Membership & Chartership

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).

*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:

• Fellowship Code of Conduct (PDF)
• Fellowship Regulations - nomination and election of new fellows (PDF)
• Fellowship Terms and Conditions