Ruth Richards gained the following qualifications:BSc (Hons.) Geology, University of Hull, Class 2.1MSc Industrial Mineralogy, University of LeicesterPhD Palaeontology, University of LeicesterPGCE (Secondary) Qualification, University of Leicester.She then had several years teaching in two secondary schools (14-18) eventually becoming the Director of Science at John Cleveland College in Hinckley, with responsibility for the specialist college status. She joined Nottingham Trent University in 2009 as a Senior Lecturer.