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Bachelor of
Science (Palaeontology)
Entry requirements
Key information
VIEWING DOMESTIC
VIEWING INTERNATIONAL
Start dates
March
July
Delivery mode*
In person
(Bedford Park)
IELTS Overall
6.0
Speaking: 6.0
Writing: 6.0
Pearson Overall
50
CRICOS code
098228C
Duration
3 years full-time
Delivery mode
In person (on campus)
Bedford Park
Start dates
March
July
Annual fee
$43,500 (2026)
About these fees
From the lab to the dig site
Dinosaurs might be extinct - but your passion for them doesn’t have to be.
At Flinders, you can study Australia’s only dedicated Bachelor of Science (Palaeontology) and turn your love of ancient life into a hands-on science career.
Whether you’re fascinated by fossils, ecosystems, or evolution, you’ll explore the Earth’s history through real fieldwork, research and lab analysis - with guidance from world-leading palaeontologists.
Turn your childhood passion into a scientific profession
Palaeontology offers a wide range of career opportunities. With the increasing focus on understanding our planet's history and evolution, the demand for skilled palaeontologists is on the rise.
Salary
$92K
average starting salary in Australia
Palaeontologist
As a palaeontologist, you’ll study ancient life through fossil records, helping us understand evolution, past environments, and even the future of climate and biodiversity. In Australia, this can include working in academic research, contributing to museum collections, and conducting field expeditions in fossil-rich regions like South Australia and Queensland. Many palaeontologists also publish scientific research, consult on environmental assessments, or teach.
You could specialise in dinosaurs, megafauna, marine life, or microfossils, and work in universities, museums, heritage agencies and environmental science firms.
Museum curator
Museum curators with a background in palaeontology manage fossil collections, develop public exhibits, and support education programs. They often combine scientific expertise with communication and outreach, collaborating with researchers, schools and cultural institutions.
Jobs
1,300
Employed
Salary
$100K
typical salary in Australia
Sources: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024 | Seek Australia, 2024
Science communicator
Translate palaeontological research into engaging content for museums, documentaries, or science media.
Heritage officer
Assess fossil sites of national or cultural significance and advise on conservation strategies. Often employed by local councils or government.
Geoscience technician
Work in mining, research or environmental sectors preparing and analysing geological samples.
Environmental consultant
Advise developers or governments on land use, integrating fossil data and site heritage considerations.
What will you study to start your career in palaeontology?
At Flinders, palaeontology isn’t just a subject - it’s the main event.
You’ll study Earth’s history, fossil formation, comparative anatomy, and evolutionary biology.
You’ll spend time in the field and the lab, learning how to find, prepare and analyse real fossils.
And in your final year, you’ll put your knowledge to the test with a research project, working alongside world-renowned experts in Australia’s most active palaeontology research program.
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
In your first year, you'll study core topics and your choice of two elective topics.
Year 1 - Core topics
Your first year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
- Molecular Basis of Life
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Communicating STEM
- Evolution of Biological Diversity
- Biostatistics
- 2 elective topics
In your second year, you'll study core topics and your choice of elective topics.
Year 2 - Core topics
Your second year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
In your third year, you'll study core topics and your choice of two option topics. You'll also get hands-on experience with placement opportunities or undertake an research project.
Year 3 - Core topics
Your third year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
Get inspired.
Discover more about Flinders University’s Bachelor of Science (Palaeontology).
“There is no doubt Flinders is the best choice for palaeontology students, not only in Adelaide, but across Australia. Their department is world-class, and their teachers more so.”
Cate Sexton
Bachelor of Science (Palaeontology) and Bachelor of Archaeology
“The course is well organised, and I am able to experience much of what it is like to be a palaeontologist and gain the relevant knowledge for my career.”
Reece Wilczek
Bachelor of Science (Palaeontology)
“The faculty of the Palaeontology department at Flinders are some of the most knowledgeable in their fields and represent an incredible boon to students.”
Fraser Brown
Bachelor of Science (Palaeontology)
Flinders offers a vibrant, fun, supportive uni experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Need support?
From cultural, health and wellbeing services, to study and financial support, enrolment advice and more, we’re here to help.
