Program Overview

MSc Bioarchaeology: Human Osteology

Overview

The MSc Bioarchaeology: Human Osteology is a postgraduate program that focuses on the analysis of human skeletal remains in an archaeological context. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human osteology, including the identification of bones, analysis of human skeleton remains, and the study of anatomical variation and palaeopathological conditions.

Entry Requirements

• 2:2 Honours degree or above in archaeology, history, ancient history, anthropology, biology, geography, geology, chemistry, heritage, or similar.
• Relevant work experience or equivalent academic background may be considered.
• International students must meet the English language requirements (Profile B2).

Course Content

The program is divided into units of study called modules, which are assigned credits. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload.

Compulsory Modules

• Skeletal Anatomy (15 credits)
• Research Skills in Archaeology and History (15 credits)
• Advanced Human Osteology (15 credits)
• Bioarchaeology Dissertation (60 credits)

Optional Modules

• Professional Skills in Archaeology (15 credits)
• Advanced Project (15 credits)
• Digital Pasts (15 credits)
• Experimental Archaeology: Research and Public Engagement (15 credits)
• Themes in Archaeological Theory and Practice (15 credits)
• Discovering the Past with Molecular Science (15 credits)
• Material Culture (15 credits)
• Advanced Zooarchaeology (15 credits)
• Zooarchaeology (15 credits)
• Funerary Osteoarchaeology (15 credits)
• The Archaeology of Humans and Other Animals (15 credits)
• Forensic Anthropology: Principles and Practice (15 credits)
• Pandemics and disease in the ancient Mediterranean (15 credits)
• Professional Skills Portfolio in Archaeology (30 credits)
• Advanced Project Portfolio in Archaeology (30 credits)
• Field Study: The Archaeology of Landscape (15 credits)
• Critical Approaches to Medical Humanities (30 credits)
• Cultures and Environments of Health (30 credits)

Fees

2025/26 Entry

• UK fees per year: £12,500 full-time, £6,250 part-time
• International fees per year: £25,300 full-time, £12,650 part-time

Scholarships

The University of Exeter offers various scholarships, including the Exeter Excellence Scholarships, worth £5 million for international students.

Teaching and Research

The program is taught by experts in the field, with a focus on stimulating learning and intellectual skills. The department has a range of facilities, including laboratories, workshops, and a bioarchaeology lab dedicated to the study of anatomical variation and palaeopathological conditions.

Facilities

• Experimental Archaeology laboratories and workshop spaces
• Clean lab with fume cupboards for chemical work
• Kiln room
• Landscape archaeology project office with a giant scanner for maps and plans
• Microscope room equipped with high-specification microscopes and image processing facilities
• Wet labs for sample processing
• State-of-the-art surveying equipment
• SHArD 3D Laboratory for digitally replicating and preserving biological and cultural artefacts

Careers

The program prepares students for careers in archaeology, the wider heritage sector, and related fields. Many graduates go on to study at PhD level, while others work in commercial archaeology, museums, and cultural institutions.

Related Courses

• Archaeology MA
• Bioarchaeology: Zooarchaeology MSc
• Bioarchaeology: Forensic Anthropology MSc

Why Exeter?

The University of Exeter is a world-leading institution with a strong reputation for research and teaching excellence. The program is based at the Streatham Campus, which offers a unique and beautiful environment for study.