Palaeontology

Program Overview

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Palaeontology BSc (Hons)

Overview

The Palaeontology BSc (Hons) degree course at the University of Portsmouth is accredited by The Geological Society of London. This course explores the processes of how life on Earth began, evolved, and diversified. Students will gain the knowledge and expertise to become skilled palaeontologists, without any previous experience in palaeontology or geology.

Key Information

• UCAS code: F641
• Accreditation: Accredited by The Geological Society of London
• Typical offer: 112-120 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent, with 32 UCAS points from a specific Science subject

Study Mode and Duration

• 3 years full-time
• 4 years sandwich with work placement

Start Date

• September 2025

Course Information

Overview

The BSc (Hons) Palaeontology degree course is designed for students interested in studying the processes of how life on Earth began, evolved, and diversified. This course is accredited by The Geological Society of London and provides students with the knowledge and expertise to become skilled palaeontologists.

Course Highlights

• Reveal the secrets of ancient life in our Earth science and palaeontology laboratories
• Work alongside our active academic research team on the latest palaeontological theories and models
• 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

• The Geological Society of London

Entry Requirements

Typical Offer (September 2025 start)

• A levels: BBB-BBC
• UCAS points: 112-120 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent, with 32 points from a Science subject
• T-levels: Merit
• International Baccalaureate: 25

English Language Requirements

• English language proficiency: at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5

Facilities and Specialist Equipment

Palaeontology and Advanced Microscopy Laboratories

• Examine rock, mineral, and fossil specimens using specialist kit
• Explore processes including acid digestion, air abrasion, and microfossil extraction

Geochemistry Laboratory

• Trace Earth and environmental processes using techniques including palynology processing
• Study sedimentary rock cycle and principal sedimentary processes

Cutting Laboratory

• Examine rock chips cut by diamond-bladed saws to discover what they can help us understand about past climates and environments

Careers and Opportunities

Gain Valuable Skills for a Range of Scientific Careers

• On this BSc (Hons) Palaeontology degree, you gain the knowledge and expertise to become a skilled palaeontologist
• You'll have a strong set of transferable skills suitable for a range of scientific roles

What Areas Can You Work in with a Palaeontology Degree?

• Energy resources and exploration
• Environmental consultancy
• Museum curation
• Teaching
• Academic research

What Jobs Can You Do with a Palaeontology Degree?

• Researcher of vertebrate palaeontology
• Geographic information systems (GIS) editor
• Science teacher

Modules

Year 1

• 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)

Year 2

• 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)

Year 3

• Palaeontology Study Tour (20 credits)
• Research Project (40 credits)

Optional Modules

• Analytical Methods for Earth and Environmental Sciences (20 credits)
• Applications of Palaeontology and Sedimentology (20 credits)
• Climate Change (20 credits)
• Dinosaurs and Mammals (20 credits)
• Evolution, Ecology and Environment (20 credits)
• Hazardscapes (20 credits)
• Introduction to Teaching (20 credits)

How You'll Spend Your Time

• Timetabled teaching: 11 hours a week in the first year
• Independent study: 35 hours a week recommended
• Term dates: September to June

Supporting You

• Personal tutor: academic and personal support throughout your time at university
• Learning support tutors: help with academic skills and support
• Academic skills support: bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions, and online sessions
• Wellbeing and mental health support: online Learning Well mini-course and 1–2–1 support
• Disability advice and additional support: specialist team to help with reasonable adjustments and assistive technology
• Library support: library staff available in person or by email, phone, or online chat

Course Costs and Funding

• Tuition fees:
  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £9,535 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students: £9,535 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students: £19,200 per year (subject to annual increase)
• Additional course costs:
  • Accommodation and living costs: varies
  • Recommended reading: up to £60 per book
  • General costs: £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs, and CDs
  • Final year project: costs for transport or accommodation related to research activities
  • Compulsory fieldwork: travel and accommodation costs included in the course fee
  • Optional fieldwork: costs for travel, accommodation, meals, and other living costs
  • Compulsory project work: costs for travel and accommodation range from £0–£1,000
  • Equipment: essential health and safety equipment provided free of charge, but students may need to purchase their own clothing and equipment for fieldwork

Apply

• UCAS course code: F641
• Institution code: P80
• Apply through UCAS: www.ucas.com
• Apply directly: www.port.ac.uk/apply