Palaeontology

The Institute of Organismic Biology at the University of Bonn is the only institution in Germany offering a Master of Science programme in Palaeontology. This programme is designed around interdisciplinary, research-oriented courses in both the geosciences and biosciences, with a focus on understanding the patterns and processes that have shaped the evolution of life and its environments throughout Earth’s history. The Institute is dedicated to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and is committed to preparing future leaders across the natural sciences. A distinctive strength of the Master's programme lies in its diverse faculty, whose expertise spans vertebrate palaeontology, invertebrate palaeontology, micropalaeontology, and palaeobotany. Students can also elect modules in geoscience, organismic evolution and palaeobiology. This breadth of specialisation allows the programme to offer a wide range of courses that equip students with knowledge and skills highly valued in both academia and beyond. The Master's programme is primarily intended for applicants with a strong interest in palaeontology, evolutionary biology, and the history of life on Earth. Proficiency in English is essential for attending lectures, participating in exercises, fieldwork, and student projects, as well as for completing examinations. PDF Download