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 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. 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://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2025/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
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: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Channel Islands | £6950 | Year 1 |
| England | £6950 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £6950 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £6950 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £6950 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
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.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/support/finances/
Bench fees
£540. Further information about bench fees can be found on our webpages: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/
Confirmation of bench fees will be stated in the offer letter sent to applicants.
Provider information
University of Bristol
Beacon House
Queen’s Road
Bristol
BS8 1QU