Palaeontologist

You'll usually need to complete a first degree followed by further study for postgraduate qualifications at master's or PhD level.

Subjects include:

• botany
• Earth sciences
• geology
• palaeontology
• zoology
• biological science

Employers like universities or research institutions will expect you to have completed, or be working towards, a PhD in your specialist area of interest in palaeontology.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

Volunteering at your local museum can help you learn more about palaeontology, especially where the museum has a fossil collection.

You can also get involved in activities organised by geology and fossil hunting societies, like Rockwatch .

Professional and Industry Bodies

You can join The Palaeontology Association for professional development opportunities and to make contacts in the profession.

Further Information

You can find more information about how to become a palaeontologist from The Palaeontological Association and the Natural History Museum .

As a palaeontologist, you could:

• collect samples and data from field trips and museum collections
• examine specimens in the lab, using technology like CT scanning
• analyse data and catalogue fossil specimens
• carry out research and publish findings
• plan and deliver lectures to students
• give talks and manage displays and exhibitions
• provide expert advice for broadcasters and publishers

You could work in a laboratory, in a museum, at a university or visit sites.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and you may spend nights away from home.