Palaeontology and Geobiology MScR

The University of Edinburgh

We are one of the leading centres of palaeontology and geobiology research in the UK and globally. Our MScR degree is the only such programme in palaeontology and geobiology in the UK.

Edinburgh has an excellent public and academic presence in Palaeobiology and Geobiology.

The programme leaders Steve Brusatte and Rachel Wood are leading researchers in the field whose research focuses on key questions like the: origin of major groups of animals; interaction between evolution and environmental change; genealogical relationships of living and extinct species; influence of mass extinctions on the history of life.

Along with being regularly published in leading journals, their work has been extensively profiled by the popular press, and they are keen science writers and communicators.

You will work closely with one or more faculty members on an intensive Master’s level research project.

Typically the supervisor and research project are assigned before you are accepted onto the course, through one-on-one communication with a potential supervisor over email or phone.

Therefore, you need to make contact with your potential supervisor(s) before applying. Training is particular to each research project, and is conducted both one-on-one with the supervisor(s) and in larger groups.

Methods training is therefore diverse and might involve understanding how to describe skeletal anatomy from CT scans, to employing geochemical methods using the School of GeoSciences unique instrumentation.

This programme will provide you with a strong background for independent research to PhD level or for an applied career in museums, libraries, management or the media. On successful completion of the programme, you will know key concepts and methodological approaches concerning your chosen research topic.