Grades of Membership

Candidate Fellow

If you are registered for an honours degree (first degree) in geology, you may join as a Candidate Fellow. You can remain a Candidate Fellow for up to one year after graduation. This category also applies if you are still at school but aged over 16 and can provide evidence of your intention to study geology or a related subject at university. Fees for Candidate Fellows are heavily discounted, especially if you choose to pay up-front for the duration of your undergraduate course.

Fellow

Fellows will have a degree or equivalent qualification in geology (or a related subject), or have not less than 6 years' relevant experience in geology or a related subject (e.g., membership of another learned society, either in UK or overseas). Fellows can use the postnominal FGS.

Chartered Geologist

If you are a Fellow of the Society with not less than five years’ relevant postgraduate experience in the practice of geology, you have the opportunity to apply for Chartered Geologist (CGeol) status. There is a special leaflet explaining the process and benefits of Chartership, available free from the Society (please email membership@geolsoc.org.uk), or see the ‘Apply for Chartered Geologist’ page.

European Geologist

The European Geologist (EurGeol) title, awarded by the European Federation of Geologists, demonstrates a high degree of professionalism to employers, clients and the general public, and will become increasingly useful in assisting mobility in Europe. Chartered Geologists can apply through a very simple application procedure – click here for more information.

Chartered Scientist

The Geological Society is licensed by the Science Council to award the designation ‘Chartered Scientist’ (CSci). Chartered Scientist status is open to all Fellows, including those who do not hold CGeol status. CSci is suitable for those who have moved out of mainstream geological work since completing higher education, but who wish to register themselves as high calibre scientists and teachers of science. Or those who are involved in Earth science through their current employment, but who trained originally in another science subject might find CSci a more appropriate designation than CGeol.