Course summary
This interdisciplinary MSc programme is for students who are passionate about early life, mass extinctions, macroevolution, climate change and fossil preservation. It bridges the biology-geology divide. 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 a career in museum curation, science education, science policy, management or the media. Bristol is ranked #2 in the UK for 'Earth systems and environmental sciences' research (THE analysis of REF 2021) and #1 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. Recent research project topics include the origin of cellular life, the preservation of colours in dinosaurs and the evolution of culture in humans. 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 computing skills in data handling, phylogenetics, macroevolution, function and 3D digital modelling. Find out more about the programme and hear from current and former students on our Palaeobiology MSc blog. https://mscpalaeo.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/
Assessment method
https://bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2023/msc-palaeobiology.pdf
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students and accepts a wide range of qualifications for postgraduate study. If you study or have studied at a university outside the UK, please select the relevant page for further information on qualifications, scholarships and education representatives in your country/region: bristol.ac.uk/international/countries
Entry requirements
An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in Geology, Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Archaeology, Anthropology or a related discipline. Applicants with a lower class of degree with relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Channel Islands | £5750 | Year 1 |
| England | £5750 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £5750 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £5750 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £5750 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
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.
For more information, please view the programme page on our website.
Bench fees are £500. 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.
Sponsorship information
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a ten per cent reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni scholarship. http://www.bristol.ac.uk/fees-funding/awards/alumni-discount/
Provider information
University of Bristol
Senate House
Tyndall Avenue
Bristol
BS8 1TH