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Human Bioarchaeology and Palaeopathology

MSc

Duration
Start date
Location

Suitable for applications.

Overview

This course emphasises the study of archaeological human remains within their funerary context.

It builds upon the School of Archaeological and Forensic Sciences' extensive research in human bioarchaeology and palaeopathology and related research expertise in field archaeology, archaeozoology, molecular archaeology and archaeological biogeochemistry.

The course strongly emphasises the integration of biological and archaeological evidence to address problem-orientated research themes and the application of scientific methods to unravelling the human past.

It provides advanced instruction in the identification and analysis of human remains, the techniques and methods applied to understanding human skeletal morphological variation, and the means by which to assess pathological conditions affecting the skeleton.

The course provides access to our world-renowned collection of reference material (The Biological Anthropology Research Centre curates over 5,000 individuals), hands-on experience in the School's laboratories, and a substantial individual research dissertation.

The course can be used either as vocational training or as a foundation from which to commence further research. The course is normally offered on a full-time basis but a part-time route is also feasible. Individual modules are available to candidates wishing to enhance their specialist knowledge in a particular area.

Entry requirements

2:2 or above in Archaeology, Anthropology or another suitable subject (for example Forensic Science, Medical Science, History).

Students will normally have a minimum of one GCSE in mathematics.

Other relevant qualifications will be considered.

For North American students a GPA of at least 2.5 on a scale of 4.0 is required, or an equivalent.

Admissions are made on the basis of demonstrated ability, qualifications, experience, references, and, occasionally, interviews.

English language requirements

IELTS at 6.0 or the equivalent.

Teaching, learning and assessment

The teaching and learning strategy takes into consideration the learning outcomes, the nature of the subject, and the need for students to take responsibility for their own learning as part of this advanced taught programme.

The thematic modules are delivered in a combination of formal lectures, student-led intensive seminars/tutorials and extensive practical instruction. Coursework (e.g. skeletal reports, critiques, essays) is geared towards demonstrating relevant knowledge, understanding and professional skills in principal approaches to the analysis and interpretation of archaeological human remains and the application of scientific methods or archaeological theory. Communication skills are tested in both written and oral form in several modules.

Our facilities

You will have access to three dedicated human bioarchaeology labs, a histology and sample prep lab, radiography facilities, a bone store for the extensive human remains collection, cone beam CT, micro-CT, pXRF, and the Stable Light Isotope facility.

We were recently awarded £6.2 million for investment in research equipment and infrastructure as part of the AHRC programme to create world-class labs.

This funding included:

  • the first high-definition Fujifilm NewTom 7G Body Plus Cone Beam CT scanner in a non-medical setting in the world
  • the second metrology-grade ZEISS Metrotom 1500 Micro-CT scanner in a UK university
  • a new Liquid Chromatography IsoLink added to our isotope facilities to provide compound-specific isotopic analyses for the reconstruction of diet, health, disease and lifeways
  • surface imaging equipment using custom structure-from-motion photogrammetry and structured light scanning rigs for 3D digitisation multi-channel GPR for 3D sub-surface prospection of cemetery sites

Fees, finance and scholarships

Tuition fee 2025

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

Additional costs

There may be additional costs that you may incur as a student. Though these are not essential to your programme of study you need to be aware of them as a student of the University. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.

Financial support

See our fees and financial support section.

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.
You don't have to pay the loan back until you're earning a certain amount of money.

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. For full details, visit our scholarships section.

A scholarship worth £10,000 is available for this course. Find out more about the scholarship and apply by 25 April 2025.

University of Bradford honoured with Queen’s Anniversary Prize for outstanding archaeology

We have been awarded a 2021 Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for our world-leading work in developing archaeological technology and techniques and its influence on practice, policy and society.

The prestigious accolade, which honours world-class excellence and achievement, is the highest form of national recognition that UK higher education institutions can achieve. The University has been honoured for its leadership and innovation in pioneering the techniques, technology and practices of archaeology both in the UK and worldwide.

logo for the queens anniversary prize 2021

Career prospects

Career destinations after the MSc Human Bioarchaeology and Palaeopathology have included:

  • Lecturers, teaching assistants and post-doctoral researchers at universities in the UK and overseas
  • Osteologists and archaeologists working in commercial archaeology
  • Research, curatorial and education staff in museums
  • Other professional careers

The MSc Human Bioarchaeology and Palaeopathology has also produced a large number of doctoral research students. They have undertaken research in Bradford and at other universities in the UK and overseas, including Ireland, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada.

Career support

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.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

 

Terms and conditions of study

The University has a set of terms and conditions for all students accepting an offer to study on a course here at Bradford. This is called The Student Contract. This document sets out the Terms and Conditions which apply when you accept an offer of a place on a programme of study at the University of Bradford.

View our Student Contract for further details.

Transparency statement

Information about this programme and its modules has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publication, but changes may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of teaching. Any change which impacts the terms and conditions of an applicant’s offer will be communicated to them.