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.
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 bioarchaeology,
MSc 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 Structure
Core modules
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 designs and research application, computing and statistics.
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.
The Dissertation 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.
The remaining two modules are chosen from options, which have previously included:
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
A minimum of an upper second-class (2:1) degree (GPA 3.3.) or equivalent in Archaeology, Anthropology, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, or related disciplines. Relevant work experience will also be considered.
IELTS 7.0 or above with no component below 6.5; TOEFL IBT (Internet Based Test) 102 or above (with no component below 25).
Application Deadlines
There is no specific deadline for applications, although applications for any given academic year must be received before the start of that academic year (i.e. applications for the 2025/26 academic year must be received before October 2025).
Home/EU applicants are strongly recommended to apply by September to allow sufficient time for their applications to be processed before the start of the academic year. Overseas applicants are strongly recommended to apply by July, since they will need their Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS) number to be issued before they can apply for a visa.
Tuition fee deposit
All self-financing overseas students are required to pay a £1,000 tuition fee deposit if an offer from the Department of Archaeology is accepted. The tuition fee deposit is paid before the University issues a Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS) number, which is required in order to apply for a visa.
A £500 deposit is also payable by UK applicants if an offer of a place from the Department of Archaeology is accepted.
The tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.
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).
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