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Durham University: Bioarchaeology
| Institution | Durham University View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | Archaeology |
| Web | durham.ac.uk |
| Telephone | 0191 334 1000 |
| Study type | Taught |
MSc
Summary
Our unique MSc in Bioarchaeology with its pathways in biomolecular archaeology and environmental archaeology provides an excellent academic opportunity for you to develop your fascination with the life of humans in the past through the study of biological materials found during archaeological activity.
You will join an exciting course that reflects the fast-paced world of bioarchaeology, where knowledge and understanding are constantly expanding as a result of new breakthroughs and discoveries. You will have the opportunity to work with the latest developments in archaeological science including human bioarchaeology and palaeopathology, stable isotope mass spectrometry, ancient DNA and environmental archaeology.
The course offers a choice of pathways that will be tailored to your interests. You can choose to specialise in a single branch of bioarchaeology, or to combine subjects to gain a broader overview of this rapidly changing field. Whichever pathway you choose, you will benefit from high quality training in analytical, research and communication skills.
The pathways are MSc Bioarchaeology, which provides a broad overview of bioarchaeology, MSc Bioarchaeology (Biomolecular Archaeology), which focuses on the study of stable isotopes and DNA extracted from biological materials and MSc Bioarchaeology (Environmental Archaeology) focusing on the study of animal bones, plant remains and soils from archaeological contexts.
You will carry out project and dissertation work where you will have the opportunity to play a key role in the creation and application of cutting-edge analytical methods to understand more about human life and environment in the past. The Department is not only at the forefront of creating globally significant innovative solutions in the application of biosciences to archaeological research but is also able to provide you with a supportive learning environment where your bioarchaeological ambitions can flourish.
**Course Structure**
**Core modules**
**Research and Study Skills in Archaeological Science** provides a high level of understanding of research methods, study and presentation skills in archaeological science, covering areas such as research ethics, writing and presentation skills, research designs and research application, computing and statistics.
**Topics in Archaeological Scienc**e equips you with the skills to explore and debate the current key topics and research themes in archaeology and to critically assess the scientific methods used and also facilitate the development of your original thinking to identify the gaps in knowledge and future research directions. You will find the emphasis will be placed on the need to critically evaluate the application, potential and limitations of a range of techniques and the importance of considering the archaeological context and question.
The **Dissertation** allows you to develop and demonstrate a range of skills learnt as part of the MSc in Bioarchaeology as well as investigate in depth your approved dissertation topic through library-based, practical, laboratory and/or field techniques. You will also produce a research design for an independent piece of work, perform the proposed work, analyse and present the evidence and provide clear arguments and conclusions.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A minimum of an upper second-class (2:1) degree (GPA 3.3.) or equivalent in Archaeology, Anthropology, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, or related disciplines. Relevant working experience will also be considered. One satisfactory reference is required. |
| Location | Durham University South Road Durham DH1 3LG |
Fees
| England | 11900 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 11900 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 11900 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 11900 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 11900 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 26500 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 26500 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
Our unique MSc in Bioarchaeology with its pathways in biomolecular archaeology and environmental archaeology provides an excellent academic opportunity for you to develop your fascination with the life of humans in the past through the study of biological materials found during archaeological activity.
You will join an exciting course that reflects the fast-paced world of bioarchaeology, where knowledge and understanding are constantly expanding as a result of new breakthroughs and discoveries. You will have the opportunity to work with the latest developments in archaeological science including human bioarchaeology and palaeopathology, stable isotope mass spectrometry, ancient DNA and environmental archaeology.
The course offers a choice of pathways that will be tailored to your interests. You can choose to specialise in a single branch of bioarchaeology, or to combine subjects to gain a broader overview of this rapidly changing field. Whichever pathway you choose, you will benefit from high quality training in analytical, research and communication skills.
The pathways are MSc Bioarchaeology, which provides a broad overview of bioarchaeology, MSc Bioarchaeology (Biomolecular Archaeology), which focuses on the study of stable isotopes and DNA extracted from biological materials and MSc Bioarchaeology (Environmental Archaeology) focusing on the study of animal bones, plant remains and soils from archaeological contexts.
