Elements of some elective modules as part of the course structure for this MSc will be undertaken at Cranfield University at Shrivenham located on the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom. Security clearance will be required for completion of these modules. Please refer to our entry requirements section for more details, or see further about security clearance for Cranfield at Shrivenham.
Overview
- Start dateOctober
- Duration Full-time: 11 months (MSc), one year (PgDip); Part-time: up to three years (MSc) or two years (PgDip)
- DeliveryBy written and practical examinations, continuous assessment, project presentation and oral exam
- QualificationMSc, PgDip
- Study typeFull-time / Part-time
- CampusCranfield campus
Who is it for?
The course offers students a wide range of different experiences with unique facilities available to no other university in the UK. The course is highly practical and hands-on, aiming to produce forensic scientists with a strong background in archaeology and physical anthropology which will help them with their future careers and eventually give them the skills to become experts in these fields.
We find that our students come from a wide range of backgrounds, usually with an archaeological, biological, medical or forensic science first degree, with many coming from abroad, especially African, European and North American countries.
Why this course?
The MSc in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology course is part of the MSc Forensic Programme, and is designed to give a broad introduction to the subject, rapidly advancing into the understanding of cutting-edge research and the latest methodologies.
You will have access to our purpose-built outdoor taphonomy research facility, our teaching collection of human remains, a virtual autopsy table, a number of analytical instruments and to research projects in the UK and often abroad.
Course details
You will be required to take eight core modules and choose three elective modules based on their particular background, future requirements or interests. This is followed by a four-month research project and thesis.
Some modules for this MSc may be taught at Cranfield University at Shrivenham.
Course delivery
By written and practical examinations, continuous assessment, project presentation and oral exam
Individual project
The individual project takes four months from April to August.
You can select from a range of titles, or may propose your own topic. Most are practically or experimentally based using Cranfield’s unique facilities.
Modules
Keeping our courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules we offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff and, as a result, may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.
To give you a taster, we have listed the compulsory and elective (where applicable) modules which are currently affiliated with this course. All modules are indicative only, and may be subject to change for your year of entry.
Compulsory modules
All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course:
Forensic Archaeology: Mass Grave Excavation
Forensic Archaeology: Recovering Buried Remains
Fundamentals of Forensic Archaeology: Osteology
Further Forensic Anthropology: Identification
Investigation and Evidence Collection
Reasoning for Forensic Science
Elective modules
A selection of modules from the following list need to be taken as part of this course:
Environmental Forensic Science
Forensic Exploitation and Intelligence
International Heritage Exercise
Introduction to Fire Investigation
Introduction to Firearms Investigations and Forensic Ballistics
Practical Archaeological Excavation
Radiographic Investigations in Forensic Science
Teaching team
You will be taught by Cranfield's leading experts with capability expertise, industry knowledge and collective subject research with Chartered Forensic Anthropologist status such as Dr Nick Marquez-Grant, as well as external speakers from industry and defence. The Course Director for our MSc in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology is Dr David Errickson. The teaching team includes:
Your career
Prepares you to work in the field of forensic archaeology or anthropology within forensic laboratories, police departments, government bodies, non-governmental organisations, museums, commercial archaeological companies and universities. It is also a necessary introduction that could lead into conducting research at PhD level in the subject.
Cranfield Careers and Employability Service
Cranfield’s Careers and Employability Service is dedicated to helping you meet your career aspirations. You will have access to career coaching and advice, CV development, interview practice, access to hundreds of available jobs via our Symplicity platform and opportunities to meet recruiting employers at our careers fairs. We will also work with you to identify suitable opportunities and support you in the job application process for up to three years after graduation.
How to apply
To register your interest, please use the button below. If you'd like to speak to a member of the admissions or course team then use the 'Get in touch' details at the top of the page.
