Palaeontology and Evolution BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Palaeontology and Evolution BSc (Hons)
Join a University ranked second in the UK for 'Earth systems and environmental sciences' research (THE analysis of REF 2021).
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 ...
Join a University ranked second in the UK for 'Earth systems and environmental sciences' research (THE analysis of REF 2021).
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:
• Dynamics of Macroevolution, where you will learn cutting-edge techniques for analysing the large-scale patterns in the evolution of life, including the use of microfossils to reconstruct past climates and ecosystems;
• Fossils and Phylogenies, where you will learn how to construct evolutionary genealogies from the comparative anatomy of fossil organisms and the genomes of their living relatives, focussing especially on the origin and diversification of animals;
• Vertebrate Palaeobiology and Biomechanics, where you will study the evolution of vertebrates from fish-like creatures to humans, discovering methods for investigating how their bodies work.
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 Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
2026-09-01
Campus
Main Site
Application Details
14 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
CF17
Institution Code
B78
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
147
147
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
147
147
Advanced Higher: AB in two science-related subjects, and Standard Higher: AABBB.
Access to HE Diploma
147
147
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. Mature students can contact mature-students@bristol.ac.uk to check the suitability of their Access course.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
147
147
Standard offer: 32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 5, 5 at Higher level in two science-related subjects. Contextual offer: 29 points overall with 14 at Higher Level, including 5,5 at Higher level in two science-related subjects. Please visit: bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/entry-requirements-qualifications/contextual-offers/ for more information about contextual offers.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
147
147
DDM in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
147
147
Scottish Advanced Higher
147
147
Advanced Higher: AB in two science-related subjects, and Standard Higher: AABBB.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
147
147
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.
A level
147
147
Standard offer: ABB including two science-related subjects. Contextual offer: BBC including BB in two science-related subjects. Please visit: bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/entry-requirements-qualifications/contextual-offers/ for more information about contextual offers.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
147
147
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.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
147
147
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,790 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
| EU, International | £31,300 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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