MSc Palaeobiology
- MSc
Overview
This interdisciplinary MSc programme is for students who are passionate about the history of life, mass extinctions, macroevolution, climate change and fossil preservation. You will learn the latest techniques in phylogenetics, biomechanics and macroevolution, providing you with a strong foundation for independent research to PhD level or for careers in fields such as museum curation, science education, science policy, industry or the media.
Bristol is ranked second in the UK for 'Earth systems and environmental sciences' research (THE analysis of REF 2021) and first in the world for Palaeontology (Center for World University Rankings 2017). You will join Bristol's established palaeobiology research group and engage in current debates in evolution, systematics and palaeobiology. You will learn how to analyse problems quantitatively and design experimental approaches to resolving questions in macroevolution and the study of both ancient and living organisms.
A key aspect of the programme is preparing your research project for publication, and many of our previous students' projects have been published in leading international journals.
This programme gives you the opportunity to develop a wide range of professional skills, including research planning, problem-solving and communication. You will learn to present palaeontological data through talks, visual displays and formal written reports. You will also develop computational skills in data handling, phylogenetics, macroevolution, functional analysis and 3D digital modelling.
Find out more about the programme and hear from current and former students on our Palaeobiology MSc blog.
Programme structure
The first part of the programme consists of lectures, practical classes, tutorials and visiting speakers, designed to provide a firm foundation in the theory and methodology of the subject.
The final part of the programme consists of a research project leading to a written thesis. For further information on research projects in the Palaeobiology Research Group, please see the School of Earth Sciences website.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Palaeobiology.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in any Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics subject (including Anthropology and Archaeology).
Other degree subjects may be considered on a case-by-case basis if you can demonstrate relevant work experience in laboratories or museums; or roles within the Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics fields (including fieldwork and university roles).
If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications:
- evidence of relevant work experience in laboratory work, museum roles, STEM university roles, STEM industry roles, STEM fieldwork (minimum one week full-time paid or internship). Online STEM courses may also be accepted.
- a relevant postgraduate qualification from the accepted subjects listed above.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
Go to admissions statementIf English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £13,900 per year
- Home: part-time (two years)
- £6,950 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £30,500 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Bench fees
£540. Further information about bench fees can be found on our webpages. Confirmation of bench fees will be stated in the offer letter sent to applicants.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
The degree is research-based and many of our graduates go on to academic careers, usually starting with a PhD. The MSc is focused on methods and you will learn the latest quantitative and analytical techniques which are highly sought after by PhD supervisors across the world. The training in professional skills, including writing scientific papers, is also highly regarded.
Some students have gone on to careers in museums and now hold senior positions as curators and collection managers in national and regional museums. Other career paths include science policy, the media, science education at all levels, commercial work in marketing, consultancy, industry and data science.
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