Student clubs
Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you’ll find out about events, club memberships and extracurricular activities.
Campus facilities
Flinders’ campuses are hubs of activity, with retail and food outlets, library spaces, study and chill spaces and more.
Learn from the experts.
Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.
Professor Gavin Prideaux
Gavin Prideaux is a professor at Flinders University, specializing in palaeontology and evolutionary biology. He leads research on the evolution and extinction of Australian vertebrates, particularly marsupials. Gavin has published numerous scientific papers and has been involved in various high-impact research projects.
He is also a passionate educator, teaching courses related to palaeontology and evolutionary biology. Gavin's work has significantly contributed to the understanding of Australia's unique fauna, making him a respected figure in the field of palaeontology
Dr Aaron Camens
Aaron is a palaeontologist with a passion for uncovering Australia’s ancient past. His research focuses on the evolution of Australia’s unique animal life, using fossils to understand how ecosystems have changed over millions of years.
He has worked at fossil sites across Australia, New Zealand and Madagascar, with a recent focus on the arid interior of Australia. From giant extinct marsupials to fossil footprints, Aaron’s work combines anatomy, ecology and geology to piece together the story of life before humans. He’s also a dedicated educator and course lecturer, helping students explore the deep history of life through hands-on fieldwork and fossil discovery.
Dr Alice Clement
Alice is an evolutionary biologist and palaeontologist who studies some of the most important steps in our evolutionary history. Her research focuses on the transition from fins to limbs and the move from water to land, using cutting-edge imaging to explore fossil fish and early tetrapods from nearly 400 million years ago.
She leads research into early vertebrate brain evolution and is passionate about understanding how ancient changes still shape the animals around us today. Alice also champions science outreach through the Virtual Australian Museum of Palaeontology and is a strong advocate for women in STEM. Her teaching connects students to big questions about our origins and the deep history of life.
Concerned about your ATAR? If it doesn't meet the course requirement, or if you don't receive one, we offer alternative pathways to admission. Contact us to discuss your options—we're here to help.
- Entry requirements
- Application options
If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through Flinders University Academy – or our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.
This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.
If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice.
How to apply
Select your course.
Check entry requirements.
Check your eligibility for credit.
Obtain certified documents.
Submit your application and documents.
Application options.
Apply online
Follow up our step-by-step guide to help you with your application to study at Flinders.
Find an agent
Our registered education agents around the world understand the university system and will guide you through the application process.
Contact us
Get in touch with our team to discuss your preferences, career options, pathways, and course and entry requirements. We are here to ensure you have everything you need to choose the right degree for you.
Don't meet academic requirements? Don't worry. We'll help you get there.
Preparatory courses
If you lack required English proficiency, improve through Flinders University Academy or approved ELICOS providers for direct university entry without IELTS/TOEFL tests.
Flinders University Academy
If you do not meet entry requirements for your desired degree, Flinders University Academy will provide you with a direct pathway into the destination degree of your choice.
Frequently asked questions.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
Yes! Flinders offers the only named Bachelor of Science (Palaeontology) in the country - with specialist teaching and research opportunities.
Fieldwork is part of the fun - but you’ll also spend time in labs, libraries and lecture theatres. Enthusiasm is more important than survival skills!
Yes - many graduates go on to work in collections, research, education or exhibit design.
Dinosaurs are part of it—but you’ll also study ancient fish, marine reptiles, megafauna, and microscopic life from throughout Earth’s history.
Yes! Field trips and fossil excavations are a core part of your practical learning experience.
You might help describe a new species, study bone microstructure, or analyse a fossil site’s ancient ecosystem.
- Applications are completed via SATAC
- Visit: satac.edu.au
The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2024. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published
| ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds | ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors | Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors |
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 99.40 | 99.95 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 73.35 | 77.78 |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 57.75 | 65.50 |
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2024 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students
| Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 46 | 34% |
| Vocational education and training (VET) study | <5 | <5 |
| Work and life experience | 11 | 8% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 37 | 28% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | <5 | 2 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 17 | 13% |
| International Students | 18 | 13% |
| All students | 134 | 100% |
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CRICOS Provider: 00114A TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12097 TEQSA category: Australian University