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Durham University: Human Bioarchaeology and Palaeopathology
| Institution | Durham University View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | Archaeology |
| Web | durham.ac.uk |
| Telephone | 0191 334 1000 |
| Study type | Taught |
Summary
Course details This MSc, offering a holistic view of the body and society in the study and interpretation of research into human remains, is unique in the academic world and will prepare you for a fascinating career in professional archaeology or in further research into this vitally important area. You will learn about the role of the human skeleton as one of the most important sources of evidence for understanding the past as a result of its active relationship with the social, mental and physical nature of living in a particular environment and at a particular time in history. Taking a hands-on, highly practical approach to learning, the course provides the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge through a carefully designed blend of lectures, seminars and laboratory-based work where the focus is on osteoprofiling as well as health and disease.
Why Durham University? The Department of Archaeology is home to one of the largest postgraduate communities in Europe who benefit from world class academic teaching and leading-edge facilities to be able to pursue their passion for studying the past, interpreting the present and understanding the future. Archaeology at Durham brings together cutting-edge theory and dynamic practice to produce world-class archaeological research. By combining the latest academic thinking with some of the best laboratory and fieldwork resources around, we offer the opportunity to study this fascinating subject at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The wide-ranging courses are research-led and delivered by staff who are recognised experts in specialisms that span world, European and British archaeology from the last ice age to the post-medieval period. Our taught courses provide the ideal grounding for further academic research at a higher level but also offer essential preparation for entering a professional career. They include MA Museum and Artefact Studies, MA International Cultural Heritage Management, and MA Conservation of Archaeological and Museum Objects, all of which have strong vocational themes.
Facilities The Department of Archaeology has a reputation for excellence and connections across the world. We are home to state-of-the-art laboratories, specialist technology and some of the best library resources in the UK. We have project rooms with interactive technology, teaching laboratories, a computer suite, a photographic studio and scientific research laboratories in DNA, conservation, isotopes, environmental archaeology, luminescence dating, palaeopathology and bone chemistry, many of which are used as learning resources for out postgraduate community. Taught courses and researchers alike benefit from our status as co-owners of a UNESCO World Heritage site and the extensive range of library, museum and artefact collection resources on offer at Durham.
Career Opportunities In a Department that spans both research activity and practical archaeological skills, you are well-placed to continue your studies or fulfil your career aspirations in professional employment. We have developed the structure and contents of courses in such a way as to support your desire to pursue a PhD or undertake further academic work in whatever form. For a rewarding and stimulating professional career, our teaching strategy develops your skills in teamwork, practical and intellectual problem-solving and analysis of evidence, which are highly sought after by employers. We offer courses that prepare you for a career in professional archaeology, or in the increasingly significant conservation, heritage, or museums sectors. You will also be well-placed for roles in tourism, environmental agencies as well as local and national government, teaching and law.
MSc
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A minimum of a second-class (2:1) degree or equivalent; GPA of 3.3 or above. "All self-financing overseas students are required to pay a £1000 tuition fee deposit if an offer from the Department of Archaeology is accepted. The tuition fee deposit is paid before the University issues a Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS) number, which is required in order to apply for a visa. A £500 deposit is also payable by Home applicants if an offer of a place from the Department of Archaeology is accepted." For International Country and Region specific qualifications please see: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/regional-pages/ Please check the Requirements and Admissions section of the course database for details and exact requirements. Guidance for Home Applicants You can apply to this course by clicking the link "Apply" at the top right of the page above Course Summary. This will redirect you to Durham University Post Graduate information page where you will be able to apply via the Post Graduate Applicant Portal. |
| Location | Durham City Palatine Centre Durham DH1 3HP |
Fees
| England | 13500 GBP for Whole course |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 13500 GBP for Whole course |
| Scotland | 13500 GBP for Whole course |
| Wales | 13500 GBP for Whole course |
| Channel Islands | 13500 GBP for Whole course |
| Republic of Ireland | 13500 GBP for Whole course |
| EU | 30500 GBP for Whole course |
| International | 30500 GBP for Whole course |
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A minimum of a second-class (2:1) degree or equivalent; GPA of 3.3 or above. "All self-financing overseas students are required to pay a £1000 tuition fee deposit if an offer from the Department of Archaeology is accepted. The tuition fee deposit is paid before the University issues a Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS) number, which is required in order to apply for a visa. A £500 deposit is also payable by Home applicants if an offer of a place from the Department of Archaeology is accepted." For International Country and Region specific qualifications please see: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/regional-pages/ Please check the Requirements and Admissions section of the course database for details and exact requirements. Guidance for Home Applicants You can apply to this course by clicking the link "Apply" at the top right of the page above Course Summary. This will redirect you to Durham University Post Graduate information page where you will be able to apply via the Post Graduate Applicant Portal. |
| Location | Durham City Palatine Centre Durham DH1 3HP |
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A minimum of a second-class (2:1) degree or equivalent; GPA of 3.3 or above. "All self-financing overseas students are required to pay a £1000 tuition fee deposit if an offer from the Department of Archaeology is accepted. The tuition fee deposit is paid before the University issues a Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS) number, which is required in order to apply for a visa. A £500 deposit is also payable by Home applicants if an offer of a place from the Department of Archaeology is accepted." For International Country and Region specific qualifications please see: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/regional-pages/ Please check the Requirements and Admissions section of the course database for details and exact requirements. Guidance for Home Applicants You can apply to this course by clicking the link "Apply" at the top right of the page above Course Summary. This will redirect you to Durham University Post Graduate information page where you will be able to apply via the Post Graduate Applicant Portal. |
| Location | Durham City Palatine Centre Durham DH1 3HP |
Fees
| England | 12800 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 12800 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 12800 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 12800 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 12800 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 29000 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 29000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A minimum of a second-class (2:1) degree or equivalent; GPA of 3.3 or above. "All self-financing overseas students are required to pay a £1000 tuition fee deposit if an offer from the Department of Archaeology is accepted. The tuition fee deposit is paid before the University issues a Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS) number, which is required in order to apply for a visa. A £500 deposit is also payable by Home applicants if an offer of a place from the Department of Archaeology is accepted." For International Country and Region specific qualifications please see: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/regional-pages/ Please check the Requirements and Admissions section of the course database for details and exact requirements. Guidance for Home Applicants You can apply to this course by clicking the link "Apply" at the top right of the page above Course Summary. This will redirect you to Durham University Post Graduate information page where you will be able to apply via the Post Graduate Applicant Portal. |
| Location | Durham City Palatine Centre Durham DH1 3HP |
Durham University
- World top 100 University: Joint 89th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
- UK top 10 University: 5th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and 6th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
- 7th in the Complete University Guide 2025
- World top 30 University for sustainability: 19th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
- 65th in the world in the category of Employer Reputation. QS World University Rankings 2025
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