by Angela Foster, The Guardian

Recent floods, tsunamis and disasters such as the BP oil spill mean concerns about the environment and our impact on our surroundings are rarely off the news agenda – all the more reason why people with specialist knowledge will be in demand.

Earth and marine studies degrees cover a range of disciplines, including geology, chemistry, biology, oceanography, maths and physics. Earth studies graduates will have learned how the earth works as well as the cause of volcanoes and earthquakes and how to lessen their impact, while their marine studies counterparts will have focused on all aspects of the marine environment, including wildlife and pollution.

What skills have you gained?

Research and analytical skills, the ability to manage your time and present ideas in a variety of forms, plus hands-on experience from fieldwork.

What jobs can you do?

Nearly half of earth and marine studies graduates in 2009 secured full-time employment – 17% in areas likely to be closely related to their subject area, 10% in marketing and 7.8% in scientific research. Some 18% took retail and catering jobs, which may reflect the currently unstable job market.

Both subjects can lead to careers in a variety of sectors, depending on the focus of the degree. "Earth studies degrees focus on scientific disciplines such as geology, geosciences, geography, ecology and environmental science so graduates could look at careers in a variety of public and private sector organisations based in these sectors as managers, administrators, scientists or researchers," says Margaret Holbrough, a careers adviser at Graduate Prospects. "Mining, oil, water and environmental management or consultancy organisations, as well as the specialist media, are options."

http://www.educationnews.org/higher_education/campus_views/106309.html