Palaeontology
Entry requirements
A level
112-120 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, with 32 points from a Science subject (Applied Science, Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics).
112-122 Tariff points from the Access to HE Diploma (Science or Engineering).
Cambridge Pre-U score of 46-50, to include a Principal Subject in Science (Applied Science, Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics) M3.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
GCSE English, Mathematics and Science at grade C or above, or equivalent/GCSE English, Mathematics and Science at grade 4 or above, or equivalent.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
25 points from the IB Diploma, to include 3 Higher Level subjects, with 5 points from a Higher Level in a Science subject (Applied Science, Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics). 4 points from Standard Level English and Mathematics (if not passed at GCSE grade C or above).
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H3,H3,H3,H3,H4-H3,H3,H3,H3,H3
To include a Higher Level Science subject (Applied Science, Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics) at H3.
Acceptable when combined with other qualifications.
Acceptable when combined with other qualifications.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Must be in a Science based subject.
112-120 Tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Advanced Highers, to include a Science subject (Applied Science, Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics) at grade D.
Acceptable when combined with other qualifications.
T Level
Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning, T Level in Health, T Level in Healthcare Science, T Level in Science
UCAS Tariff
112-120 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent, with 32 points from a Science subject (Applied Science, Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics).
112-120 points from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate including 1 A level, with 32 points from a Science subject (Applied Science, Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics), plus the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.
About this course
This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.
**This is a Connected Degree**
Portsmouth is the only University in the UK with the flexibility to choose when to do an optional paid placement or self-employed year. Either take a placement in your third year, or finish your studies first and complete a placement in your fourth year. You can decide if and when to take a placement after you've started your course.
**Overview**
Are you interested in studying the processes of how life on Earth began, evolved and diversified? Do you enjoy getting your hands dirty as well as spending time in the lab? Get ready to dig up the past on our BSc (Hons) Palaeontology degree course, which is accredited by The Geological Society of London.
- Reveal the secrets of ancient life in our petrology and palaeontology laboratories, stocked with rock, mineral and fossil specimens
- Work alongside our active academic research team on the latest palaeontological theories and models, as they integrate new ideas and data into teaching
- Unearth your own discoveries on field trips in locations such as the Isle of Wight, Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site locations Lulworth Cove and Lyme Regis, and other famous fossil localities
**Accredited by:**
This course is accredited by the Geological Society of London.
**Careers and opportunities**
Palaeontology is the study of ancient life, from the earliest algae to the biggest dinosaurs and our first human ancestors. It seeks to uncover the ways in which life on Earth evolved through the ages, and in turn, how this can help us better understand the natural world today.
Studying fossilised lifeforms can reveal facts about biology, ecology and evolution vital to many modern environmental issues, including climate change.
When you graduate, you’ll have a strong set of transferable skills suitable for a range of scientific roles, in areas such as energy resources and exploration, environmental consultancy, teaching and museum curation.
You could also continue your studies with our research master's programme in Palaeontology, which would enable you to spend a year working on a dedicated project in an paleontological area that interests you. Many of our MRes students publish papers in scientific journals by the time they complete the programme.
**What areas can you work in with a palaeontology degree?**
Previous students have gone on to work and study in areas such as:
- energy resources and exploration
- environmental consultancy
- museum curation
- teaching
- academic research
**What jobs can you do with a palaeontology degree?**
They've gone on to work in the following roles:
- researcher of vertebrate palaeontology
- geographic information systems (GIS) editor
- science teacher
**Placement opportunities**
After your second year, you can do an optional work placement to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry. Placements give you the opportunity to apply what you've learnt so far in a real workplace, boosting your employability and making you attractive to employers after graduation.
You can work for a company or organisation here in the UK or overseas, or you could go independent by setting up and running your own business with other students.
Previous students have enjoyed placements at civil engineering, mining and quarrying companies and the Dinosaur Isle museum on the Isle of Wight.
Whichever route you choose, you'll receive support and guidance. Our specialist team of Science and Health Careers advisors can help you with finding a work placement and improving your employability skills. They'll provide you with a database of placement vacancies, support with your job search – including help with applications and interviews – and support throughout your placement.
**Ongoing careers support**
After you graduate, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability Service as you advance in your career.
Modules
Year 1
Core modules in this year include:
Analysis of the Earth and Environment – 20 credits
Biodiversity and Vertebrate Anatomy – 20 credits
Earth Materials – 20 credits
Global Environmental Challenges – 20 credits
How the Earth Works – 20 credits
Sedimentology and Palaeontology – 20 credits
There are no optional modules in this year.
Year 2
Core modules in this year include:
Early Vertebrate Evolution – 20 credits
Invertebrate and Analytical Palaeontology – 20 credits
Micropalaeontology, Palaeobotany, and Palaeoenvironments – 20 credits
Palaeontological Techniques – 20 credits
Professional Skills For Palaeontologists – 20 credits
Sedimentary Processes and Facies Analysis – 20 credits
There are no optional modules in this year.
Placement year
On this course, you can do an optional work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years to get valuable experience working in industry.
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Year 3
Core modules in this year include:
Palaeontology Project and Study Tour – 40 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
Analytical Methods For Earth and Environmental Sciences – 20 credits
Applications of Palaeontology and Sedimentology – 20 credits
Dinosaurs and Mammals – 20 credits
Introduction to Teaching – 20 credits
Oceans, Climates and Environments – 20 credits
The Fossil Record – 20 credits
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Assessment methods
You’ll be assessed through laboratory reports, oral and poster presentations, reports on field-based projects, computer-based assessment.
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
The Uni
University of Portsmouth
Faculty of Science and Health
What students say
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Earth sciences
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£19k
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