About the course

Palaeontology addresses how the origin and evolution of life is intricately linked with the geological history of the Earth. Through the fossil record you will explore topics such as evolutionary diversity, exceptional preservation and palaeoclimates. We will cover key groups of invertebrate fossils, vertebrate fossils and microfossils, investigating major concepts such as the origin of life, patterns of evolution and extinction, the importance of exceptional fossil assemblages, and the relationship between ecology and evolution. You will also learn about the geological context in which fossils occur. This includes the environments where fossils became preserved, the age of the rocks that contain them, and biases resulting from geological processes. Furthermore, fossils provide crucial information for understanding current changes in ecosystems and the climate. The first-year modules will lay the foundations in palaeontology and across the breadth of the geosciences, and include a field-trip to the beautiful Isle of Arran in Scotland. Also, by choosing the Geology with Palaeontology degree when you apply, you will be assigned to a personal tutor who is a specialist in the field. In the second year, you will develop your skills and understanding across the geosciences, and start to specialise through a bespoke palaeontology module on major events in the history of life, and by choosing a palaeontological focus for your independent fieldwork. In the third year, you will develop specialist expertise through modules on vertebrates and microfossils, plus a dissertation on a palaeontological topic of your choice, and a specialist field trip. Your knowledge of palaeontology will also complement other modules including second-year climate change and the third-year optional module on stable isotopes. Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 3 Year(s)Fees: GB£67,800

Intake	Location
Term 1 (September), 2024	Leicester
Term 1 (September), 2025	Leicester

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for University of Leicester

A-levels: ABB including at least two from: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Maths, Use of Maths or Physics.

　　EPQ with A-levels: BBB + EPQ at grade B. A-level subjects to include two from Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Maths, Use of Maths or Physics.

　　GCSE: Grade C/4 in English Language and Maths.

　　Access to HE Diploma: Pass science diploma with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at Distinction. To include Physics, Chemistry and Maths Level 3 credits.

　　International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 30 points with a minimum of 16 points at HL, including 5 points in two science subjects at HL. Minimum of 3 in HL Maths, or 4 in SL Maths, or 5 in Maths Studies required if grade C/4 not held at GCSE. Minimum of 4 in English Language required if grade C/4 not held at GCSE.

　　BTEC Nationals: Pass Diploma with DDD (Science Related). Please contact department regarding eligibility..

　　IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

　　TOEFL iBT - 80

　　

English language requirements

　　6.0

　　Overall IELTS band score

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　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 80.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomesIf you aren’t eligible for the above entry requirements, you might want to explore pathway options at University of Leicester. If you want to find out more, please speak to our counsellors.

　　Pathway options to study at this institution

　　

Reviews and rankings

World ranking

　　201st / 1250

　　THE World ranking38th / 130

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