Human Osteology and Palaeopathology

Overview

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

It builds upon the School's extensive research in human osteology 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 Bradford Human Remains Collection), hands-on experience in the School's laboratories, and a substantial individual research dissertation.

The course can be used either as vocational training or, for the MSc, 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 feasible as well. Individual modules are available to candidates wishing to enhance their specialist knowledge in a particular area.

The course was amazing and is one of the best in the country. Compared to other universities, Bradford is on another level of friendliness. Sabine Pescheck, MSc Human Osteology and Palaeopathology, 2015

Entry requirements

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

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.

If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course. See the Language Centre for more details »

What you will study

The programme can be used either as vocational training or as a foundation from which to commence further research. The programme is offered on a full-time basis or part-time over up to 5 years. Individual modules are available to candidates wishing to enhance their specialist knowledge in a particular area.

Students can choose to undertake a substantial individual research dissertation or they can alternatively select a non-dissertation route which includes a substantial research and writing assignment that requires advanced level academic writing skills and a population level analysis that meets the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), Management of Projects in the Historic Environment (MoRPHE) and associated professional standards (by CIfA, and BABAO).

Modules

Core

Professional Development

Analysis of Human Remains

Musculo-skeletal and Comparative Anatomy

Palaeopathology

Option

Grave Concerns: Investigating the Archaeology of Death and Burial

Archaeometry

Dissertation

The MSc award can be obtained with enhanced professional training (MSc without dissertation) in which case, the following modules are taken instead of the Dissertation:

Osteology Research Paper

Advanced Skeletal Report

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. laboratory reports, critiques, worksheets) 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.

Official programme specification

Fees, finance and scholarships

Tuition fee 2018

MSc

Home/EU: £7,960

International: £18,480

PGDip

Home/EU: £6,370

International: £17,800

Financial support

Two Master's Studentship Awards for students starting September 2018

Applications open: 1 May 2018
Closing date: 31 May 2018
Provisional decision: 15 June 2018

AHRC Heritage Consortium Master's Studentship

The award, linked to the AHRC Heritage Consortium, will provide funding to a high quality applicant. The funding will allow you to focus on developing high level skills and competencies for research and professional practice.

School of Archaeological and Forensic Sciences Endowed Scholarship

This award is open to a range of topics in line with the research and teaching of the School. It is expected that applicants will demonstrate a high level of research potential. The scholarship is to a value of £10,000 to cover fees and a small allowance*.

*Eligibility criteria apply to funding.

See our fees and financial support website.

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.

Career prospects

Career destinations after the MSc Human Osteology 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 Osteology 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.

This is the current course information. Modules and course details may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. The University reserves the right to alter or withdraw courses, services and facilities as described on our website without notice and to amend Ordinances, Regulations, fees and charges at any time. Students should enquire as to the up-to-date position when applying for their course of study.