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Durham University: Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology
| Institution | Durham University View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | Archaeology |
| Web | durham.ac.uk |
| Telephone | 0191 334 1000 |
| Study type | Taught |
Summary
This fascinating MSc, with its strong international humanitarian focus and alignment with UN sustainability goals of peace and justice, equips you with the skills and knowledge to work or carry out research in the sensitive, and at times, highly emotive, field of forensic archaeology and anthropology. The course is informed by innovative work carried out by researchers in the Department of Archaeology.
Taking a hands-on approach to learning, this intensive course gives you the opportunity to experience activities such as the extensive analysis of human skeletal remains and get involved in a range of mock scenarios including excavating ‘mass graves’ and creating osteoprofiles as well as mock courtroom experiences when you will serve as an expert witness.
We curate an extensive human skeletal collection in the Department, and you will receive access to the human bone laboratory for independent study. You will also gain experience in a range of biomolecular techniques of analysis in state-of-the-art research facilities that include laboratories in DNA, conservation, isotope analysis, environmental archaeology, luminescence dating, paleopathology and bone chemistry.
You will learn how to apply this knowledge and these techniques to different forensic scenarios and acquire the grounding to perform further research in forensic archaeology and anthropology or achieve a rewarding professional career, either within forensics or elsewhere.
Course Structure Core modules
Research Skills in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology gives you the opportunity to develop an advanced understanding of key concepts, research methods, study and presentation skills in forensic archaeology and anthropology and has some overlap with the Research and Study Skills in Archaeological Science module. Other lectures are specific to the forensic element of the module including the ethics and legislative requirements of forensic archaeology, frameworks of standardisation of practice, specialist report writing and formulating forensic strategies.
Osteoprofiling studies normal anatomy and physiology of the skeleton so you will learn to recognise abnormal anatomy and become familiar with basic methods of analysis relevant for human and osteology. You will receive extensive practical experience in constructing an osteological profile.
Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology: Theory and Practice focuses on forensic archaeology and anthropology within a global humanitarian forensic context, including examples of genocide, disaster victim identification, and refugee crises. You will also develop practical skills in the laboratory and during a simulated 'mass grave' location and excavation exercise.
The Dissertation is an opportunity for you to carry out research and demonstrate research skills in a particular area of the course of your choice. Under the guidance of your assigned dissertation supervisor, you will familiarise yourself with published literature on a specific topic, develop a research design, collect data and draw conclusions.
MSc
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Candidates are expected to have a minimum of a 2.1 degree or equivalent. You might have a UG degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Forensic or Crime Scene Science. However, students from a wide variety of backgrounds are admitted, including students with undergraduate degrees in Natural and Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geography, as well Classics and History. IELTS 7.0 or above with no component below 6.5; TOEFL IBT (Internet Based Test) 102 or above (with no component below 25). |
| Location | Durham City Palatine Centre Durham DH1 3HP |
Fees
| England | 12900 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 12900 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 12900 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 12900 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 12900 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 26500 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 26500 GBP for Year 1 |
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Candidates are expected to have a minimum of a 2.1 degree or equivalent. You might have a UG degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Forensic or Crime Scene Science. However, students from a wide variety of backgrounds are admitted, including students with undergraduate degrees in Natural and Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geography, as well Classics and History. IELTS 7.0 or above with no component below 6.5; TOEFL IBT (Internet Based Test) 102 or above (with no component below 25). |
| Location | Durham City Palatine Centre Durham DH1 3HP |
Fees
| England | 7100 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 7100 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 7100 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 7100 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 7100 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 14600 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 14600 GBP for Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | 14600 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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