MSci Palaeontology and Geology
About this course
Master in Science in Palaeontology and Geology MSci, an Earth and Environmental Sciences degree focused on the history of life and earth systems. Core topics include Data Analysis, Research Methods, and Project Management. Students complete an independent research project and an international field trip. The first year introduces environmental systems, earth history, and animal biology through modules such as Applied GIS and Data Science, Earth History and Life, and Introduction to Evolution and Animal Biology. The second year covers resource impacts, field planning, and palaeoecology with modules like Earth Resources, Environmental Impacts and Sustainability, Field Skills and Research Project Planning, and Sedimentology. The third year advances into specialised topics and professional preparation, featuring modules such as Palaeontology Field and Museum Skills, Earth Sciences Research Project, and Evolution of Vertebrates, alongside choices including Professional Placement and Exploring the Energy Transition.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A Level: AAB Including 1 Required Science. IB: 6,6,5 32 points overall Including HL in 1 Required Science. BTEC: 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.
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What students say
Based on about 9 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 98%
- Learning opportunities: 80%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 85%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 57%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 45 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 27 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Conservation and environment professionals: 20%
- Administrative occupations: 15%
- Engineering professionals: 15%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 90 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 8%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 4%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 36%
- East of England: 9%
- London: 7%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 8%
- Wales: 3%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 45 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 95%
- Other qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- LC Applied GIS and Data Science
- LC Connected Earth: Environmental Systems and Change
- LC Discover Geography Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES): Academic and Professional Futures
- LC Earth History and Life
- LC Earth Science Field and Research Skills
- LC Introduction to Evolution and Animal Biology
- LI Earth Resources, Environmental Impacts and Sustainability
- LI Field Skills and Research Project Planning
- LI Palaeoecology
- LI Sedimentology
- LC Genetics I
- LI Animal Biology: Principles and Mechanisms
- LI Digital data capture and analysis
- LI Ecological Systems
- LI Evolution of Humans and Other Animals
- LI Geological Natural Hazards
- LI Hydrology and River Management
- LH Palaeontology Field and Museum Skills
- LH Earth Sciences Research Project
- LH Climate change in the Earth System
- LH Conservation Practice: Genes to Ecosystems
- LH Conservation: theory into practice
- LH Evolution of Vertebrates
- LH Evolutionary Palaeobiology
- LH Exploring the Energy Transition
- LH Palaeoclimates
- LH Professional Placement
- LH Responses to Global Environmental Change
- LI Genetics II
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Palaeontology and Geology at University of Birmingham earn?
The median salary is £26,500 after 15 months, £26,500 after 3 years, £31,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,000 and £41,000. The £31,500 median after five years is £500 less than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of MSci Palaeontology and Geology at University of Birmingham do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Palaeontology and Geology at University of Birmingham?
98% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Palaeontology and Geology at University of Birmingham?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 140 UCAS points.
Is MSci Palaeontology and Geology at University of Birmingham accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
Does MSci Palaeontology and Geology at University of Birmingham include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on MSci Palaeontology and Geology at University of Birmingham?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.