Earth Sciences (Geology)

Careers

Typical destinations for Earth Sciences graduates include the energy industry, the environmental sector and engineering/ technical consultancies. Some enter unrelated professions, in which the analytical and problem-solving skills they have developed are highly sought after. Around 40% continue to study, through a PhD or further master's course.

Natalie Roberts is a Policy Advisor at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, based in the Bristol Hub. She says: â€کMy Job is to ensure climate adaptation is built into Defra policies, so that targets such as improving biodiversity and water quality are reached, despite the additional pressures of a changing climate. My degree has helped  me to use the evidence available and make decisions with sometimes limited information as well as to understand uncertainty. '

Jo Burton is a sustainability professional.  She says: â€کMany people I've worked with would consider themselves either a "words person" or a "numbers person" - well an Earth Sciences degree teaches you to be both at the same time. As well as being great for problem solving, this really helps communicating complex concepts to all sorts of people.  As well as skills, my degree gave me a huge respect for our planet, which sits behind my drive and principles as a sustainability professional. '

Martin works in the mining industry for De Beers Canada as a Field Geologist. He says: â€کMy Oxford degree helped me to develop the knowledge, understanding and confidence to approach geological problems in a critical and informed manner. I appreciated the course's focus on both the theoretical and practical side of geology.'

Rachael works for BP as a geoscientist. She says: â€کI am currently working as an Operations Geologist in London for a project based in North Africa. My degree gave me the technical basis for my career, but more importantly it taught me how to think out complex issues from basic principles and to motivate myself to produce the best results I can.'