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Become a Fellow

Fellowship

Fellow membership

As a Fellow of the Geological Society, you'll be part of an international community of over 12,000 Earth scientists at all stages of their careers, with access to a wide range of benefits. Apply online to join us.


Access to resources and publications

  • Free online access to over 500 books in the Book Archive through the Lyell Collection
  • Free online access to one GSL journal option through the Lyell Collection
  • Discounted Open Access fees for authors publishing in GSL journals and books
  • Access to our extensive library services, both online and at our Burlington House library
  • Up to 50% discount on books and special publications
  • Free quarterly Geoscientist magazine
  • Access to Burlington House in London – ideal for meetings, work and study

Connect with a network of Earth scientists

  • Free membership to one of our Regional Groups and many of our Professional and Scientific Interest Groups
  • Free registration in our Fellowship Directory
  • Enjoy a wide and varied events calendar with discounted rates for members

Professional development opportunities

  • Fellowship provides a pathway to apply for Chartership, offering an opportunity to gain professional status and further enhance your career
  • Discounted rates on CPD training courses and workshops
  • Use of the post nominal letters FGS

Advocacy and impact in Earth science

We are a leading advocate and influential voice for Earth science in the UK, supporting the study and research of Earth science, the expertise and knowledge of our professional workforce and the application of Earth science.

We do this through supporting education, contributing to policy making, delivering events to facilitate knowledge, responding to consultations and reviews and acknowledging outstanding contributions to the field with our awards, medals and funds.

Third party discounts

  • UK taxpayers can save up to 40% on the cost of membership. See geolsoc.org.uk/taxrelief for details
  • 25% off membership with the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS)
  • 15% discount off Cotswold Outdoor

Read more about benefits


To be elected as a Fellow you must be aged 18 or over and possess a degree or equivalent qualification in geology or a related subject.

Relevant experience should include two of the following:

  • a non-honors level degree from a university or institution of higher education
  • employment in geology, or within a profession where geology is a core discipline
  • active membership of a geological group or society
  • employment as a secondary school teacher involved in teaching geology
  • active involvement in advancing the science or application of geology, such as author of papers published in scientific journals, contributions to published maps or reports, or through the discovery and description of new geology such as a new fossil or mineral species

Postgraduate students MSc and PhD

As a postgraduate student you are eligible to become a Fellow of the Geological Society at a discounted rate.

To receive the discounted rate, register via MyGSL, and on the Fellowship application form 'Education and experience' section, choose 'Are you in full time education? = No', then choose the option 'MSc or Equivalent' or 'PhD' from the 'Level of qualification*' dropdown list. 


There is a one-off admission fee of £20 for Fellow applications (except MSc and PhD applicants).

Fee category Description Annual fee 2024
Fellow (postgraduate) Fellows studying MSc or PhD (full-time) £49
Fellow (early career) 0-9 years of completing first degree £84
Fellow mid career 10-14 years of completing first degree £166
Fellow (experienced career) 15+ years from completing first degree £240
Fellow (retired) Retired and not offering services £127

*rates from £7 per month when signed up to pay by Direct Debit, paying monthly


Membership applications are usually processed within two weeks, following which email confirmation is sent to the applicant. All members must be elected by Council, which meets five times during the year. However, you may access member benefits from the date the application is processed.

The following table list closing dates for applications to be received and processed, and the corresponding election dates:

Closing date for applications to be received Election date
25 December 2023 31 January 2024
25 March 2024 08 May 2024
24 May 2024 26 June 2024
23 August 2024 25 September 2024
25 October 2024 27 November 2024



Apply online