Employability

Graduates from our BSc Applied Geology and BSc Engineering Geology and Geotechnics programmes enjoy excellent career opportunities in mineral and petroleum exploration and production, geotechnics, engineering geology and environment-related industries, in the UK and overseas. The international gold and base metal mining industries have been particularly buoyant, mainly due to economic growth in South East Asia. Our geology graduates have a reputation for being articulate, resourceful and well travelled, and claim great job satisfaction and excellent salaries.

A significant proportion of our graduates continue onto taught postgraduate (MSc) courses or research degrees (MPhil/PhD), with many choosing to remain at Camborne School of Mines. Geology graduates who achieve a first or upper-second class Honours degree may be eligible to transfer onto the European Mining Course (EMC). Students satisfactorily completing the EMC are awarded an MSci in Geotechnics and Mining Engineering. For details visit the Erasmus Mundus Minerals and Environmental Programme website.

You can find out more about where our graduates have been employed on our graduate destinations pages.

A rich curriculum enhanced by strong links with industry 

Our geology programmes are taught by Camborne School of Mines which has a global reputation for providing graduates with the skills that industry needs. Students learn in a vibrant research intensive environment, where many of the lecturers are also industry consultants, ensuring that teaching is at the forefront of technoogy and students maximize their employability.

Both our programmes are accredited by The Geological Society which is advantageous should you wish to proceed to Chartered Geologist status after graduation. A strong emphasis is placed on personal and professional development, including skills essential to employers such as problem-solving, teamwork, decision-making, communication, planning and organising, time management, report writing, oral presentation and leadership.

Dedicated careers advice

The Employability Officer is active in developing aspects of our courses and services that improve the employability of our students. Potential employers make regular visits to the campus, helping students to decide on modules, industry placements and career paths, and sometimes holding interviews.

There is also a dedicated Careers Adviser who provides specific services such as workshops tailored to careers in Geology and support in matters such as job applications and interview skills. The University's Employability and Graduate Development team will help you to write your CV and prepare for interviews.

Work placements and industrial training

Thanks to our excellent links with industry, there are numerous opportunities to develop your CV by gaining work experience before you graduate.

Optional work placements

All our undergraduate students undertake a geological mapping, laboratory-based project or industrial project placement during the vacation before the third year of study. The industry placement opportunity, which may be UK or international, allows you to gain work experience and industry contacts. The placements are very often provided through our extensive network of industry contacts and former Camborne School of Mines graduates.

Step Scheme and Year in Industry

We work closely with schemes such as Step and The Year in Industry which help students to find placements and provide training during the placements.  

Personal development

Our students take advantage of the wide range of extra-curricular and personal development opportunities offered by the University, from study abroad to volunteering and playing an active role in student societies.

The Students Union-FXU runs clubs and societies at the Tremough Campus across a whole range of activities and interests. Our sports facilities are also well used by our students.

Exeter Student Ambassador Scheme: This scheme employs students as ambassadors to give potential university applicants a student’s view of university life. Ambassadors take part in a variety of activities including: visiting schools and colleges in the South West, giving tours of the campuses to prospective students and their parents, attending Higher Education Fairs, and helping out with University Open Days.

Careers events and initiatives

The Careers Service at the Tremough Campus run an annual Careers Fair in November where many employers are invited. This then gives students the opportunity to meet directly with professionals. In addition, throughout the day presentations are given by prospective employers where students are given the opportunity to fully engage and talk to potential employers. Furthermore, Cornwall students are encouraged to take advantage of free buses to take them up to attend the four Exeter careers fairs that happen throughout the year.

One significant opportunity for students are the regular presentations by employers coming to the campus looking to recruit both students for vacation employment and full-time positions.

Exeter Award

Many students from the College take part in the Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award. These schemes encourage students to participate in employability related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to their career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.

Further information

You can find out about training opportunities, job vacancies, skills development sessions, careers fairs and much more on the University of Exeter's Employability website. Further information is also available on the Careers and your future section of the University’s Undergraduate Study website.