Geography / Geology degree where and what to do with ?

[Blessingsdragon1]

Looking for 2020 for lovely but let's say relaxed DS16 - Geo/Phys/Chem/WBL should get BBBC just by turning up - may get AAAB. Has no idea for career but is not a lab/office type. Any pointers on what degree and if possible sort of jobs with some hopefully outside element ? Could do an extra year to get Maths A level if necessary x

[Seeline]

I did a geography degree after having done Geog, maths and physics A levels (30 years ago)

I ended up in Town Planning. Worked for local Councils determining planning applications, which is actually a lot more interesting than it sounds! Involved going on site visits so not stuck in the office all day, and each application was different. There are other elements to planning, as well as the private sector. I had to do a post-grad qualification so that I could become a Chartered Planner, but was backed by the Council who let me do it on a day-release basis, and they paid for the course. Don't know if they still do that sort of thing. Might be worth having a look at? You can do Town Planning degrees which with geog A level would work. Make sure they are RTPI accredited.

[BubblesBuddy]

Yes. Some do still train Planners. Or do a Planning degree of course!

DDs friends who did Geography degrees have diverse careers but all have done masters or further training to enhance skills. A geography dept web site will tell you what careers alumni have gone on to do. DH works with geologists on ground tests for new buildings for example.

[Xenia]

One of my London lawyer daughters read geography (BSc). Has quite good A levels though, so that obviously has an impact for legal careers.

[OMGithurts]

Oddly both people I know with Geography degrees are both police officers.

[WonderWoman2019]

Prime Minister?

[MariaNovella]

WonderWoman -

Let’s hope that modern geography degrees are more horizon broadening than the one TM did!

[BubblesBuddy]

I think many Geography degrees can be tailored to suit ambition. Some are BA and some are BSc for a start. There is a huge array of modules. It is, however, fairly generalist. That’s a good thing if you don’t know what career you want.

Regarding Geology: this is more specific. There are jobs that lead directly from this degree. Ground analysis is big business. However, other careers are not ruled out so if you want a narrower degree, that’s fine too.

[BikeRunSki]

Hello, I have a joint honours BSc in Geology and Physics. I went down the Geology route, with an MSc in Engineering Geology and have worked as an Engineeting Geologist since. Eng Geol is about the interface of the built/natural envirionment-ground investigations (boreholes and things), foundation design, tidal and coastal defeaces, soil as a building material, understanding ground conditions to build build anything. i’ve worked on a scheme at Sellafield and on house extensions, and every scale in between. I’m a Chartered Geologist. I have worked largely alongside civil engineers, advising on ground conditions, and have actually done some additional study/exams etc to become a civil engineer too.

I now work for a large landowning Quango (the Environment Agency) - we employ a lot of earth scientists abd Geographers in many roles - maybe check out the website for the apprenticeships and funded degrees we run? I work in flood risk assets management - in my Region a huge proportion of the flood defences are earth structures, hence the tie in with my Geology background.

My DH has a straight Earth Science BSc and MSc Engineering Geology. He is now (mid 40s) the Geotechnical (discipline which includes Eng Geo) director of a civil engineering consultancy, on a very good salary.

[VanCleefArpels]

Geography good skills based degree covering a myriad topic areas encompassing elements of business, economics, sociology, history, marketing, psychology etc etc. In demand by employers because of skills developed and subject matter (depending on modules chosen).

[Somethingsmellsnice]

DSS is in final year of Geography and will be joining the RAF.

[Stopyourhavering64]

I have an MA in Geography....then retrained as a nurse in the 80's and now a specialist nurse!
Ds is doing Geography and Environmental Science degree and is considering an MSc in Oceanography/ remote sensing
Several of my classmates did post grad accountancy or further post grad in Geography and are either in further education or head teachers , management consultants, ....it's a very transferable degree!

[MissMarplesKnitting]

Geology can lead towards petrochemical industries, and in the case of one of my friends, a very lucrative role in nuclear decommissioning!

Geography grads are valued for their range of transferable skills. You'll find them all over the place, not just in planning or classrooms!

[Ta1kinPeace]

At the 30th reunion of my course we had
Accountants
NHS managers
Lecturers
Teachers
Bankers
Programmers
and a spy

[spababe]

If you are considering a geography degree then check if it is human or physical or both.

My son is doing geoscience. There are other kinds of geology courses in his dept as well - marine geologists, engineering geologists.

Exeter have a geology dept at Falmouth in Cornwall and this is linked to the School of Mining which is internationally renowned.

I describe geologists as looking for some rare mineral to put in your mobile phone whereas geoscienists are filling in the hole and planting a tree on top. My son has an internship for the Summer (paid) with a big firm of engineering consultants. He's a first year so he's done well to get in. However, all big engineering projects need geologists and think about the current emphasis on environmental considerations.

[Alaimo]

Geography degree here. Now an academic in a geography department so not the most surprising career choice! Others I did my degree with have gone on to work in international development (working abroad), ecological consultancies, environmental NGOs, PhDs in environmental/climate research, environmental & planning departments in local councils.