Romesh Palamakumbura

I decided to study geology because I have always been interested in the processes that shaped our planet, particularly in applying chemistry, physics, biology, and maths to understand natural systems. The degree programme at Edinburgh allowed me to bring all these sciences together and apply them to understanding the earth. Most importantly when I visited for an open day the academic staff were incredibly friendly and really enthusiastic about geology.

One of the best things about the degree was the balance of theoretical and practical work. The structure of the degree meant that you would learn the fundamental theory in lectures, develop that understanding in the laboratory and then finally go into the field to understand these processes in a broader context.

The friendships that I developed during my degree, particularly during fieldwork, have lasted well beyond my  degree. I am often bumping into people I studied with, in my current career. Edinburgh is an incredible place to study, with a vibrant city, local hills nearby and easy access to the Scottish Highlands, that provided an excellent work-life balance.

Edinburgh has a fantastic and vibrant range of sports and social societies. I was part of the cycling club, which organised regular mountain bike and road bike rides, social events and trips across the UK and abroad.

Field work, field work, field work! The aspect I remember most fondly about my degree programme was the field trips, whether 1 day trips, longer trips abroad to Cyprus or Spain or even longer mapping campaigns of several weeks. These were great fun and provided a fantastic opportunity to bring everything you've learnt during the term together and understand the bigger picture and wider impacts.

Learn more about our Field Trips

Follow the geology you enjoy the most and don't specialise too early. What I love about geology is the array of different skills and knowledge you need to bring together to understand a problem. Studying geology is more than just a career choice, it’s a lifestyle.

No matter what direction you take in your career, you’re sure to meet some fascinating people, find yourself in some spectacular settings from remote fieldwork areas to meetings and conferences around the world, and the work is always challenging and exciting.

Exciting, fun, challenging, friends and windy!

After my degree at Edinburgh, I went on to do a PhD looking at tectonic controls of mountain building in Cyprus and then a post-doc on the geochemistry of volcanic arc sediments in New Zealand. I am currently working as a survey geologist for the British Geological Survey, where I work on a wide variety of projects from geotechnical properties of post-glacial marine sediments in Scotland to fracture networks and their impacts on groundwater permeability in India.

My day job is hugely dynamic from gathering new geological data, working with clients and stakeholders and developing EDI initiatives. This work is both office and field based, and often involves travel across the UK and internationally. 

Fieldwork can involve geological mapping, carrying out detailed structural surveys and documenting newly exposed sections. 

When I’m in the office I could be mapping offshore geology using high-resolution seabed bathymetry data, or analysing a range of datasets including borehole records or structural data in python or GIS. 

A key aspect of my job is to communicate my science through a combination of open and confidential reports, peer reviewed papers, and presentations for clients and at scientific conferences.

My degree was essential for my current job, particularly the in depth understanding of geology and extensive field experience. The degree provided me with an excellent base for working across lots of different aspects of geology, whether mapping glacial sediments, complex tectonic structures or using borehole data to characterise aquifers.

Fundamental field skills. How to deal with complex geological problems in the field, gather data and develop well-grounded interpretations. These skills have been the fundamental building blocks of my entire scientific career. The scientific method that is used in gathering field data is relevant beyond geology and will help you in which ever career you choose.

I am always wishing I was in the field more!

A geology degree provides you with the opportunity for a hugely variable and dynamic career. There are so many different avenues and directions that you could take. Be open minded and look for the job and the geology that excites you the most.

Interested in studying Geology? Our Earth Sciences and Environment programmes now encompass everything you'd find in our former geology degrees.