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Palaeontologist

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Primary Secondary

A palaeontologist studies life from the past by examining fossils and ancient rocks. They piece together how animals and plants lived, how climates changed, and how our planet evolved. Work can involve field trips to uncover fossils, lab analysis, and writing reports or papers to share discoveries with other scientists. In the UK, important fossil sites and museums offer opportunities to learn and contribute to our understanding of natural history.

Palaeontologist

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📊 Statistics

Salary range UK

Typical starting salaries are around 22 000 to 28 000 pounds per year for graduates, with mid level roles often between 28 000 and 45 000 pounds, and senior positions or specialised roles can exceed 55 000 pounds per year.

Job market

Palaeontologists work in museums, universities and research organisations. The career is competitive with a relatively small number of permanent posts in the UK each year.

Education needed

Most palaeontologists have a degree in palaeontology or a related science, followed by a masters or PhD for research roles and career progression.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Museum curator

Helplook after dinosaur bones fossils and exhibits in a museum and explain them to visitors and school groups

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Paleontologist field assistant

Assist researchers while they search for fossils on digs and record discoveries and measurements

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Science writer

Create kid friendly articles and guides about prehistoric life for magazines, websites or school projects

Stage 1: Interest and foundation

Explore fossils and online resources

Begin by learning about fossils, rocks, and ancient life.

Use school library books or trusted online resources to learn the basics about fossils, geological time, and famous fossil discoveries. Visit natural history museums or join school science clubs to talk with people who study palaeontology. Take notes on questions you have to guide future learning.

Take a science course that fits

Choose GCSE or equivalent courses that cover biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science.

Focus on subjects that help you understand fossils, rocks, and fossils dating. If possible, choose an optional science or geography project related to fossils or the Earth’s history. Build good study habits and ask for help from teachers to deepen your understanding.

Start a fossil friendly project

Do a small project such as a fossil diary or a model of a prehistoric ecosystem.

Document what you learn, create simple diagrams, and present your findings to teachers or peers. This helps you practise explanation and science communication, which are important in palaeontology.

Stage 2: Skills and training

Pursue science focused education

Aim for strong grades in science and geography/geology.

In later stages, plan to study A levels or equivalents in biology, chemistry, physics, geography or geology. Develop practical lab skills, data analysis, and critical thinking. Seek opportunities for science clubs or local museum internships.

Develop field and lab skills

Learn basic fieldwork and lab techniques through courses or clubs.

Look for local universities or science centres offering short courses or workshops on fossils, rock dating, or specimen handling. Practise measuring, documenting, and curating simple samples with care and safety in mind.

Build data and writing skills

Practice recording observations and writing clear reports.

Scientists must explain findings clearly. Keep a lab notebook, learn how to present graphs, and practise writing short summaries of your work for peers or teachers.

Stage 3: Higher education and specialisation

Choose a palaeontology related degree

Apply for university courses in palaeontology, geology, geography, or earth sciences.

Look for programmes that offer fossil analysis, fieldwork, or museum internships. Some courses may be flexible and allow you to specialise later in vertebrate palaeontology, invertebrate palaeontology, or palaeoecology. Plan to engage with field trips and laboratory research.

Gain practical experience

Seek placements, internships or volunteering with museums or research groups.

Contact local museums, universities or natural history organisations to ask about volunteering. Fieldwork experience, even as a helper, is highly valuable. Develop professional references and learn how to handle specimens responsibly.

Specialise and research

Choose a niche within palaeontology and contribute to research.

Work on a dissertation or final year project advising by a supervisor. Learn about research methods, fossil dating techniques, and how to present findings to scientific communities.

Stage 4: Career development and opportunities

Enter the workforce or academia

Look for roles in research, museums, universities, or field projects.

Early career roles can include research assistant positions, collections management, or field technicians. Continue publishing findings, attend conferences, and network with professionals in the field. Consider pursuing further study for a PhD if you want to lead research projects.

Share knowledge with the public

Communicate discoveries through talks, exhibitions, or outreach.

Palaeontologists often work with museums or education teams to explain science to the public. Develop skills in science communication, create simple explainers, and contribute to online articles or school programmes.

Continue learning and fieldwork

Palaeontology is a long learning journey with ongoing field and lab work.

Stay curious, keep up with new techniques, and consider joining professional societies. Regular field seasons and collaborations keep your work active and relevant.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Palaeontologist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

No career progressions found for Palaeontologist

Sample Qualifications

How to become

You can get into this job through a university course.

University

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

Volunteering

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.

More Information

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.

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