Bioarchaeology: Forensic Anthropology MSc draft

Program Overview

---

The MSc Bioarchaeology: Forensic Anthropology program at the University of Exeter combines expertise from archaeology, anthropology, biology, and forensic science to provide students with the skills for recovering, identifying, and analyzing human remains in legal contexts. This program focuses on the principles and practices of forensic anthropology, equipping graduates for careers in forensic science, archaeology, and related fields.

Program Outline

---

Degree Overview:

This MSc program combines the expertise of biological anthropologists, archaeologists, pathologists, and forensic scientists to equip students with the skills necessary for the recovery, identification, and analysis of human remains in legal contexts. The program focuses on the fast-advancing field of forensic anthropology, which blends archaeology with various branches of natural sciences.

---

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Develop students' understanding of the principles and practices of forensic anthropology.
• Equip students with the skills necessary to conduct forensic investigations, including search, recovery, and analysis of human remains.
• Provide students with a strong foundation in the relevant scientific disciplines, including archaeology, anthropology, biology, and forensic science.
• Foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students.
• Prepare students for careers in forensic anthropology, archaeology, and related fields.

---

Outline:

---

Program Structure:

• The program is delivered over one year full-time or two years part-time.
• It is divided into modules, each carrying a specific credit rating.
• The modules offered may vary depending on staff availability, research interests, and student demand.

---

Course Schedule:

• The program is taught at the Streatham Campus in Exeter.

---

Assessment:

• The program is assessed through a combination of:
• Class tests
• Essays
• Written reports and projects
• Oral or electronic presentations
• Visual presentations
• A dissertation of up to 15,000 words on a chosen topic, subject to supervisor approval.

---

Teaching:

---

Teaching Methods:

• The program utilizes a mix of lectures, seminars, and workshops.
• The specific mix varies between modules.
• The program emphasizes practical experience through workshops and laboratory work.

---

Faculty:

• Dr. Laura Evis, a forensic bioarchaeologist, specializes in forensic archaeology and anthropology.
• The lab provides facilities for examining skeletal remains recovered from archaeological sites and includes anatomical casts and demographic reference standards.

---

Careers:

---

Potential Career Paths:

• PhD level studies in archaeology or related fields.
• Commercial archaeology.
• Wider heritage sector.
• Forensic science.
• Law enforcement.
• Museum curation.

---

Opportunities:

• The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a variety of careers in archaeology, forensic science, and related fields.
• The program's focus on practical skills and research experience prepares students for a competitive job market.

---

Outcomes:

• Graduates are well-equipped to work in a variety of settings, including archaeological sites, forensic laboratories, museums, and government agencies.
• The program provides students with a strong foundation in the principles and practices of forensic anthropology, which can be applied to a wide range of careers.

---

Other:

• The program benefits from the University of Exeter's extensive research facilities, including dedicated laboratories for experimental archaeology, microscopy, and palaeobotany.
• The program is taught by experts in their field, who are actively engaged in research both in Britain and abroad.
• The program is highly regarded, with the University of Exeter consistently ranked among the top universities in the world for archaeology.

---

2024/25 entry UK fees per year: £12,000 full-time; £6,000 part-time International fees per year: £24,300 full-time; £12,150 part-time