We welcome any enquiries about the content, scope and history of our collection. Feel free to explore some of our collections online prior to your enquiry, you might find some answers there. 

Academics, amateur geologists or those with a personal interest in Earth Sciences are welcome to access the collection for their own research purposes. Please complete our research enquiry form and arrange an appointment if you wish to visit in person. We recommend that you give us plenty of notice to ensure that all required material is available and accessible. 

University of Bristol undergraduate and postgraduate students are welcome to access the collection for their course work and research projects. The Collection Study Space offers a quiet working area to explore geological specimens and maps.

Students are also welcome to get involved in the annual summer research programme At the Feet of the Dinsoaurs.

Our Collection Study Space is available for collection related workshops and events. Please enquire about the details.

Volunteers are a valued and respected part of School who support collection based work. We are keen to support a diverse cohort of volunteers and offer an encouraging and supportive environment that helps you get the most out of your time spent with us. From learning new curatorial skills to spending time with likeminded people, from sharign scientific knwoeldge to liaising with artists - there is something for everyone. Our volunteer scheme supports students extra curricular development as well and helps work towards the Bristol PLUS award. 

Activities include and support: collection management, photography and digitisation, storage improvements, cataloguing, outreach and public engagement workshops and events and collborations with the arts and humanities.

If you are under 18 we recommend you try joining our School Work Experience Week to get a first flavour of working in Earth Sciences.

The School of Earth Sciences offers an annual Work Experience Programme.