In December 1972, Harrison Schmitt became the first professional geologist to set foot on the moon, as part of the crew of Apollo 17. He and his crew-member collected over 115kg of rocks and other materials from the surface.

We can’t guarantee you’ll make it all the way to the moon, but a degree in the geosciences is certainly a route to a rewarding career.

We ensure you are ready for the workplace in a variety of ways:

• Optional, work-based learning modules, in the form of a year in industry.

• Careers workshops in all three years of our degree programmes, covering part-time work, volunteering, networking and applying for internships and graduate jobs.

• Careers and Employability Week, designed to help you make the jump from degree study to employment or further study, with visitors from top-ranking organisations delivering talks and workshops.

Our graduates develop key skills in areas such as analysis and communications, alongside attributes such as open-mindedness, that are highly regarded by employers.

They have explored successful careers in a variety of sectors, including geo-environmental engineering, tourism, accountancy, town planning and environmental consultancy.

We also have great links with industry, and actively encourage our students to embrace any opportunities to gain workplace experience, with financial assistance often available through the EHU Student Opportunity Fund.

The Student Experience

Elizabeth secured a placement with GroundSolve Ltd, having developed a growing interest in the engineering elements of her degree. She impressed so much she has been offered a role with the company upon graduation.

“I was surprised to find out how much you learn at university is relevant in the industry, and how beneficial it was that I’d used industry-standard equipment. “One of my jobs was drawing cross-sections for the potential building of a new fire station in south Liverpool. Software such as GIS [Geographic Information Systems] is used frequently in the industry, and it was important for the employers to know I could confidently use it.”

Elizabeth Smith, BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Geology

The Employer Experience

“As a professional geologist and in my role as Vice President of the Geological Society, it’s vital that we engage with the geoscientists of the future, and bridge the gap between student life and the amazing career opportunities which are out there. I’ve had the chance to enjoy a happy and fulfilling working life in geology, and as an employer, it’s very pleasing to help students develop the knowledge and skills to identify where those roles are and how to promote themselves in the best way possible.”

John Booth, Managing Director – Geotechnics

The Graduate Experience

Since graduating from the BA (Hons) Geography programme, Kurt has been keen to share his experience, inviting our students to the capital to observe technology in action in the workplace.

“I’m responsible for development, design, heritage and conservation, securing smart, connected, sustainable development and infrastructure to accommodate inclusive growth. I’ve dealt with some of the most high profile, high value developments in the country, including the Thames Tideway Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, and the Bloomberg headquarters, which contained some of the largest floorplates in Europe, knitted around Grade I and II listed buildings in a conservation area. Working on so many iconic projects continues my love affair with London, while participating in the capital’s evolution, and promoting planning as a great career.”

Kurt Gagen, Senior Town Planner – City of London Corporation

June 10, 2022