You'll need a first degree, and often postgraduate training, to get into hydrology. Degrees include:

• environmental science
• geography
• civil engineering
• environmental engineering
• Earth sciences
• ecology

Postgraduate courses

After finishing your degree, you could complete a postgraduate course. You can find postgraduate courses through the British Hydrological Society.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

You could apply for an Environmental Practitioner or Geoscientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship before specialising in hydrology.

These can take up to 5 years to complete and are a mix of learning on the job and studying at an approved university.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

You could start as an assistant hydrologist or technical officer, if you have a degree in a science or environmental subject.

Your employer may encourage you to take a postgraduate qualification while you're working, like a master's degree in hydrology.

You'll need:

• maths knowledge
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• knowledge of geography
• analytical thinking skills
• knowledge of chemistry for analysing water samples
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• excellent written communication skills
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

You'll need to:

• have a full driving licence

As a hydrologist, you could:

• investigate the causes and impact of flooding and drought
• study snowfall, glaciers and ice formation
• use data about rivers, rain and floods to predict and manage risks
• analyse water samples for chemicals and pollutants
• work on engineering projects like dams, drains and flood defences
• advise policy makers on sustainable water use

We've identified this as a green job

As a hydrologist, you'll develop sustainable ways of managing water. This can have a positive impact on the environment.

Find out more about green careers

You could work in an office, in a laboratory or in the countryside.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.