You will carry out project and dissertation work where you will have the opportunity to play a key role in the creation and application of cutting-edge analytical methods to understand more about human life and environment in the past. The Department is not only at the forefront of creating globally significant innovative solutions in the application of biosciences to archaeological research but is also able to provide you with a supportive learning environment where your bioarchaeological ambitions can flourish.
**Course Structure**
**Core modules**
**Research and Study Skills in Archaeological Science** provides a high level of understanding of research methods, study and presentation skills in archaeological science, covering areas such as research ethics, writing and presentation skills, research designs and research application, computing and statistics.
**Topics in Archaeological Scienc**e equips you with the skills to explore and debate the current key topics and research themes in archaeology and to critically assess the scientific methods used and also facilitate the development of your original thinking to identify the gaps in knowledge and future research directions. You will find the emphasis will be placed on the need to critically evaluate the application, potential and limitations of a range of techniques and the importance of considering the archaeological context and question.
The **Dissertation** allows you to develop and demonstrate a range of skills learnt as part of the MSc in Bioarchaeology as well as investigate in depth your approved dissertation topic through library-based, practical, laboratory and/or field techniques. You will also produce a research design for an independent piece of work, perform the proposed work, analyse and present the evidence and provide clear arguments and conclusions.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A minimum of an upper second-class (2:1) degree (GPA 3.3.) or equivalent in Archaeology, Anthropology, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, or related disciplines. Relevant working experience will also be considered. One satisfactory reference is required. |
| Location | Durham University South Road Durham DH1 3LG |
Fees
| England | 6600 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 6600 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 6600 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 6600 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 6600 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 14600 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 14600 GBP for Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | 14600 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
Bioarchaeology is a branch of archaeology that focuses on the study of biological materials found in archaeological contexts to provide information about the life and environment of humans in the past. It is a fast-paced and continually evolving field, with new breakthroughs and discoveries emerging almost every month. Studying the subject at Durham University opens the door to the latest developments in archaeological science, including human bioarchaeology and palaeopathology, stable isotope mass spectrometry, ancient DNA, and environmental archaeology.
The Bioarchaeology Research Group at Durham works in cutting-edge laboratories, specialising and teaching in the areas of human health and well-being, diet and lifeways, human and animal identities, dispersals and mobility, the reconstruction of palaeoenvironments, and human-animal-environment relations. Many of the assemblages our students work with for their research derive from staff research projects, or the excavations of our in-house commercial unit, Archaeological Services.
Durham University’s unique MSc Bioarchaeology is aimed at inquisitive graduates from archaeology or science backgrounds, and those with professional experience in commercial archaeology or museums, who are interested in learning how biosciences can be applied to field research or museum collections. It provides high quality training in analytical, research, and communication skills, which prepares students for progression to doctoral research in bioarchaeology.
*Course Structure
The MSc Bioarchaeology comprises five modules totalling 180 credits, one of which is a compulsory research skills module (30 credits), one a compulsory bioarchaeology thematic module (30 credits) and one of which is a supervised research dissertation (60 credits). The remaining two modules (each 30 credits) differ according to the pathway selected through the degree.
*Potential routes:
*
The general Bioarchaeology degree will provide you with a broad understanding of bioarchaeology and does not place an emphasis on one particular specialism. You will be able to choose your optional modules from all of those on offer to MSc Bioarchaeology students. If you wish to specialise you may do so in either Environmental Archaeology or Biomolecular Archaeology and for these routes through the degree you will be required to take specific options.
**MSc Bioarchaeology (Biomolecular Archaeology)
The MSc Bioarchaeology (BA) enables you to specialise and focus your studies on biomolecular methods applied to organic remains recovered from archaeological sites, e.g. humans, animals, plants and soils. You will be able to gain expertise in the samples you wish to study and DNA and isotopic methods used to investigate them.
