Archaeology with Forensic Science BSc

Program Overview

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The University of Exeter's BSc Archaeology with Forensic Science program combines archaeological studies with forensic techniques, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of both fields. It emphasizes practical experience through fieldwork and research projects, preparing graduates for careers in archaeology, forensic science, and related disciplines. The program offers optional study abroad and employment experience, enhancing students' employability and global perspectives.

Program Outline

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BSc Archaeology with Forensic Science - University of Exeter

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Degree Overview:

This program offers a unique blend of archaeology and forensic science, providing a comprehensive understanding of archaeological periods, techniques, and forensic applications. Students gain insights into forensic techniques used in criminal investigations, learning from experts including scenes of crime officers, lawyers, and ballistics specialists. The program emphasizes the development of skills in identifying human skeletal remains.

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Objectives:

• Develop a strong foundation in archaeological periods and techniques.
• Gain practical experience in forensic archaeology.
• Understand the application of forensic techniques in criminal cases.
• Develop skills in identifying human skeletal remains.
• Prepare for careers in archaeology, forensic science, and related fields.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Themes in World Archaeology (15 credits):
Introduces students to key themes and concepts in world archaeology.
• Essential Archaeological Methods (15 credits): Covers fundamental archaeological methods and techniques.
• Archaeological and Forensic Science Practicals (15 credits): Provides hands-on experience in archaeological and forensic science techniques.
• Forensic Archaeology (15 credits): Explores the principles and practices of forensic archaeology.
• Practical Skills in Archaeology (30 credits): Develops practical skills in archaeological fieldwork and analysis.
• Optional Modules:
• Introduction to Islamic Archaeology (15 credits):
Explores the history and archaeology of Islamic civilizations.
• Investigating British Archaeology (15 credits): Focuses on the archaeology of Britain.
• Artefacts and Materials (15 credits): Examines the materials and techniques used in the production of archaeological artifacts.
• Objects: Contexts and Display (15 credits): Explores the display and interpretation of archaeological objects.

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Year 2:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Archaeological Fieldwork Project (30 credits):
Provides practical experience in archaeological fieldwork.
• Archaeological Fieldschool (30 credits): Offers intensive training in archaeological fieldwork techniques.
• Forensic Anthropology (15 credits): Covers the identification and analysis of human skeletal remains.
• Forensic Science (30 credits): Introduces the principles and methods of forensic science.
• Optional Modules:
• Regions and Empires in Islamic Archaeology (15 credits):
Explores the archaeology of specific regions and empires within the Islamic world.
• Monumental Changes: Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Britain and Ireland (15 credits): Examines the archaeology of the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age in Britain and Ireland.
• Things and Us: Ancient and Contemporary Material Culture (15 credits): Explores the relationship between material culture and human societies.
• Brooches, Beads, Swords and Shields: Early Medieval Material Culture (15 credits): Focuses on the material culture of the Early Medieval period.
• Sustainability and Collapse in Past Societies (15 credits): Examines the factors that contribute to the sustainability and collapse of past societies.
• Discovering the Past with Molecular Science (15 credits): Explores the use of molecular science in archaeological research.
• Understanding the Landscape of Medieval Britain (15 credits): Examines the landscape archaeology of Medieval Britain.
• Medieval Castles in Context (15 credits): Explores the history and archaeology of medieval castles.
• Romanisation: Interaction, Conquest and Change in Late Iron Age and Roman Dacia (15 credits): Examines the process of Romanization in Late Iron Age and Roman Dacia.
• Zooarchaeology (15 credits): Covers the study of animal remains in archaeological contexts.
• Human Origins and Evolution: the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic (15 credits): Explores the origins and evolution of humans during the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic periods.
• Ancient Sources (Material Evidence) - Pompeii: Destruction, Discovery and Afterlife (15 credits): Examines the material evidence from Pompeii.
• Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Hellenistic Palaces in West Asia (15 credits): Explores the material evidence from Hellenistic palaces in West Asia.
• Uses of the Past (30 credits): Examines the ways in which the past is used and interpreted in contemporary society.
• Medieval Paris (30 credits): Explores the history and culture of medieval Paris.
• Sailors, Slavery and Piracy: The Atlantic World, 1600 - 1800 (30 credits): Examines the history of the Atlantic world during the 17th and 18th centuries.
• Science, Empire, and Natural History Museums: A Global Perspective (30 credits): Explores the history of natural history museums.
• Humanities in the Workplace (30 credits): Develops skills for working in the humanities field.
• Making a Career in Publishing (15 credits): Provides an introduction to the publishing industry.
• Tales of Freedom, Necessity and Providence (15 credits): Explores themes of freedom, necessity, and providence in literature.

