Program Overview

Bioarchaeological Science, MSc

Overview

Bioarchaeological Science is at the forefront of the scientific study of the human past. This programme incorporates the study of human osteoarchaeology and palaeopathology along with the advanced study of human remains through genetic and isotopic analysis.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MSc
• Duration: 12 months or 24 months
• Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
• Start Month: September
• Location of Study: Aberdeen

What You'll Study

Semester 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Ancient Biomolecules (AY5011)
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
• Optional Courses:
  • Theory and Method in Research (AY5002)
  • Human Osteology (AY5008)

Semester 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Palaeogenetics (AY5507)
• Optional Courses:
  • Advanced Archaeological Approaches (AY5504)
  • Ancient Health and Disease (AY5506)

Semester 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Dissertation in Archaeological Science (AY5906)

Fee Information

• EU / International students: £22,000
• UK: £10,000

Scholarships

• All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship.

Entry Requirements

• Qualifications: 2:2 UK Honours degree, or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth in Archaeology, Anthropology, Earth Sciences, Genetics, History, or Zoology or a related discipline.
• English Language Requirements:
  • IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
  • PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
  • Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Document Requirements

• CV: an up-to-date CV/Resumé
• Degree Certificate: a degree certificate showing your qualifications
• Degree Transcript: a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
• Personal Statement: a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme

Careers

• Career Opportunities:
  • Archaeological Researcher
  • Conservation Scientist
  • Field Archaeologist
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Project Archaeologist
  • Research Assistant

Why Study Bioarchaeological Science?

• Bioarchaeological Science is at the forefront of the scientific study of the human past.
• The principal aim of the MSc in Bioarchaeological Science is to equip students with a range of backgrounds with the theoretical and practical skills required to study human remains at different levels and to gain a greater appreciation of the archaeological contexts in which the advanced bioarchaeological scientific approaches can play a key role.
• Through lectures, seminars, workshops and practical sessions this one year taught postgraduate programme integrates the latest methodologies employed by biomolecular scientists with broader archaeological and osteoarchaeological approaches.