Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This programme combines theoretical frameworks with practical laboratory and field techniques used to study human and animal remains. Core themes include human osteology, palaeopathology, funerary practice interpretation, taphonomy and the application of biomolecular and isotopic techniques in archaeology. You will learn quantitative methods for ageing, sexing and stature estimation, trauma analysis, and identification of infectious and metabolic disease in skeletal populations. The course emphasises the integration of osteological data with contextual archaeological information and archaeological science methods such as stable isotope analysis and ancient DNA approaches (taught at a conceptual and practical level where facilities allow).

Teaching is delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, hands-on laboratory practicals in a dedicated osteology lab, small-group workshops, and supervised field or museum-based projects. A substantial independent research dissertation or applied project provides the opportunity to develop specialist expertise and research skills, using collections, skeletal samples or archival datasets. Modules typically cover:

• Human Osteology and Methodology — skeletal identification, ageing, sexing and metrics
• Palaeopathology and Trauma Analysis — disease, nutritional stress and injury on bone
• Taphonomy and Mortuary Practices — processes of preservation, burial and post-depositional change
• Archaeological Science Methods — sampling strategies, isotopes, aDNA concepts and laboratory considerations
• Quantitative Methods and Data Analysis — statistics, biostatistics and morphometrics applied to osteological datasets
• Professional Practice and Ethics in Bioarchaeology — curation, repatriation, legal frameworks and public engagement
• Research Dissertation or Applied Project — an extended piece of original research supervised by academic staff

Entry requirements

Candidates normally need a good undergraduate degree (typically a UK 2:1 or international equivalent) in archaeology, anthropology, biological sciences or a closely related subject. Applicants with a 2:2 may be considered if they have relevant professional experience, evidence of academic potential or a strong portfolio of practical work. Those with previous vocational qualifications (for example in osteology or forensic anthropology) and demonstrable fieldwork experience are also welcome to apply.

If English is not your first language you will normally need to meet the university's English language requirement for postgraduate study; typical scores required for taught masters programmes are in the range of internationally recognised tests with a minimum score in each subtest (for example IELTS). Additional pre-sessional language support or bridging modules may be offered where appropriate.

Career prospects

Graduates from an MSc in Bioarchaeology move into a variety of careers in the heritage, scientific and applied sectors. Common pathways include:

• Commercial archaeology and contracting units — osteological reporting, field assessment and post-excavation services
• Museums, curation and collections management — cataloguing, conservation support and public programmes involving human and animal remains
• Forensic anthropology and medicolegal support — assisting with identification and trauma analysis in medico-legal contexts (often requiring further specialist training or accreditation)
• Academic research and doctoral study — progressing to PhD research in bioarchaeology, palaeopathology or archaeological science
• Heritage advisory roles and cultural resource management — developing policy, community engagement and ethical practice around human remains
• Related roles in public health, environmental archaeology, and scientific consultancy — where skills in data analysis, sampling strategy and interpretation are valued

The programme’s emphasis on practical skills, report writing and project management is designed to make graduates immediately employable in both commercial and research settings. Many students also use the degree as a stepping-stone to specialist training or professional accreditation in forensic anthropology, osteoarchaeology or laboratory-based archaeological sciences.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University offers an applied, skills-focused MSc in Bioarchaeology that draws on the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology’s strengths in fieldwork and archaeological science. Students benefit from hands-on access to dedicated osteology facilities, teaching collections and laboratories, alongside small-group tuition and close supervision for research projects. The university’s emphasis on vocational training means the course includes practical report-writing, project management and employability modules that reflect the demands of the commercial and museum sectors.

Location on the south coast gives straightforward access to a rich archaeological landscape and active commercial archaeology scene, supporting fieldwork and placement opportunities. The department maintains professional links with local museums, contracting units and national research facilities, helping students to gain real-world experience and build networks for future employment or doctoral study.

Finally, the programme promotes an ethical and interdisciplinary approach to studying human remains, encouraging critical reflection on stakeholder engagement, repatriation and the societal impacts of bioarchaeological research.