Programme Description

The archaeological profession has a need for skilled osteoarchaeologists to help interpret archaeological sites and understand past human experience. The School of Applied Sciences' combined expertise in the study of both human and other animal remains enables it to offer a course to meet this need. MSc Osteoarchaeology enhances career opportunities for graduates from a variety of fields and for practising archaeologists seeking to expand their experience. The course also taps into the range of expertise from the Centre for Archaeology, Anthropology & Heritage and the Centre for Forensic Science.

The course aims to provide students with a sound and detailed knowledge and critical understanding of osteoarchaeological principles and methods for all theoretical and practical activities related to the study of skeletal remains from archaeological contexts. This knowledge and understanding is set within the wider context and perspective of archaeological studies.

The sub-disciplines of human and animal osteoarchaeology have much in common at a core level. By covering both human and animal remains, this course affords students a breadth of knowledge, while leaving them well placed to specialise further.

Students experience a wide variety of learning and teaching methods including human osteoarchaeology and zooarchaeology practicals, lectures, workshops, seminars, field trips and individual tutorials. Hands-on experience of analytical techniques and tools is an essential part of our teaching programme and Information Technology skills and a professional approach underpin the course. Methods of assessment are also varied and address theoretical issues, practical problems and tasks likely to be encountered in the professional environment. Coursework will include analysis of skeletal assemblages, production of professionally-structured reports, essays, oral presentations (in individual or group contexts), practical identification tests and the preparation of specialist assessments and reports based on the student´s own analysis of materials. From this blend of learning and assessment styles, students gain the confidence and skills to flourish in their chosen profession.

The School has a strong research-active academic community with collaborative links to other academic and professional institutions overseas and in the UK. It is part of European Union funded schemes such as Socrates- Erasmus, Tempus and Leonardo adding to the cultural diversity of the School and providing opportunities for overseas study.