• MSc Hydrography

You should consider the financial implications of further study as well as selecting a programme that suits your interests, learning style and future career direction. The following websites are a good starting point for exploring postgraduate options, but you may also benefit from talking to a Careers Consultant about your particular situation.  

Some useful websites to help you find a suitable post-graduate programme;  

• Find a Masters 
• Find a PhD  
• Prospects

It is also worth investigating what further study options the University has to offer as you may find the perfect course for yourself in an institution you already know. There are also sometimes financial benefits of staying on such as a fee discount to Alumni, find out your funding options here.

Accessing support from the Careers Service couldn’t be easier, come along to the Careers Service Helpdesk in the Student Hub or access our 24/7 online resources.

There is a wide range of support available from skills workshops to events, placements and internships advice, 1-2-1 appointments and help getting started with LinkedIn.

Our bite-sized Skills Workshops can give your career the boost it needs. Choose from a range of topics:

• effective career planning
• job hunting techniques
• finding part-time work
• CVs and interviews
• mastering LinkedIn
• and more.

Workshops are delivered by the Careers Service; however, they are also an opportunity to learn from your peers, share experiences and ask questions. Visit myCareer to see the full range of activities and to book your place.

Build your network and job sector knowledge using LinkedIn’s alumni tool. This will allow you to see the career journeys of graduates from your programme, the qualifications they completed, the skills they developed and employers they worked for. You can then ‘connect’ with people of interest.

• Search LinkedIn for ‘University of Plymouth’
• click on ‘Alumni’
• filter the results by subject, sector, company or location.

For more information about the alumni tool click on LinkedIn alumni tool guide. If you are looking for help to set up or learn how to make the most out of your LinkedIn profile, click on the LinkedIn guide for students or come to one of our workshops.

Gain work experience

Undertaking work experience in your first and second years will help you stand out from the crowd when the time comes for you to complete applications for graduate employment and further study. Work experience develops valuable skills and qualities that employers are looking for and is essential for many roles. It can also help you to confirm or rule out particular career choices. Furthermore, experience in the workplace can bring you into contact with people who may be able to assist you at the beginning of your career.

You have plenty of options open to you. You could apply for a placement year, work part-time around your studies, undertake volunteering or approach organisations directly to negotiate short periods of work experience. Some organisations offer paid internships over the summer or of one year’s duration.

The University of Plymouth Students’ Union also offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities.

Clubs & Societies   

Engaging in a sport or society shows employers you are engaged and seek out opportunities, it also helps you improve your teamwork, communication and negotiation skills. Committee members develop leadership, diplomacy and organisational skills and will gain experience of meetings, handling funds, and society promotion

You may choose to join a society that is specifically linked to geology such as the Geology Society, or take the opportunity to explore the huge range of clubs, societies and sports, all of which can help you to broaden your horizons and explore new interests.

Tutor and academic support

Your tutor and other academic staff are an excellent source of support for your career development. They will have experience and contacts across industry and academia, so do approach them for advice and insights into careers you are considering. Your tutor will ultimately be writing references for your employment or further study applications, therefore establishing a positive relationship with this person is invaluable.