MBA Master of Business Administration
The MBA program at Durham University is a full-time, intensive course aimed at developi...
MSc Human Bioarchaeology and Palaeopathology
Durham City
INTAKE: October
Program Overview
The MSc in Human Bioarchaeology and Palaeopathology at Durham University is designed for students interested in the scientific study of human remains from archaeological contexts. This program combines biological anthropology, forensic science, and palaeopathology to explore how past populations lived, their health, and the diseases they faced. Students will develop expertise in osteological analysis, skeletal pathology, and isotopic techniques, allowing them to interpret ancient human remains accurately. The course is particularly suited for those seeking careers in archaeological consultancy, forensic investigation, academic research, and museum conservation, as well as those considering PhD research in bioarchaeology.
Curriculum: The MSc in Human Bioarchaeology and Palaeopathology offers a comprehensive and research-led curriculum that integrates theory, laboratory work, and field-based learning. Core modules typically include Human Osteology, Palaeopathology, Forensic Anthropology, Bioarchaeological Data Analysis, and Scientific Methods in Bioarchaeology. These modules equip students with practical skills in skeletal identification, trauma analysis, and ancient disease diagnosis. The program also includes advanced laboratory training in stable isotope analysis, ancient DNA analysis, and radiographic imaging, enabling students to explore diet, migration, and health patterns in past populations. A key component of the program is the dissertation, where students conduct original research on a bioarchaeological topic of their choice, supervised by Durham’s expert faculty members.
Research Focus: Durham University’s Department of Archaeology is a global leader in bioarchaeological and palaeopathological research, with faculty members actively involved in excavations, skeletal analysis, and interdisciplinary studies worldwide. Research at Durham focuses on the health, diet, and diseases of ancient populations, with specializations in skeletal trauma, infectious diseases, dental anthropology, and isotopic reconstruction of past diets and mobility. The university’s state-of-the-art bioarchaeology laboratories provide students with access to cutting-edge analytical techniques, including CT scanning, isotopic analysis, and histological studies. Students are encouraged to participate in research projects, contributing to academic publications and conference presentations.
Industry Engagement: The MSc in Human Bioarchaeology and Palaeopathology offers strong industry connections with archaeological units, heritage organizations, museums, and forensic institutions. Durham University collaborates with organizations such as English Heritage, the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, and forensic research agencies. Students benefit from guest lectures, professional workshops, and fieldwork opportunities, providing hands-on experience in archaeological excavations, museum curation, and forensic casework. The program also supports students in securing internships and placements with industry partners, allowing them to apply their skills in real-world bioarchaeological and forensic contexts.
Global Perspective: Durham University promotes a global and interdisciplinary approach to the study of human bioarchaeology and palaeopathology. The MSc program integrates international case studies, cross-cultural analyses, and comparative bioarchaeological research, enabling students to examine human remains from diverse geographical and chronological contexts. Durham’s international research collaborations and field projects span regions such as Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, providing students with opportunities to participate in global excavation projects, international research networks, and collaborative scientific studies. Graduates of this program gain a broad understanding of past human populations and their health, preparing them for international careers in academia, archaeology, museum studies, and forensic anthropology.
Location
Durham City
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 29000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements:
- Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% to 70% or equivalent.
- English language proficiency is required, and applicants must provide evidence of their English language skills through an approved language test.
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 92, with at least 23 in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 59.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
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.
Durham University offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to both domestic and international students.
Durham University Scholarships and Bursaries: These are awarded to both undergraduate and postgraduate students based on academic excellence, financial need, or specific criteria such as subject area or country of origin.
Durham International Scholarships: These are awarded to exceptional international students who are pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies at the university. The scholarship covers a portion of tuition fees and is renewable for the duration of the course.
Government Scholarships: Durham University participates in a number of government scholarship programs, including the Chevening Scholarship and the Commonwealth Scholarship.
College-Specific Scholarships: Some colleges at Durham University offer scholarships and bursaries to their students, such as the Van Mildert College Music Scholarship and the St. Mary's College Travel Grant.
Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments at Durham University offer scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships may be discipline-specific or focused on supporting students from specific regions or countries.
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships: The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships are prestigious scholarships awarded to exceptional international students across all academic disciplines. These scholarships cover the full tuition fees and provide a generous living allowance for the duration of the program. The selection process is highly competitive and based on academic merit and leadership potential.
Graduates of the MSc Human Bioarchaeology and Palaeopathology program have various career prospects in both academic and non-academic settings.
Academic Research: Graduates can pursue further studies, such as a Ph.D., and become bioarchaeologists or palaeopathologists, contributing to academic research and teaching.
Museum and Heritage Sectors: Graduates may work in museums or heritage organizations, curating and interpreting human skeletal collections for educational purposes.
Forensic Anthropology: Graduates can enter the field of forensic anthropology, assisting in identifying human remains for legal purposes.
Cultural Resource Management: Graduates may work in cultural resource management firms, conducting bioarchaeological assessments for construction projects.
Public Health and Medical Research: Some graduates may find opportunities in public health and medical research, analyzing historical disease patterns to inform modern healthcare practices.
