Palaeontology BSc (Hons)
We're exploring how the fossil record can help us understand past climates and environments, and effectively predict and model the threat and impact of climate change on our ecosystems.
Key information
For:
starting September 2026
UCAS code:
F641
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
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
Showing content for section Overview
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.
Course highlights
- Reveal the secrets of ancient life in our Earth science 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
We try and make our students as employable as possible by giving them access to some really excellent resources and expertise. Portsmouth's really well located for easy access to some famous fossil localities.
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
97%
of students were positive about the learning resources and facilities provided on this course
(NSS, 2025)
96%
of students were positive about the teaching on this course
(NSS, 2025)
Accredited by:
This course is accredited by The Geological Society of London.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
Clearing 2025 is now closed
Clearing FAQs
To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.
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You can apply through Clearing if:
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After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or other information.
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If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk
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Entry requirements
BSc (Hons) Palaeontology degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- 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 (Applied Science, Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics). (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels - Merit. Acceptable T Level Subjects:
T Level in Health, T Level in Healthcare Science, T Level in Science - BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
- International Baccalaureate - 25
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to join this course after you successfully complete a foundation year.
Facilities and specialist equipment
Palaeontology and Advanced Microscopy Laboratories
Examine rock, mineral and fossil specimens using the specialist kit in these labs, such as transmitted light, polarising and scanning electron microscopes, and explore processes including acid digestion, air abrasion and microfossil extraction.
Geochemistry Laboratory
Trace Earth and environmental processes in this lab, using techniques including palynology processing – the study of strewn particles – for acid dissolutions of rock matrices, sample sieving and heavy liquid separation.
Cutting Laboratory
Get a closer look at the cores of bulk rock formations, excavated by our diamond-tipped coring drill, and examine rock chips cut by our diamond-bladed saws, to discover what they can help us understand about past climates and environments.
The lecturers are helpful and enthusiastic, and there is a lot of new lab equipment as well as extensive fossil collections. There are also fantastic opportunities for field trips.
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.
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, without any previous experience in palaeontology or geology.
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.
New dinosaur discovered by PhD student
PhD student, Jeremy Lockwood, discovered the new dinosaur on the Isle of Wight, with help from university and Natural History Museum scientists.
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
What can you do with a palaeontology degree?
Course leader Dr Anthony Butcher talks about the careers that Palaeontology BSc (Hons) students at the University of Portsmouth can go on to do.
Dr Anthony Butcher: After graduation, our students have a really strong set of transferable skills and general scientific skills as well.
So even if they're not able to go into a palaeontological role, they can go into things such as environmental consultancy, public outreach and engagement, teaching and museum work.
At Portsmouth, we run an MRes, a research master's programme in Palaeontology. That can range everything from palaeobotany to vertebrate palaeontology, dinosaurs, pterosaurs. Students are able to work on a dedicated project for an entire year and a lot of our students, by the time they finish their MRes, have actually published papers in scientific journals.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Careers and Employability Service to help you find your perfect role.
Placement opportunities
After your second or third 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.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 30 credits each or two modules worth 45 credits each and one module worth 30 credits.
What you'll study
Core modules
All modules in this year are core.
You’ll explore the Earth and environment as a connected global system, learning how physical, chemical and numerical processes shape our planet.
You’ll build confidence in maths, physics, chemistry and data skills used by Earth and Environmental scientists, including analysing real environmental datasets and creating clear visualisations.
You’ll also learn the basics of coding in RStudio, with support available through optional drop-in sessions to help you develop essential digital and analytical skills.
This module explores the diversity and evolution of life from an evolutionary perspective, introducing taxonomy, phylogenetics and major groups across all domains, including microbes, plants, fungi and animals.
You'll critically examine Darwinian evolution, the modern synthesis, and debated aspects of phylogeny, supported by practical phylogenetic exercises.
You'll then move on to vertebrate evolution – from internal and external anatomy, to osteology and fossils – with hands-on study of skeletal and fossil material to understand evolutionary change through time.
