Geology

• Studying: 30%
• Employed in graduate job: 32%
• Employed in non-graduate job: 23%
• Unemployed: 10%

• Average graduate salary: £24,766
• Average non-graduate salary: £14,437

Geology is a multidisciplinary subject which promotes an understanding of the processes that shape the natural world and the way they affect and are affected by human activities. It draws upon both natural and social sciences to examine issues concerning the availability and sustainability of resources. Geology students are thus able to look at problems from a wide perspective. In recent years it has also become an increasingly quantitative subject which has enhanced its value in the wider world. Consider the skills developed on your course as well as through your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile.

View the best universities for geology degrees.

Prospects

A 2010 HESA survey of 2009 graduates indicates that six months after graduation, just over 40% of geology graduates were in UK or overseas employment. Of these, around 20% found jobs in retail, catering, waiting and bar staff, more than 14% work in scientific research analysis and development. Around 10% were employed in the commercial, industrial and public sectors and 10% in other professional roles. A further 9% took up employment in clerical and secretarial positions.

Where are the jobs?

Typical employers of geology graduates include the oil, gas and petroleum sector and environmental consultancies and civil engineering companies. Overseas work can be a common feature of careers using geology. Some experienced professionals may also become self-employed consultants.

Jobs directly related to your degree

Although a relatively specialist degree, studying geology sets you up for a range of interesting jobs:

• Geoscientist
• Wellsite geologist
• Hydrogeologist
• Seismic interpreter
• Mudlogger
• Geochemist
• Engineering geologist
• Geophysicist/field seismologist

Jobs where your degree would be useful

The skills you acquire by studying geology would also be relevant for jobs such as:

• Minerals surveyor
• Geophysical data processor
• Drilling engineer
• Environmental consultant

Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it's not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

Included with the permission of AGCAS and Graduate Prospects. For the latest version of this publication, see www.prospects.ac.uk. For permission to reproduce, contact copyright@agcas.org.uk. We would welcome your comments on this section of The Complete University Guide. Please email us at admin@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk.