In 1890 Woods earned a degree from the University of Cambridge, then became there curator of the Woodwardian Museum, from 1892 a demonstrator in paleobotany, and from 1892 a demonstrator in paleozoology.
In 1890 Woods earned a B.A. from the University of Cambridge, then became there curator of the Woodwardian Museum, earning an M.A. in 1894. At Cambridge University, Woods was from 1892 a demonstrator in paleobotany, and from 1899 a demonstrator in paleozoology.