MSc
MSc Bioarchaeology
Reveal the remarkable story of human life in the past and use the latest developments in archaeological science to develop high-quality foundations for your future.
How to apply Apply via UCAS
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
MSc
Program Code
F4KB09
Course length
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Typical offer
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): £12,800 per year
- Overseas (Full-time): £29,000 per year
Overview
Our unique MSc in Bioarchaeology offers pathways in biomolecular archaeology and environmental archaeology. It provides an excellent academic opportunity for you to develop your fascination with the life of humans in the past through the study of biological materials found during archaeological activity. You will join an exciting course that reflects the fast-paced world of bioarchaeology, where knowledge and understanding are constantly expanding as a result of new breakthroughs and discoveries. You will have the opportunity to work with the latest developments in archaeological science including human bioarchaeology and palaeopathology, stable isotope mass spectrometry, ancient DNA and environmental archaeology. The course offers a choice of pathways that will be tailored to your interests. You can choose to specialise in a single branch of bioarchaeology, or to combine subjects to gain a broader overview of this rapidly changing field. Whichever pathway you choose, you will benefit from high quality training in analytical, research and communication skills. The pathways are: MSc Bioarchaeology, which provides a broad overview of bioarchaeologyMSc Bioarchaeology (Biomolecular Archaeology), which focuses on the study of stable isotopes and DNA extracted from biological materials MSc Bioarchaeology (Environmental Archaeology) focusing on the study of animal bones, plant remains and soils from archaeological contexts. You will carry out project and dissertation work where you will have the opportunity to play a key role in the creation and application of cutting-edge analytical methods to understand more about human life and environment in the past. The Department is not only at the forefront of creating globally significant innovative solutions in the application of biosciences to archaeological research but is also able to provide you with a supportive learning environment where your bioarchaeological ambitions can flourish.
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
MSc
Program Code
F4KB09
Course length
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Typical offer
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): £12,800 per year
- Overseas (Full-time): £29,000 per year
What you'll study
Core modules
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Dissertation
The allows you to develop and demonstrate a range of skills learnt as part of the MSc in Bioarchaeology as well as investigate in depth your approved dissertation topic through library-based, practical, laboratory and/or field techniques. You will produce a research design for an independent piece of work, perform the proposed work, analyse and present the evidence and provide clear arguments and conclusions.
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Research and Study Skills in Archaeological Science
provides a high level of understanding of research methods, study and presentation skills in archaeological science, covering areas such as research ethics, writing and presentation skills, research design and research application, computing and statistics.
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Topics in Archaeological Science
equips you with the skills to explore and debate the current key topics and research themes in archaeology and to critically assess the scientific methods used. It will also facilitate the development of your original thinking to identify the gaps in knowledge and future research directions. You will find the emphasis will be placed on the need to critically evaluate the application, potential and limitations of a range of techniques and the importance of considering the archaeological context and question.
Optional modules
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The remaining two modules are chosen from options, which have previously included: Environmental ArchaeologyOsteoprofilingIsotopic and Biomolecular ArchaeologyPractical Guided StudyResearch Topics in ArchaeologyCurrent Themes in Human Bioarchaeology
Learning
The course offers the option to study one year full-time or two years part-time, through a rigorous and fulfilling series of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, practical classes, as well as a supervised dissertation. Lectures provide key information on specific topics in bioarchaeology, and importantly, identify areas for discussion and debate that will take place in your subsequent seminars and tutorials. You will gain valuable direct experience and essential skills in recording, analysing and interpreting bioarchaeological data in the series of practical classes and workshops under the guidance of experienced, world-leading scientists. Finally, through supervised projects and dissertations, you will have the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice, and to produce a substantial piece of independent, original research.Assessment
Assessment of your work and progress through the course is varied but nevertheless rigorous in its focus on your learning achievements. You will be assessed via a range of essays, reports, and skills-based exercises such as statistics exercises, a grant application or project design. The MSc culminates in a written 15,000-word dissertation based on original research you have carried out.Entry requirements
Fees & Funding
Choose which fees you want to see:
Home / Island students
£12,800 per year
International / EU Students
£29,000 per year
Home / Island students
Part Time - £7,100 per year
International / EU Students
Part Time - £16,000 per year
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Find out moreDepartment Information
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The Department of Archaeology is home to one of the largest postgraduate communities in Europe who benefit from world class academic teaching and leading-edge facilities to be able to pursue their passion for studying the past, interpreting the present and understanding the future. The wide-ranging courses are research-led and delivered by staff who are recognised experts in specialisms that span world, European and British archaeology from the last ice age to the post-medieval period. Our taught courses provide the ideal grounding for further academic research at a higher level but also offer essential preparation for entering a professional career. They include MA Museum and Artefact Studies, MA International Cultural Heritage Management, and MA Conservation of Archaeological and Museum Objects, all of which have strong vocational themes. The MSc Bioarchaeology and MA Archaeology offer ideal preparation for research careers and specialisation and our unique MSc Human Bioarchaeology and Palaeopathology and MSc Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology are ideal for postgraduates nurturing both academic and professional aspirations. We welcome applications from researchers seeking MRes and PhD qualifications tailored to specific interests, and we offer strong developmental support. With our expertise in a wide range of archaeological disciplines and significant research activity across the globe, our aim is to create a top-class learning environment that is vibrant and supportive and enables you to make a difference in your chosen field. For more information see our department pages.
Read moreFacilities
The Department of Archaeology has a reputation for excellence and connections across the world. We are home to state-of-the-art laboratories, specialist technology and some of the best library resources in the UK. We have project rooms with interactive technology, teaching laboratories, a computer suite, a photographic studio and scientific research laboratories in DNA, conservation, isotopes, environmental archaeology, luminescence dating, palaeopathology and bone chemistry, many of which are used as learning resources for out postgraduate community. Taught courses and researchers alike benefit from our status as co-owners of a UNESCO World Heritage site and the extensive range of library, museum and artefact collection resources on offer at Durham. The Department of Archaeology can be found in the Dawson Building, which is ideally situated at the heart of the Durham city campus, next to the Bill Bryson Library and the Palatine Centre.
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