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Palaeobiology

Geography, Earth and Environmental Studies

Taught

MSc

  • Overview
  • Application Timeline
  • Tuition
  • Requirements
  • Modules
  • About
  • Subject Area Information
  • Career
  • Similar courses

Overview

The MSc Palaeobiology programme at Bristol University focuses on early life, mass extinctions, and climate change, bridging biology and geology. Students develop research and professional skills while engaging in significant research projects. Bristol University is highly ranked for its excellence in Earth sciences and palaeontology.

Application Timeline

  1. September 1, 2025
    Start date
  2. April 11, 2026
    Today

Tuition

Year 1
Student categories Study
Full-time Part-time
Channel Islands£13,900£6,950
England£13,900£6,950
Northern Ireland£13,900£6,950
Scotland£13,900£6,950
Wales£13,900£6,950
EU£30,500N/A
International£30,500N/A

Requirements

Entry Requirements:
Language Requirements

Language requirements information is currently unavailable.

Modules

Modules is currently unavailable

Please check back later for updates.

About

Programme Focus

This interdisciplinary MSc programme is designed for students interested in:

  • Early life
  • Mass extinctions
  • Macroevolution
  • Climate change
  • Fossil preservation

The programme bridges the biology-geology divide and equips students with skills in phylogenetics, biomechanics, and macroevolution, preparing them for independent research or careers in various fields.

Institutional Excellence

Bristol University is highly regarded, ranked:

  • Second in the UK for 'Earth systems and environmental sciences' (THE analysis of REF 2021)
  • First in the world for Palaeontology (Center for World University Rankings 2017)

Students will engage with...

Subject Area Information

Palaeontology is the scientific study of the history of life on Earth through the examination of plant and animal fossils, bridging biology and geology to provide insights into the evolution of organisms, their interactions, and the environments they inhabited.

Typical Course Structure
  • 1. Introduction to Palaeontology

  • 2. Invertebrate Palaeontology

  • 3. Vertebrate Palaeontology

  • 4. Paleobotany

  • 5. Micropalaeontology

  • 6. Paleoecology and Taphonomy

  • 7. Evolutionary Biology

  • 8. Field Methods in Palaeontology

Typical Skills Acquired
  • Analytical Skills
  • Research Skills
  • Technical Skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Communication Skills

Career

Graduates of palaeontology courses can pursue diverse careers in research, education, museum curation, environmental consulting, and more, contributing to our understanding of the natural world and its history.

Potential Professions
  • Palaeontologist

    Conducting research and fieldwork to discover and study fossils.

  • Museum Curator

    Managing fossil collections, designing exhibits, and conducting educational programs.

  • Academic Researcher/Professor

    Teaching and conducting research in universities and academic institutions.

  • Geologist

    Applying paleontological knowledge in the exploration of natural resources such as oil and gas.

  • Environmental Consultant

    Using paleontological data to assess environmental changes and impacts.

  • Science Communicator

    Writing, presenting, and creating content to educate the public about paleontology.

Similar courses

Contact

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Beacon House, Queens Rd, Bristol, BS8 1QU
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Contact

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Beacon House, Queens Rd, Bristol, BS8 1QU
Get expert guidance

Enhance your academic journey with the help from our experts.

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