This international Master's (MA) programme in Geosciences with a focus on palaeobiology is aimed at students who are passionate about palaeontology and want advanced training in both theoretical concepts and modern quantitative approaches. The course of study emphasizes palaeobiology, macroevolution and macroecology, preparing students to address large-scale evolutionary and ecological questions using contemporary methods.
Core teaching builds specialist knowledge through modules such as analytical palaeobiology, phylogenetics, biostratigraphy, vertebrate palaeobiology and science communication. Students can broaden their training with a range of supplementary options, including field excursions, short-term research projects and tailored workshops in computational and laboratory techniques.
Throughout the programme students gain a broad set of professional and transferable skills: rigorous data analysis and interpretation, planning and executing research projects, awareness of research ethics, hypothesis testing and problem-solving. Training also covers how to communicate scientific results effectively via written reports, oral presentations and graphical displays.
This two-year (four-semester) Master’s programme is taught over three semesters of taught courses followed by a fourth semester devoted entirely to the Master’s thesis. In addition to the regular semester courses, the curriculum includes supplementary block courses and organised field excursions to various destinations across Europe, giving hands-on experience with field methods and specimen-based study.
The degree is built around two complementary modules. The Palaeobiology major delivers a strong theoretical foundation in macroevolution, ecology, palaeoenvironmental reconstruction and the statistical methods used to analyse palaeobiological data. The Climate and Earth Systems minor emphasises individual field- and specimen-based projects and provides an environmental and geochemical perspective that supports interdisciplinary collaboration. Students also develop practical professional skills such as preparing funding applications and advanced scientific writing and communication.
Upon successful completion students are awarded an MSc in Geosciences (Palaeobiology). Graduates leave the programme with a combination of analytical, field and communication competencies suited to research roles, further doctoral study, museum and collections work, or consultancy and environmental assessment roles where palaeo- and earth-system perspectives are needed.
Requirements / core components
This programme requires applicants to hold a relevant undergraduate degree and to have strong English skills. A Bachelor’s degree in Geosciences or a closely related discipline is expected. Commonly accepted backgrounds include Geoscience- and Biology-related degrees (for example: Earth Sciences, Biosciences, Environmental Sciences, Palaeontology), though candidates from other academic areas have been admitted in the past.
The medium of instruction is English, so you must demonstrate adequate English language proficiency. Before submitting an application you will also need to prepare a set of supporting documents — the programme website lists the exact materials and application procedures.
Winter Semester (International)
Please see our website for the most up-to-date application deadlines:https://palaeobiology.nat.fau.de/.Please note that it is highly recommended that applicants who come from countries that require a lengthy visa process apply as soon as possible.
Graduates are prepared for research and specialist roles in academia, museums and collections, geological surveys, environmental and conservation consultancies, and industries that use palaeontological and stratigraphic expertise (e.g. regional environmental assessment). The programme’s strong quantitative, laboratory and field components also suit careers in data analysis, environmental monitoring, and science communication.
Graduates are well positioned to pursue PhD research in palaeobiology, macroevolution or related Earth-system sciences. Transferable skills gained — including data analysis and interpretation, research project planning, scientific writing, and oral presentation — enhance employability across interdisciplinary teams and international projects in both public and private sectors.