Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology MSc

Durham University

This fascinating MSc, with its strong international humanitarian focus and alignment with UN sustainability goals of peace and justice, equips you with the skills and knowledge to work or carry out research in the sensitive, and at times, highly emotive, field of forensic archaeology and anthropology. The course is informed by innovative work carried out by researchers in the Department of Archaeology.

Taking a hands-on approach to learning, this intensive course gives you the opportunity to experience activities such as the extensive analysis of human skeletal remains and get involved in a range of mock scenarios including excavating ‘mass graves’ and creating osteoprofiles as well as mock courtroom experiences when you will serve as an expert witness.

We curate an extensive human skeletal collection in the Department, and you will receive access to the human bone laboratory for independent study. You will also gain experience in a range of biomolecular techniques of analysis in state-of-the-art research facilities that include laboratories in DNA, conservation, isotope analysis, environmental archaeology, luminescence dating, paleopathology and bone chemistry.

You will learn how to apply this knowledge and these techniques to different forensic scenarios and acquire the grounding to perform further research in forensic archaeology and anthropology or achieve a rewarding professional career, either within forensics or elsewhere.

The course has been designed to fulfil the accreditation criteria of the Chartered Society of Forensic Science Component Standards and is at times challenging but it is also fascinating and offers you an exciting opportunity to acquire skills and experience that could lead to a rewarding career anywhere in the world.

Course Structure

Core modules

Research Skills in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology gives you the opportunity to develop an advanced understanding of key concepts, research methods, study and presentation skills in forensic archaeology and anthropology and has some overlap with the Research and Study Skills in Archaeological Science module.

Other lectures are specific to the forensic element of the module including the ethics and legislative requirements of forensic archaeology, frameworks of standardisation of practice, specialist report writing and formulating forensic strategies. Osteoprofiling studies normal anatomy and physiology of the skeleton so you will learn to recognise abnormal anatomy and become familiar with basic methods of analysis relevant for human and osteology. You will receive extensive practical experience in constructing an osteological profile. Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology: Theory and Practice focuses on forensic archaeology and anthropology within a global humanitarian forensic context, including examples of genocide, disaster victim identification, and refugee crises. You will also develop practical skills in the laboratory and during a simulated 'mass grave' location and excavation exercise. The Dissertation is an opportunity for you to carry out research and demonstrate research skills in a particular area of the course of your choice. Under the guidance of your assigned dissertation supervisor, you will familiarise yourself with published literature on a specific topic, develop a research design, collect data and draw conclusions.