Education and Careers

Quick Links: Geology, Geoscience & Earth Science | Engineering Geology & Geotechnics | Energy, Mining & Quarrying | Environmental Geology | Geophysics | Geochemistry | Marine Science & Hydrogeology | Palaeontology & Palaeobiology | Planetary Science | Geological Hazards | Geology with Geography | Geology with Consultancy Skills

Geology / Geoscience / Earth Science

Also known as ‘geoscience’ or ‘Earth science’, geology is the study of the structure, evolution and dynamics of the Earth and its natural mineral and energy resources. Geology investigates the processes that have shaped the Earth through its 4500 million (approximate!) year history and uses the rock record to unravel that history. It is concerned with the real world beyond the laboratory and has direct relevance to the needs of society.

University of Aberdeen	University of Birmingham
University of Brighton	University of Bristol
University of Cambridge	University of Cardiff
University of Derby	University of Durham
University of Edinburgh	University of Exeter
Heriot-Watt University	University of Hong Kong
University of Hull	University of Keele
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Saudi Arabia	Kingston University
University of Leeds	University of Leicester
University of Liverpool	Birkbeck College, University of London
Imperial College, London	Royal Holloway, University of London
University College London	University of Manchester
Oxford University	University of Plymouth
University of Portsmouth	University of Southampton
University of South Wales, Pontypridd	University of St Andrews
Sultan Qaboos University, Oman

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Engineering / Geotechnics

Engineering geologists use their understanding of surface and sub-surface geology in engineering projects, from building construction to slope stability, mining, tunnelling or coastal defences.

University of Exeter	King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
University of Leeds (MSc Only)	University of Newcastle Upon Tyne (MSc Only)
University of Portsmouth (1st Degree & MSc)

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Energy, Mining or Quarrying

Many geologists are employed in the petroleum sector, in a huge range of jobs related to the search for and extraction of oil and natural gas. Palaeontology and geophysics are just two of the specialisms. Geologists also work in the nuclear sector, and the growing area of sustainable energy, developing geothermal energy, wind and tidal power. 

Working in the mining and quarrying sector involves locating and extracting natural resources including metals and minerals, with applications from agriculture to high-tech industry.

University of Aberdeen	University of Cardiff
University of Derby (MSc Only)	University of Exeter (MSc only)
Heriot-Watt University (MSc Only)	King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
University of Leeds (MSc Only)	Royal Holloway, University of London
Imperial College, London (1st degree & MSc)	University of Manchester (1st Degree & MSc)
University of Newcastle Upon Tyne (MSc Only)	University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago

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Environmental Geology

Environmental geologists work to address environmental problems affecting water and land, which may have resulted from human activities or natural processes. Many geologists use their knowledge of geochemistry to specialise in remediation of contaminated land, often working for engineering consultancies.

University of Birmingham	University of Bristol
University of Cardiff (1st degree & MSc)	University of Derby
University of Durham	University of East Anglia
King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia	University of Leicester
Royal Holloway, University of London	University College London
University of Manchester	University of Portsmouth (MSc Only)

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Geophysics

Geophysicists study the physics of the Earth, such as its internal structure, earthquakes, gravity and geomagnetism. It can be deep (aiding understanding of the Earth’s core) or shallow, helping to survey archaeological or construction sites. Geophysics is used to characterise subsurface resources.

University of Bristol	University of Durham
King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia	King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Saudi Arabia
University of Leeds (1st degree & MSc)	University of Leicester
University of Liverpool	Imperial College, London
University College London	University of Southampton
Sultan Qaboos University, Oman

Geochemistry

Explores the chemical composition of rocks and fluids and the chemical processes operating within the Earth and on its surface. Geochemistry is used to remediate pollution and locate new mineral deposits or safe water supplies.

University of Manchester

Marine Science and Hydrogeology

Marine Science includes ocean chemistry; ocean floor geology; meteorological oceanography; marine biology; and the physical properties of oceans such as waves and currents. Hydrogeologists specialise in underground water and work in a variety of contexts, from exploration and sustainable management of groundwater resources to contamination and flooding.

King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia	University of Newcastle Upon Tyne (MSc Only)
University of Plymouth	University of Southampton

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Palaeontology & Palaeobiology

Palaeontology is the study of fossils, from dinosaurs to microorganisms, how organisms are preserved in the rock record, and their importance as indicators of past environmental change.

University of Birmingham	University of Leicester
University of Portsmouth

Planetary Science

The study of the geology of other celestial bodies (such as planets and asteroids) in our solar system and beyond.

University of Manchester

Geological Hazards

Geohazards specialists study phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, floods and climate change, working to forecast them, improve resilience and minimise damage.

University of Derby

University of Portsmouth (1st Degree & MSc)

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Geology with Geography

University of Birmingham	University of Brighton
University of Derby	University of Durham
University of Edinburgh	University of Hull
University of Keele	University of Leeds
University of Liverpool	University of Plymouth
University of Southampton

Geology with Consultancy Skills

University of Newcastle Upon Tyne (MSc Only)