MSci Palaeontology and Evolution (CF16)

2024 entry | view 2025 entry

Course summary

Join a University ranked #2 in the UK for 'Earth systems and environmental sciences' research (THE analysis of REF 2021) with an excellent reputation for teaching and learning (#1 in the world for Palaeontology, Center for World University Rankings 2017).

Develop an understanding of the evolution of life on this planet through the study of geology and biology. Our degrees are interdisciplinary and provide you with a broad background in palaeobiological science, including state-of-the-art methods and technological advances.

Learn from experts with interests ranging from dinosaurs to plants to the origin of life and be fully immersed in hands-on palaeontology from the start.

One third of the first year is dedicated to biology and two thirds to earth science. After the first year you will take core units from both disciplines. In the third year you will carry out a research project, take a range of specialist palaeontology units and select from a range of optional units to pursue your own interests.

Current units include: Marine Micropalaeontology, where you will use microfossils to reconstruct past climates; Macroevolution, where you will learn techniques for analysing the large-scale patterns in evolution; and Vertebrate Palaeobiology and Biomechanics.

Our MSci course allows you to study more advanced material in greater depth during the additional year, giving you a career boost by investing in your skills development or preparing you for further research.

Our emphasis on quantitative research allows you to develop valuable mathematical and statistical skills. There are also opportunities for volunteer work and internships in our state-of-the-art palaeobiology laboratories.

The course involves fieldwork, including dedicated palaeontology field courses, the cost of which is included in your tuition fee.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Go to programme catalogue

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

ABB including two science-related subjects. Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography and Marine Science.
BBC including BB in two science-related subjects. Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography and Marine Science.

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
DDM in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma

Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 5, 5 at Higher level in two science-related subjects. Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography and Marine Science.
29 points overall with 14 at Higher Level, including 5, 5 at Higher level in two science-related subjects. Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography and Marine Science.

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
77% overall, with 8.0 in two science-related subjects. Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography and Marine Science.
Advanced Higher: AB in two science-related subjects, and Standard Higher: AABBB. Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography and Marine Science.
Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 21 credits at Distinction and 24 at Merit or above; and at least 9 credits at Distinction and 3 credits at Merit from units in two science-related subjects.

More about Access to HE entry requirements
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Search international qualifications
More about UK qualifications.