Programme structure: Palaeobiology (MSc) - what's running in 2026/27

Please note: Programme and unit information may change as the relevant academic field develops. We may also make changes to the structure of programmes and assessments to improve the student experience.

    What do the Levels represent?

    What do the teaching blocks (TB) mean?

    If you are selecting optional units, ensure that you have a balanced workload through the year.

  • Year 1 (2026/27)

The must pass units are Professional Skills in Palaeobiology EASCM0067, Research Methods in Palaeobiology EASCM0069 and Thesis EASCM1016. For the definition of must pass units please see the Glossary of Terms from Annex 1 to the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.

Students are able to take this programme on a part-time basis over two years. Part-time students will enrol on a selection of the units listed below and then take the others in their second year. All mandatory units must be completed over the course of the programme. The Thesis is completed in Year 2.

Unit name Unit code Credit points Status Teaching Block
Advanced Vertebrate Palaeobiology and Biomechanics EASCM0055 20 Mandatory TB-1
Fossils and Phylogenies EASCM0068 20 Mandatory TB-1
Life and the Planet EASCM0070 20 Mandatory TB-1B
Professional Skills in Palaeobiology EASCM0067 20 Mandatory TB-2
Research Methods in Palaeobiology EASCM0069 40 Mandatory TB-2
Thesis (MSc Palaeobiology) EASCM1016 60 Mandatory AYEAR
Msc Palaeobiology   180    

Award requirements

The pass mark set by the University for any level 7 unit is 50 out of 100.

For detailed rules on the award of credit, reassessment and award of a qualification please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.

Degree classifications:

A classification will be awarded in the following qualifications:

  • Taught postgraduate Masters degree, including a Master of Research (MRes)
  • Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates where these are specifically named entry-level qualifications
  • Exit awards of Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates in designated programmes (as described in the programme specification) where students choose to withdraw from the intended programme but otherwise achieve the necessary credit points for the exit award.

A classification is not awarded for exit awards where students are required to withdraw from the programme on academic grounds.

The overall final programme mark is calculated as the average of all unit marks in the programme, weighted by credit point value.

The classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as follows:

  • Distinction = final programme mark of 70+
  • Merit = final programme mark of 60-69
  • Pass = final programme mark of 50-59
  • Fail = final programme mark of 49 or less

* The MA in Law has separate regulations for awarding distinction and merit.

Diploma/certificate stages:

To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 100 must be at level 7.

To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level 7.