Overview

This Bioarchaeological and Forensic Anthropology degree provides University College London (UCL) students with a solid grounding in all aspects of skeletal and dental anatomy, methods and procedures for assessing human skeletal material, identifying disease in the skeleton, and the legal context when dealing with modern forensic human remains.

The human skeleton is a complex and dynamic structure that retains an individual's unique physiological experiences gained throughout life, as well as after death. Bioarchaeologists and Forensic Anthropologists have the opportunity to explore those experiences through the study of human skeletal and dental remains. This unique MSc degree draws on the theoretical and scientific methodological approaches of both Bioarchaeology and Forensic Anthropology. It provides a comprehensive programme that allows students to gain in-depth insight into both disciplines, including the opportunity to choose their own research path through their dissertation project.

What this course will give you

The UCL Institute of Archaeology is one of the largest and most diverse archaeology department in the UK, offering students a range of opportunities. Students also benefit from a close proximity to the British Museum and the Natural History Museum (NHM), where the course instructors have strong research links. We also have links with the Department of Security and Crime Science.

Employability

Some graduates of the programme go on to PhD studies, while others go on to work in a range of archaeological and non-archaeological roles as osteoarchaeological specialists, members of the police, curators and political researchers.

Networking

There is a broad network of MSc Bioarchaeological and Forensic Anthropological graduates working across the sector in the UK and globally.
This includes those working at: major national museums; universities in the US, Canada, the UK and Europe; contract archaeology units across the world; the Met Police and MI6; and those undertaking further graduate studies here at UCL or elsewhere.
Former graduates of the programme, especially those undertaking PhDs, contribute to the teaching of the MSc, and we have occasional guest lectures on core modules from other former students.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Zooarchaeology in Practice
Funerary Archaeology
Forensic Anthropology
Dental Anthropology.
Methodology and Issues in Bioarchaeology and Palaeoepidemiology
Variation and Evolution of the Human Skull

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-26 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-08-28 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

London, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Anthropology Biology Forensic Science View 79 other Masters in Anthropology in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in archaeology or related subject from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
Ordinarily, students applying for admission to this programme should have taken an undergraduate level human osteology module or human anatomy module (or similar).
Alternatively, students could have attended an osteology related field school or have undertaken archaeological field work involving human remains. Students with other types of experience should contact the degree coordinator for advice.
The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

33000 GBP / year

≈ 33000 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

16000 GBP / year

≈ 16000 GBP / year

Living costs

London

United Kingdom

1137 - 2157 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Bioarchaeological and Forensic Anthropology.

Available Scholarships

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On this page

About

Overview

What this course will give you

Employability

Networking

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

London

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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