**MSc Bioarchaeology (Environmental Archaeology)
The MSc Bioarchaeology (EA) enables you to specialise and focus your studies on environmental methods applied to organic remains recovered from archaeological sites, e.g. animals, plants and soils. You will be able to gain expertise in the samples you wish to study and the methods used to investigate and reconstruct human-animal-environment interactions in the past.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A minimum of an upper second-class (2:1) degree (GPA 3.3.) or equivalent in Archaeology, Anthropology, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, or related disciplines. Relevant working experience will also be considered. One satisfactory reference is required. |
| Location | Durham University South Road Durham DH1 3LG |
Fees
| Republic of Ireland | 23750 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| EU | 23750 GBP for Year 1 |
| England | 11000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | 11000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 11000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 11000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 11000 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 23750 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
Bioarchaeology is a branch of archaeology that focuses on the study of biological materials found in archaeological contexts to provide information about the life and environment of humans in the past. It is a fast-paced and continually evolving field, with new breakthroughs and discoveries emerging almost every month. Studying the subject at Durham University opens the door to the latest developments in archaeological science, including human bioarchaeology and palaeopathology, stable isotope mass spectrometry, ancient DNA, and environmental archaeology.
The Bioarchaeology Research Group at Durham works in cutting-edge laboratories, specialising and teaching in the areas of human health and well-being, diet and lifeways, human and animal identities, dispersals and mobility, the reconstruction of palaeoenvironments, and human-animal-environment relations. Many of the assemblages our students work with for their research derive from staff research projects, or the excavations of our in-house commercial unit, Archaeological Services.
Durham University’s unique MSc Bioarchaeology is aimed at inquisitive graduates from archaeology or science backgrounds, and those with professional experience in commercial archaeology or museums, who are interested in learning how biosciences can be applied to field research or museum collections. It provides high quality training in analytical, research, and communication skills, which prepares students for progression to doctoral research in bioarchaeology.
*Course Structure
The MSc Bioarchaeology comprises five modules totalling 180 credits, one of which is a compulsory research skills module (30 credits), one a compulsory bioarchaeology thematic module (30 credits) and one of which is a supervised research dissertation (60 credits). The remaining two modules (each 30 credits) differ according to the pathway selected through the degree.
*Potential routes:
*
The general Bioarchaeology degree will provide you with a broad understanding of bioarchaeology and does not place an emphasis on one particular specialism. You will be able to choose your optional modules from all of those on offer to MSc Bioarchaeology students. If you wish to specialise you may do so in either Environmental Archaeology or Biomolecular Archaeology and for these routes through the degree you will be required to take specific options.
**MSc Bioarchaeology (Biomolecular Archaeology)
The MSc Bioarchaeology (BA) enables you to specialise and focus your studies on biomolecular methods applied to organic remains recovered from archaeological sites, e.g. humans, animals, plants and soils. You will be able to gain expertise in the samples you wish to study and DNA and isotopic methods used to investigate them.
**MSc Bioarchaeology (Environmental Archaeology)
The MSc Bioarchaeology (EA) enables you to specialise and focus your studies on environmental methods applied to organic remains recovered from archaeological sites, e.g. animals, plants and soils. You will be able to gain expertise in the samples you wish to study and the methods used to investigate and reconstruct human-animal-environment interactions in the past.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A minimum of an upper second-class (2:1) degree (GPA 3.3.) or equivalent in Archaeology, Anthropology, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, or related disciplines. Relevant working experience will also be considered. One satisfactory reference is required. |
| Location | Durham University South Road Durham DH1 3LG |
Fees
| Republic of Ireland | 13070 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| EU | 13070 GBP for Year 1 |
| England | 6050 GBP for Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | 6050 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 6050 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 6050 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 6050 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 13070 GBP for Year 1 |
Durham University
- World top 100 University: 78th in the QS World University Rankings 2024
- UK top 10 University: 7th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 and Guardian University Guide 2024
- 8th in the Complete University Guide
- 53rd in the QS World University rankings for Sustainability 2023
- 50th in the world in the category of Employer Reputation. QS World University Rankings 2024
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