You’ll explore the origin and structure of the Earth, uncovering the processes that shape our planet over deep time, from moving plates to dynamic oceans and atmosphere.
You’ll identify common minerals and rocks, learn how igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks form in practical sessions, and see why they matter to society and the economy. You’ll take part in hands-on mapping, interpret geological maps, build cross-sections, and develop spatial and time-aware thinking with confidence to reconstruct the history of a region.
In this module, you'll learn about important invertebrate fossil groups and sedimentary materials and processes.
Topics you’ll cover include the principles and applications of palaeontology, and an introduction to fossil groups such as trilobites and ammonites.
In this part of the course, you'll also learn about the sedimentary rock cycle, how to identify and describe sedimentary rocks, and how to interpret sedimentary processes.
Core modules
All modules in this year are core.
In this module you'll examine the origin, diversification, and early evolutionary history of vertebrates, with a focus on major evolutionary transitions from jawless fishes to tetrapods and secondarily aquatic reptiles.
You'll explore the diversity, biology, and evolutionary significance of early fishes, highlighting key innovations such as jaws and paired appendages. By studying detailed case studies on testudines, ichthyosaurs, sauropterygians, and pterosaurs you'll investigate the origin and radiation of tetrapods, including Amphibia and early Reptilia, with emphasys on terrestrial adaptation and the evolution of the amniotic egg.
On this module you'll take part in lectures and hands on labs to give you a deeper understanding of micro and macrofossils.
You'll gain an under standing of the major groups of microfossils and their applications, and the major invertebrate phyla, their fossil record, and how their functional morphology and evolution can be interpreted.
You'll be applying your knowledge through analysis and data interpretation of invertebrate and microfossil records.
On this module you'll combine lectures, training and practical sessions to gain experience of fossil preparation, curation, and illustration using professional tools.
You'll get hands-on with scanning electron microscopy, quantitative analysis, and cladistic techniques to reconstruct past environments and evolutionary relationships.
This will prepare you for your final year research project, looking at topic selection, your literature review, planning and risk assessments that will be required for your career after you graduate.
On this module you'll undertake residential fieldwork as you learn how to collect data from the natural environment and how to interpret, investigate, and communicate this through follow-up research and writing a scientific report.
You'll learn about career paths that your course can take you into, how to search for opportunities and apply for them, and the importance of transferrable skills in maximising your employability.
Note: If you are physically unable to undertake fieldwork, we have extensive specimen and data collections that we can use to provide you with an alternative assessment.
On this module, you’ll explore how a broad range of continental and marine environments produce different sedimentary facies.
You’ll broaden your practical and field sedimentological skills and learn how to apply your knowledge.
In your analysis of sedimentary facies, you'll gain the ability to piece together the evidence of the processes that were responsible for key sedimentary features so that you can make interpretations of the palaeoenvironments where they formed.
Core modules
You'll plan and deliver an independent research project guided by your interests and career ambitions.
Through structured supervision and self-directed enquiry, you'll strengthen your ability to frame research questions, work with evidence, and evaluate findings critically.
The module helps you build confidence as an emerging professional, preparing you for postgraduate study or graduate roles that require independent thinking, problem solving and clear communication.
Explore the Age of Dinosaurs and the evolutionary rise of mammals, discovering how behaviour, anatomy and ecology shaped their success through time.
You’ll gain hands-on experience by handling real bones and museum-quality casts, developing observation and scientific drawing skills.
You’ll applying research to themes such as locomotion, predation and human evolution and also take part in a field trip to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
Explore how fossils form and what they reveal about life on Earth, from extraordinary fossil sites to major mass extinction events through time.
You'll gain first-hand field experience on a residential trip to southern Germany, collecting fossils from world-famous sites and visiting leading museums.
You'll also develop key scientific skills by recording field observations in a professional notebook and presenting research on a remarkable fossil site of your choice.
