Membership & Chartership

Access to resources and publications

• Free online access to over 500 books and selected content in the Lyell Collection
• Access to our extensive library services
• Up to 50% discount on books and special publications
• Free online access to one GSL journal option and discounted rates to open access publishing journals
• Access to Geofacets GSL Millennium Edition, our map based research tool
• Free quarterly Geoscientist magazine
• Access to Burlington House in London – ideal for meetings, work and study
• Free online access to GSL events

Connect with a network of Earth scientists

• Free membership to one of our Regional Groups and Specialist Groups
• Enjoy a wide and varied events calendar with discounted rates for members

Third party discounts

• 15% discount off Cotswold Outdoor

Read more about benefits

Junior Candidate Fellow

Usually for those between the age of 16-18, studying for A-levels or equivalent.

If you have a keen interest in geology and can provide satisfactory evidence of your intent to go on and take a degree in geology or a related subject, you may join as a Junior Candidate Fellow.

You can remain a Junior Candidate Fellow until you register for an undergraduate degree course, or until one year after you have received the qualifications that show you have completed secondary education.

Candidate Fellow

Usually for those studying an undergraduate courses in Earth science or a related subject.

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.

Postgraduate students MSc and PhD

As a postgraduate student you are eligible to become a Fellow of the Geological Society at a discounted rate – visit the Fellowship page to learn more about the benefits of becoming a Fellow.

To receive the discounted rate, register via MyGSL, and on the Fellowship application form 'Education and experience' section, choose 'Are you in full time education? = No', then choose the option 'MSc or Equivalent' or 'PhD' from the 'Level of qualification*' dropdown list. 

Membership applications are usually processed within two weeks, following which email confirmation is sent to the applicant. All members must be elected by Council, which meets five times during the year. However, you may access member benefits from the date the application is processed.

The following table list closing dates for applications to be received and processed, and the corresponding election dates:

If you have successfully completed your course and graduated, you are eligible to upgrade your membership.

Log in to your MyGSL account and upgrade via the 'Upgrade' panel on the MyGSL homepage.

We will send you an email confirming your eligibility for upgrade.

• Fellowship Code of Conduct (PDF)
• Fellowship Regulations - nomination and election of new fellows (PDF)
• Fellowship Terms and Conditions