Human Bioarchaeology and Palaeopathology

Entry requirements

We typically require a 2:1 Bachelor (Honours) degree (or overseas equivalent), ideally within a related subject but this is not mandatory as we can consider all degree subjects.

A personal statement should include an outline of your interest and understanding of your chosen programme

Months of entry

September

Course content

This MSc, offering a holistic view of the body and society in the study and interpretation of research into human remains, is unique in the academic world and will prepare you for a fascinating career in professional archaeology or in further research into this vitally important area.

You will learn about the role of the human skeleton as one of the most important sources of evidence for understanding the past as a result of its active relationship with the social, mental and physical nature of living in a particular environment and at a particular time in history.

Taking a hands-on, highly practical approach to learning, the course provides the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge through a carefully designed blend of lectures, seminars and laboratory-based work where the focus is on osteoprofiling as well as health and disease.

As you progress through the course, learning methods and activities become more complex as your ability and experience around osteoprofiling and health and disease develop. You will have the opportunity to follow the direction that interests you most, and you will be able to demonstrate how your skills and knowledge have grown in your chosen field through your contact with an engaged and enthusiastic academic team.

You will learn to understand the world in which people live now and lived in the past. You will be a key part of a vibrant and committed bioarchaeology community with world-leading resources and facilities and will be ready to take your knowledge and turn it into a rewarding career anywhere in the world.

Course structure

Year 1 modules

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.

Osteoprofiling

equips you with knowledge of the normal anatomy and physiology of the skeleton so you will learn to recognise abnormal anatomy and become familiar with basic methods of analysis relevant for human and osteology. You will receive extensive practical experience in constructing an osteological profile.

Palaeopathology: Theory and Method

provides an understanding of what paleopathology is in the context of the rest of archaeological study and develops the skills required to record and diagnose pathological human bone. You will receive extensive practical experience recording a wide variety of pathological conditions in real human skeletal remains.

Dissertation

in which you will carry out research and develop and display your skills and knowledge in a particular subject area. You will familiarise yourself with published literature on a specific topic, develop a research design, collect and evaluate data and then write and present your dissertation.

Optional modules:

You will also choose one optional module.

In recent years optional modules have included:

• Current Themes in Human Bioarchaeology
• Isotopic and Biomolecular Archaeology
• Research Topics in Archaeology

Information for international students

If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.

Fees and funding

For further information see the course listing.