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.

The Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology MSc at Cranfield Forensic Institute is taught by world-leading experts and involves a hands-on practical teaching style with interesting and thought-provoking lectures from our staff and guest speakers. 

You will have the opportunity at getting your hands dirty with practical archaeological excavations, looking at the science and exploring simulated mass grave sites and using a plethora of practical and theory based techniques to understand and analyse the world as we find it.

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.


Accreditation

The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences logo

The MSc of this course is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

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.