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Placement Year (Optional):

• Students can choose to take a placement year in Year 3, typically involving a graduate-level work placement in the UK or abroad.

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Final Year:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Archaeological Dissertation (30 credits):
Requires students to conduct independent research and write a dissertation on a chosen topic.
• Funerary Osteoarchaeology (15 credits): Focuses on the study of human skeletal remains in funerary contexts.
• Optional Modules:
• Professional Placement (30 credits):
Provides practical experience in a professional setting.
• Advanced Fieldwork Project (15 credits): Offers advanced training in archaeological fieldwork.
• Practicing Archaeological Science (15 credits): Explores the application of scientific methods in archaeology.
• Monumental Changes: Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Britain and Ireland (15 credits): Examines the archaeology of the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age in Britain and Ireland.
• Things and Us: Ancient and Contemporary Material Culture (15 credits): Explores the relationship between material culture and human societies.
• Brooches, Beads, Swords and Shields: Early Medieval Material Culture (15 credits): Focuses on the material culture of the Early Medieval period.
• Sustainability and Collapse in Past Societies (15 credits): Examines the factors that contribute to the sustainability and collapse of past societies.
• Understanding the Landscape of Medieval Britain (15 credits): Examines the landscape archaeology of Medieval Britain.
• Medieval Castles in Context (15 credits): Explores the history and archaeology of medieval castles.
• Experimental Approaches to Forensic and Archaeological Investigations (15 credits): Explores the use of experimental methods in forensic and archaeological investigations.
• Human Origins and Evolution: the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic (15 credits): Explores the origins and evolution of humans during the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic periods.
• Funerary Osteoarchaeology (15 credits): Focuses on the study of human skeletal remains in funerary contexts.
• Romanisation: Interaction, Conquest and Change in Late Iron Age and Roman Dacia (15 credits): Examines the process of Romanization in Late Iron Age and Roman Dacia.
• Digital Pasts (15 credits): Explores the use of digital technologies in archaeology.
• Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature (15 credits): Examines science fiction literature from a global perspective.
• The Place of Meaning: Gardens in Britain and China (15 credits): Explores the history and significance of gardens in Britain and China.
• Book Publishing: Principles of Book Commissioning, Editing and Design (30 credits): Provides an in-depth look at the book publishing process.
• Hacking the Humanities: How to Plan and Run Successful Digital Projects (30 credits): Develops skills for planning and running digital projects in the humanities.
• Transforming the Tablet: Digital Approaches to Ancient Text and Artefact (15 credits): Explores the use of digital technologies in the study of ancient texts and artifacts.

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Course Variants:

• BSc Archaeology with Forensic Science with Study Abroad (UCAS code: 54ZW): Offers the opportunity to spend a year studying at a partner university abroad.
• BSc Archaeology with Forensic Science with Employment Experience (UCAS code: F492): Provides the opportunity to complete a graduate-level work placement in the UK during Year 3.
• BSc Archaeology with Forensic Science with Employment Experience Abroad (UCAS code: F493): Offers the opportunity to complete a graduate-level work placement abroad during Year 3.

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Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary depending on the module and may include:
• Exams
• Essays
• Projects
• Written reports
• Portfolios of work
• Oral presentations
• Practical assignments
• Fieldwork notebooks
• Take-away papers
• Students must pass their first year to progress to the second year.

• Assessments in the second year, year abroad (if applicable), and final year contribute to the final degree classification.

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Teaching:

• Teaching methods include:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Field trips
• Computer-led learning
• Teaching is led by internationally respected academics at the forefront of research.

• Students are encouraged to participate in research projects and choose a dissertation topic that contributes to original research.

• Students have access to outstanding facilities, including:
• Experimental archaeology laboratories
• Clean lab with fume cupboards for chemical work
• Microscope room
• Kiln room
• Wet labs
• Extensive reference collections of artifacts, human skeletons, animal bones, and plant remains

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Careers:

• The program develops skills valued by employers in a variety of fields.

• Potential career paths include:
• Archaeological research and consultancy
• Conservation
• Local government planning
• Commercial labs and units
• Education
• Business
• Finance
• Defence
• The University of Exeter has a dedicated Careers Service to support students in finding employment.

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Other:

• Fieldwork is an essential part of the program.

• Students have the opportunity to participate in fieldwork in the UK or abroad.

• The program is ranked highly in national and international rankings.

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Tuition fees for 2024 entryUK students: £9,250 per year International students: £23,700 per year