Optional modules
You’ll explore how biological, evolutionary and ecological processes create and maintain diversity, from visible traits to genetic variation within and between species.
You’ll investigate real-world research questions using current scientific methods, learning how researchers study past, present and future biological change.
You’ll also engage with staff-led research on plants and animals, building confidence in analysing evidence, evaluating techniques and communicating scientific ideas clearly.
You’ll get familiar with the big issues and contemporary debates in education studies as well as the role and expectations of a teacher.
You’ll develops fundamental knowledge and skills that teachers require, as well as your capability to structure and critique a lesson plan.
This module will give you a strong understanding of the science behind key energy generation and energy saving technologies.
You'll study the science of wind, wave and solar power as well as the environmental costs and benefits of low carbon emission nuclear power.
The module will include lab sessions, workshops and a field trip to a wind and solar farm.
On this module, you'll gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art laboratory instrumentation, directly overlapping with the latest internationally leading staff research.
You'll learn to select appropriate analytical methods, design projects, and evaluate data to solve complex Earth and environmental challenges.
Build the skills to be a generator or user of laboratory data, preparing yourself for a career in a wide range of sectors, as well as research and development.
This module provides training and experience in using palaeontological and sedimentological data as problem-solving tools.
You'll get insights into biostratigraphy, experimental sedimentology and climate proxies.
Teaching is complemented by guest lectures from experts in a range of fields.
Boost your employability by taking an industry-based work placement year with a relevant organisation or immerse yourself in another culture by studying for a year at one of our partner universities worldwide.
This is an amazing opportunity to either put everything you’ve learned so far into action in a real workplace or expand your horizons and set yourself up for your future career by studying abroad and becoming a student ambassador for our university.
Depending on what you choose, we’ll help you find and secure an exciting placement opportunity within an appropriate company or organisation, or you’ll expand your global perspective and develop additional skills to boost your future career during a study abroad year.
This is a Connected Degree
We're the only university that gives you the flexibility to choose when to take a work placement. Take it after your 2nd year, before returning to finish your studies. Or after your final year, connecting you into the workplace.
If you're not sure if or when to take your placement, don't worry. You'll have plenty of time to settle into your studies and explore your options before making your choice.
Changes to course content
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. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
How you're assessed
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.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- tutorials
- laboratory work
- fieldwork
A pterosaur like no other
Professor of Palaeobiology, Dave Martill, explains how our palaeontologists discovered a new species of small toothless pterosaur.
External Audio
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your Palaeontology degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as tutorials, lectures, practical classes and workshops and external visits for about 11 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, our Disability Advice team will give you help, support and advice.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from Student Wellbeing, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,790 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £10,300 a year (including EU Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £19,950 per year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget around £40 a year for photocopying, printing charges, binding and specialist printing - while we try to keep files and content electronic, there may be some paper and printing to be undertaken.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Your travel and accommodation costs for compulsory fieldwork are included in the course fee, with the exception of the Mapping Training Field Course, which takes place around the UK in the summer between the first and second year of study. Travel and accommodation for the Mapping Training Field Course costs around £100. You’ll also need to pay for meals and other living costs on compulsory fieldwork trips.
You’ll need to cover the cost of travel, accommodation, meals and other living costs for any optional fieldwork you do. These costs are normally around £1,200.
For compulsory project work, normally in the UK or Europe, costs for travel and accommodation will range from £0–£1,000.
You will be provided with essential health and safety equipment free of charge, and loaned equipment such as a compass clinometer, hammer, etc. where appropriate (though you may use your own equipment, if it is up to standard). You will, however, need to purchase your own clothing appropriate for fieldwork (e.g. waterproofs, rucksack, sturdy walking boots, etc.).
If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,468 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £1,545 a year (including EU Scholarship - may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £3,000 a year (subject to annual increase)
The costs associated with your specific destination will be discussed during your second year, as well as possible sources of additional funding.
Apply
Ready to apply?
To start this course in 2026, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – F641
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.