2024 entry (view 2023 entry)

BSc Palaeontology and Evolution (CF17)

Course overview

BSc Palaeontology and Evolution (CF17)

Typical offer

A-level standard offer: ABB

A-level contextual offer: BBC

See entry requirements for full details and eligibility.

Course duration

3 year(s) full-time

Part-time study is not available for this course

Application method

Full-time: UCAS

Fees

£9,250 per year, home students

£27,200 per year, international students

Fees quoted are for 2023 entry only. Fees for 2024 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2023.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Location

Clifton campus

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.

Learn from experts, with interests ranging from dinosaurs to plants to the origin of life, and become 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 and take a range of specialist palaeontology units. Examples of current units include: Marine Micropalaeontology, where you will learn to use microfossils to reconstruct past climates and understand their impact on ecosystems; Macroevolution, where you will learn cutting-edge techniques for analysing the large-scale patterns in the evolution of life; and Vertebrate Palaeobiology and Biomechanics, where you will study the evolution of the vertebrates from fish-like creatures to humans. You will also select from a range of optional units to pursue your own interests.

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

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

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.

Applicants must also meet these requirements

GCSE profile requirements

Higher numeracy requirement (6 or B in GCSE Mathematics or equivalent)

Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels

More about UK qualifications.

Selection process

  • For most candidates, we will only use your information in UCAS to assess your application. We may interview and test mature applicants and applicants with non-standard qualifications.
  • Full information about our selection processes for this course:
  • The admissions statement above relates to 2023 entry. The statement for 2024 entry will be available in summer 2023.
  • Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement:

Key information about this course

Next steps

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