BSc Acoustics and Music Technology
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MSc Human Osteoarchaeology
Central Campus
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MSc in Human Osteoarchaeology at the University of Edinburgh offers students a comprehensive understanding of human skeletal remains in archaeological contexts. Through a combination of theoretical study, practical training, and hands-on experience, students explore the biological and cultural aspects of past populations, gaining insights into human lifeways, health, and burial practices throughout history. The program covers topics such as skeletal anatomy, osteological analysis, paleopathology, and forensic anthropology, providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to interpret and analyze human skeletal remains and contribute to archaeological research and heritage management.
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Biological Anthropology and Skeletal Anatomy: The program provides a solid foundation in biological anthropology and skeletal anatomy, covering topics such as bone biology, growth and development, and variation in human skeletal morphology. Students learn to identify skeletal elements, estimate age, sex, and ancestry, and recognize pathological conditions and traumatic injuries through hands-on laboratory sessions and practical exercises.
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Osteological Analysis and Paleopathology: Students learn techniques for osteological analysis and paleopathological assessment, examining skeletal remains to reconstruct past populations' health, diet, and lifestyle. They analyze skeletal markers of disease, malnutrition, and trauma, gaining insights into the prevalence of diseases, occupational stress, and social behaviors in ancient societies.
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Forensic Anthropology and Human Identification: The program includes training in forensic anthropology, focusing on techniques for human identification, trauma analysis, and taphonomic processes. Students learn to apply forensic methods to archaeological contexts, assisting in the recovery and analysis of human remains, and contributing to forensic investigations and legal proceedings.
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Cultural Context and Archaeological Interpretation: Students explore the cultural context of human osteoarchaeology, examining burial practices, funerary rites, and mortuary traditions across different time periods and geographic regions. They analyze burial assemblages, grave goods, and burial architecture, interpreting social status, kinship structures, and religious beliefs through interdisciplinary approaches.
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Professional Skills and Career Development: The program emphasizes professional skills development and career preparation, offering opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and collaborative research projects with museums, archaeological units, and heritage organizations. Students develop skills in project management, report writing, and public engagement, preparing them for careers in academia, cultural heritage management, museum curation, or consultancy.
Location
Central Campus
Score
IELTS: 7
Tuition Fee
£ 28800
Postgraduate entry requirements:
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Academic Qualifications: Prospective postgraduate applicants to the University of Edinburgh are typically required to have achieved a minimum academic qualification of approximately 60%, based on their previous academic achievements and qualifications.
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English Language Proficiency:
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IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum overall score of 7.0, with at least 6.0 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).
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TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 100 on the internet-based test (iBT), with at least 20 in each component (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing).
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PTE (Pearson Test of English): Minimum overall score of 70, with at least 59 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).
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Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
The University of Edinburgh offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. These scholarships aim to promote diversity, academic excellence, and global engagement.
Global Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh offers Global Scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate students. These scholarships provide financial assistance towards tuition fees and living expenses, enabling talented students from around the world to access quality education at Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships: International postgraduate students pursuing research-based programs (Ph.D., MSc by Research) can apply for Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships. These scholarships provide full or partial funding for tuition fees and living expenses during the research program.
School-specific Scholarships: Some academic schools and departments within the university offer scholarships targeting international students in specific disciplines or programs. These scholarships may be merit-based or need-based and vary in terms of eligibility criteria and funding amounts.
Commonwealth Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh participates in various Commonwealth scholarship schemes, providing opportunities for students from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK. These scholarships are funded by the UK government and other organizations.
External Funding Sources: International students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, such as government scholarships, private organizations, and international foundations, to support their studies at the University of Edinburgh.
It is important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application deadlines may change from year to year.
Graduates of the MSc in Human Osteoarchaeology program at the University of Edinburgh possess specialized knowledge and practical skills in analyzing and interpreting human skeletal remains in archaeological contexts. They are well-equipped for a variety of career opportunities in academia, cultural heritage management, forensic science, museum curation, and archaeological consultancy. With their expertise in biological anthropology, osteological analysis, and cultural interpretation, graduates play a vital role in advancing knowledge of past populations and contributing to archaeological research, heritage preservation, and public engagement initiatives.
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Osteoarchaeologist/Archaeologist: Graduates may work as osteoarchaeologists or archaeologists in academic institutions, research organizations, or archaeological consultancy firms. They analyze human skeletal remains from archaeological sites, conduct osteological assessments, and contribute to research projects focused on understanding past populations' lifeways, health, and burial practices.
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Forensic Anthropologist: Graduates with training in forensic anthropology may pursue careers in forensic science, assisting in the identification of human remains in medicolegal contexts. They may work for government agencies, law enforcement agencies, or forensic laboratories, providing expertise in human identification, trauma analysis, and taphonomic processes.
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Cultural Heritage Manager/Curator: Graduates may work in cultural heritage management or museum curation, preserving and interpreting archaeological collections for public display and research purposes. They may work for museums, heritage organizations, or government agencies, curating exhibitions, developing educational programs, and engaging with diverse audiences to promote understanding of past cultures and traditions.
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Heritage Consultant/Archaeological Consultant: Graduates may work as heritage consultants or archaeological consultants, providing expertise and advice on archaeological heritage management, planning, and conservation projects. They may work for consulting firms, government agencies, or non-profit organizations, conducting impact assessments, advising on heritage legislation, and developing management plans for archaeological sites.
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Researcher/Academic: Graduates may pursue careers in academia as researchers, lecturers, or postdoctoral fellows in universities or research institutions. They conduct original research, publish scholarly articles, and supervise graduate students, contributing to advancements in osteoarchaeology, bioarchaeology, and related fields through interdisciplinary research projects.
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Educator/Trainer: Graduates may work as educators or trainers, developing and delivering training programs, workshops, or educational outreach activities for schools, community groups, or museum visitors. They may specialize in osteology, archaeology, or forensic anthropology, providing hands-on learning experiences and promoting interest in the study of human skeletal remains and archaeological science.
