MBA Master of Business Administration
The MBA program at the University of Sheffield offers a comprehensive curriculum design...
MSc Osteoarchaeology
Western Bank
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MSc Osteoarchaeology at the University of Sheffield is a one-year, full-time postgraduate program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the skeletal analysis in archaeological contexts. The program covers various aspects of osteoarchaeology, from bioarchaeology to taphonomy, and offers practical training in skeletal analysis, excavation techniques, and research methods. It is ideal for students who wish to pursue careers in osteoarchaeology, archaeology, or bioarchaeology, and provides the skills to analyze human remains and interpret their significance within archaeological research. The program is built upon Sheffield’s reputation for research excellence and its facilities, such as the laboratory space for hands-on training with skeletal materials and advanced analytical techniques.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MSc Osteoarchaeology program offers a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Key modules cover topics such as Human Osteology, Bioarchaeology and the Study of Human Remains, Field Archaeology, Taphonomy (the study of the decomposition of organic remains), and Research Methods in Osteoarchaeology. In addition to the core modules, students gain hands-on experience in the analysis of human skeletal remains, including the identification of age, sex, ancestry, and health of individuals from archaeological sites. Students will also participate in fieldwork and excavation projects, enabling them to apply their knowledge in real-world archaeological settings. The program culminates in a dissertation where students carry out their own original research, often focusing on specific osteological cases or archaeological sites.
Research Focus: The University of Sheffield's MSc Osteoarchaeology program is grounded in its research excellence in the field of human osteology. Students are encouraged to explore various aspects of osteoarchaeology, such as the examination of ancient diseases, burial practices, trauma analysis, and demographic studies of past populations. The program emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, combining osteological analysis with archaeological, historical, and environmental data to gain insights into past societies. Sheffield's strong research focus includes projects that investigate the bioarchaeology of historical populations, the effects of diet and nutrition on health, the role of skeletal remains in understanding ancient societies, and the ethical implications of human remains research.
Industry Engagement: The MSc Osteoarchaeology program at the University of Sheffield offers strong industry engagement opportunities through collaborations with leading archaeological organizations, museums, and research institutions. Students gain practical experience by working with collections from prestigious institutions and participating in excavations and field projects. Sheffield’s established links with archaeological agencies, heritage organizations, and laboratories provide students with access to valuable networks and career opportunities. Additionally, the university organizes events, guest lectures, and workshops that bring together students and professionals from the field, offering valuable networking opportunities. This engagement with industry professionals ensures that students are prepared for the practical challenges and career paths they may encounter in osteoarchaeology and related fields.
Global Perspective: The MSc Osteoarchaeology program at the University of Sheffield emphasizes a global perspective, with opportunities for students to engage with osteoarchaeological research from around the world. The program encourages students to consider how human skeletal remains provide insight into ancient cultures and societies across different geographical regions and historical periods. Through the program's global research collaborations, students will have the chance to work on international archaeological projects, study human remains from diverse populations, and contribute to global knowledge in bioarchaeology. The university’s extensive network of academic and professional partners allows students to gain exposure to a variety of research methodologies and archaeological practices from different parts of the world.
Location
Western Bank
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 25600
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%-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 88, with at least 19 in Listening, 20 in Reading, 22 in Speaking, and 19 in Writing.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 61 with no individual score below 56.
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.
Postgraduate students may be eligible for the following scholarships:
Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship: This scholarship is available to UK, EU, and international students who have a conditional or unconditional offer to study a full-time or part-time postgraduate taught course at the University of Sheffield. The scholarship is worth 50% of the tuition fee for each year of study.
International Merit Postgraduate Taught Scholarship: This scholarship is available to international students who have a conditional or unconditional offer to study a full-time postgraduate taught course at the University of Sheffield. The scholarship is worth 50% of the tuition fee for each year of study.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme: This scholarship is available to students from eligible developing Commonwealth countries who have a conditional or unconditional offer to study a full-time postgraduate taught course at the University of Sheffield. The scholarship covers the full tuition fee, airfare to and from the UK, and a monthly stipend.
Graduates of the MSc in Osteoarchaeology program have diverse and promising career prospects in various archaeological, cultural heritage, and research roles.
Bioarchaeologist: Graduates can pursue careers as bioarchaeologists, working on archaeological excavations and analyzing human skeletal remains.
Museum Curator: The program prepares students for roles as museum curators, managing human remains collections and interpreting their cultural context.
Cultural Heritage Management: Graduates may explore careers in cultural heritage management, dealing with human remains in archaeological sites.
Academic and Research Roles: Some graduates may choose to work in academia or pursue further studies, contributing to osteoarchaeological research.
Forensic Archaeology: The program equips students with skills relevant to forensic archaeology and working with law enforcement agencies.
