This course allows you to develop an understanding of the evolution of life on this planet through the study of geology and biology. Our degrees are interdisciplinary and provide you with a broad background in palaeobiological science, including state-of-the-art methods and technological advances.

You will learn from a large and vibrant group of experts in the field of palaeobiology, with interests ranging from dinosaurs to plants to the origin of life, and will become fully immersed in hands-on palaeontology from the start.

One third of the first year is dedicated to biology and two thirds to earth science. After the first year you will take core units from both disciplines. In the third year you also have a choice of optional units. Recent unit options have included Evolutionary Ecology; Geomicrobiology; and Plant Evolution, Development and Diversity.

The course involves fieldwork, including dedicated palaeontology field trips, the cost of which is included in your tuition fee.

Our emphasis on quantitative research allows you to develop valuable mathematical and statistical skills. There are also opportunities for volunteer work and internships in our state-of-the-art palaeobiology laboratories.

The palaeontology and evolution course attracts great enthusiasts for the subject area and the student cohort is small, tight knit and high achieving.

Find out more about the course structure and units available for Palaeontology and Evolution

A-level Standard offer	AAB including a core science/mathematics subject and another science-related subject, or ABB in three core science/mathematics subjects
A-level Contextual offer What is a contextual offer?	ABC including AB (in any order) in a core science/mathematics subject and another science-related subject
Science practicals	A pass in the practical element of all English examination board science A-levels is expected.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Standard offer	34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 6, 5 (in any order) at Higher Level in a core science/mathematics subject (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and another science-related subject, or 32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 6, 5, 5 in three core science/mathematics subjects
International Baccalaureate Diploma Contextual offer What is a contextual offer?	31 points overall with 15 at Higher Level, including 6, 5 (in any order) at Higher Level in a core science/mathematics subject (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and another science-related subject
Cambridge Pre-U offer	Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/ D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/ M2 is B, and M3 is C.
Access to HE Diploma offer	Access to HE Diploma in Applied Science, Biology combined with Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Bioscience, Life Science, or Science. The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; and at least 15 credits at Distinction from units in any one of Physics, Chemistry, or Mathematics; and at least 15 credits at Distinction from units in any one of Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics. Mature students are welcome to contact mature-students@bristol.ac.uk to check the suitability of their Access course. Mature students can contact mature-students@bristol.ac.uk to check the suitability of their Access course.
BTEC offer	DDD in Applied Science, with Distinction in science units, plus B in a core science A-level
Scottish Qualifications Authority offer	Advanced Higher: AB in two science/mathematics subjects, and Standard Higher: AAABB
Welsh Baccalaureate offer	Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
European Baccalaureate offer	80% overall, with 8.5, 8.0 in a core science/mathematics subject and another science-related subject (in any order)
UK qualifications	Further information about UK qualifications
International qualifications	Accepted international qualifications

Applicants must also meet these requirements

GCSE profile requirements	Profile: Higher numeracy requirement (6 or B in GCSE Mathematics or equivalent) Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.
English language requirements	If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level: Profile C Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.