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Palaeontology and Geology
- MSci
- 4 Years
- Full-time with time abroad
- 28/09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
Course summary
Explore Earth’s history through fossils and rocks, and unlock the evolutionary journey and diversity of ancient life, from the grandeur of dinosaurs to the subtlety of microfossils. combining fieldwork with scientific study to understand past climates, life, and natural processes. Equipping you with the skills to tackle environmental challenges and pursue careers in areas such as research, conservation, or resource management.
In year 3, you’ll embark on an exciting adventure, studying at a prestigious partner institution overseas. You’ll dive into diverse geological environments, complete an Independent Earth Sciences Research Project, and engage in unique project work. With placements at top international universities, recent students have explored Canada, Australia, the USA, Singapore, Japan, Swede, France, New Zealand, and beyond. This year abroad will deepen your learning and open up incredible new opportunities.
Why Study Palaeontology and Geology at Birmingham?
Embark on thrilling fieldwork adventures - What better way to text your skills and learn new ones than hands on experience. Have the chance to travel to International locations Including Spain, Scotland, and the USA await, with all travel and accommodation costs fully covered.
Learn from top paleobiologic experts - Our staff are experts in there field currently conducting cutting-edge research in diverse ecosystems.
Accredited - Geological Society of London ensure top-tier professional training.
Explore the Lapworth Museum of Geology - Our unique facilities include the Lapworth Museum of Geology. Which has more than 250,000 specimens some over 500 million years old. As one of the oldest specialist designated and accredited geological museums in the UK, this is an invaluable study resource at your disposal.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site
Study options
- MSci • Full-time with time abroad • 4 Years
Start dates
- 28/09/2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- FC70
- Institution code:
- B32
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Birmingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- FC70
- Institution code:
- B32
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAB
AAB Including 1 Required Science:Biology/ Chemistry/Computing/Electronics/Environmental Studies/Further Maths/Geography/Geology/Human Biology/ Maths/ Physics/ Psychology/Statistics/ PE
Specified subjects excluded for entry: General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
We welcome students studying BTEC qualifications as an alternative to A levels, and accept BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Extended Certificate. Please contact us for further guidance.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
6,6,5 in Higher Level subjects plus 32 points overall. Including HL in 1 Required Science
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Accepted in place of a non-required A level with the equivalent grade.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Accepted in place of A levels with the following grade equivalencies: D2 = A*; D3 = A; M2 = B. Combinations of A levels and Principle subjects are accepted. NB required subjects must be offered (see A level Section)
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
The most common grades on entry for this course are below our standard offer. These include students admitted with alternative offers through our contextual admissions schemes. These are typically 1 or 2 grades below the standard offer. You can find information on these schemes using the link below.
You can check your eligibility to receive an offer for this course using our Offer Calculator using the same link.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9790 | 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
For details of the annual tuition fee for International Students please see the course web page listed in the 'course details' section above.
If you are made an offer to study by the University, the yearly tuition fee will be stated in your offer letter.
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