Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Investigation MSc

Program Overview

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Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Investigation MSc

Overview

Forensic Archaeology is the specialist application of archaeological techniques to the search and recovery of evidential material from crime scenes, often but not always related to buried human remains.

This course is taught by staff with extensive crime scene experience who regularly work on a range of operations and are at the forefront of the professional development of the discipline.

The course will:

• Provide you with advanced practical, analytical and interpretative skills in forensic archaeology
• Provide training in discipline skills to enable graduates to pursue careers in Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)
• Prepare students for careers in non-cognate fields through emphasis on team working and application of a wide knowledge base to problem solving

This course combines approaches from different disciplines to provide students with a comprehensive forensic skill set.

It is essential that forensic archaeologists are able to appreciate their role within a wider police investigation and have a detailed understanding of crime scene management procedures.

Forensic Archaeology in the United Kingdom is rapidly developing and recognised as a distinct discipline by the Home Office Forensic Science Regulator. Bradford staff have been actively involved in defining skills matrices for use by the Institute for Archaeologists as part of the process of professional regulation.

Professional Accreditation

This course is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS) to meet the quality standards for Postgraduate Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence, Crime Scene Investigation and Forensic Archaeology.

Entry Requirements

• 2:2 or above in a relevant discipline, from either the humanities or sciences (e.g. archaeology, anthropology, forensic sciences, law, etc).
• Other relevant qualifications and past experience will also be considered.
• For North American students, normally a GPA of at least 2.5 on a scale of 4.0 is required, or an equivalent.
• English language requirements: IELTS at 6.0 or the equivalent.

Curriculum

First Year

• Introduction to Forensic Archaeology and Forensic Anthropology
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Law for Expert Witnesses
• Professional Development
• Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Investigation
• Forensic Taphonomy
• Dissertation
• Advanced Fieldwork Programme for CSI
• Independent Research Papers for CSI

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Due to the specialist nature of the programme all modules are core to the programme, although students can choose between the research dissertation and the non-dissertation route.

The teaching strategy makes use of employer engagement by including delivery of elements from police CSIs, and specialists from Forensic Service Providers (Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Archaeology and CSI) in support of LO1.

The thematic modules are delivered in a combination of formal lectures, student-led intensive seminars/tutorials and extensive practical instruction.

Fees and Finance

Tuition Fee

• Home: £9,698
• International: £25,389

Additional Course Costs

While there are no compulsory additional costs associated with this course, there may be general additional costs that you may incur as a student.

Funding Your Studies

It can be hard to know what financial help is available to you as a student.

Further information about the variety of options that can help fund your studies and maximise the money available to you is available.

Postgraduate Master's Loan

If you live in England you may be able to apply for a special Government-funded Master's Loan to help pay your tuition fees and living costs.

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship.

A scholarship worth £10,000 is available for this course.

Career Prospects

Graduates from this programme have gone on to work in law enforcement (both as Police Officers and Scene of Crime/Scientific Support), Forensic Science as well as commercial archaeology with enhanced skill sets.

Career Opportunities

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes.

Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies.

Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.