Forensic Anthropology

University of Central Lancashire
Postgraduate MSc (PG) Full-time 1 Year Anthropology

About this course

Course Summary Learn how the study of human remains aids criminal investigations and develop your skills in Forensic Anthropology and taphonomy. You'll be taught by world-leading teaching staff in state-of-the-art facilities. Our Forensic Anthropology MSc is designed for graduate students and practitioners wanting to develop their skills in the examination and interpretation of evidence from human skeletal remains.

Through four practical taught modules, you’ll gain hands-on experience of human skeletal remain and human and comparative faunal anatomy. You’ll also learn about human and animal decomposition processes and the evaluation and presentation of such evidence in a legal context.

After completing the taught element of the course, you’ll undertake an in-depth research project to develop and specialise your forensic anthropology and taphonomy research skills.

Why study with us

  • Access to state-of-the-art forensic anthropology and forensic taphonomy facilities and laboratories.

  • The course is taught by internationally-renown experts in forensic anthropology with real case experience.

  • Choose from Optional modules including Forensic Taphonomy, Identification of the Living and Deceased, and Forensic Genetics (subject to minimum numbers)

    What you'll do

  • Explore various aspects of forensic anthropology and taphonomy with a range of lectures, practical sessions, fieldwork and case studies, delivered by experienced staff.

  • Relevant research placements may be possible with forensic laboratories and facilities, in the UK or abroad.

  • Gain hands-on experience and transferable skills for a career in forensic science, archaeological or crime scene investigation, museums, police, or academia.

    Future Careers On completion of the MSc Forensic Anthropology, you will be ready for a career in forensic science, specialising in forensic anthropology and taphonomy, criminal investigation, or further study.

    Our course provides an excellent starting point for a career in the competitive sector of forensic science. You’ll gain hands-on experience with real human skeletal remains, and at one of the UK’s leading taphonomy facilities, allowing you to further specialise in forensic anthropology and taphonomy.

    You’ll also gain many transferrable skills that will allow you to take advantage of employment opportunities in crime scene investigation, forensic science providers, museums, law enforcement, analytical laboratories, education, the NHS, and the wider scientific sector.

  • Career Prospects

    Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

    3111 Laboratory technicians
    2113 Biochemists and biomedical scientists
    2472 Archivists, conservators and curators
    3312 Police officers (sergeant and below)
    2112 Biological scientists

    Course Details

    Qualification
    Master of Science - MSc (PG)
    Study Mode
    Full-time
    Duration
    1 Year
    Start Date
    2025
    Academic Year
    2025
    Campus / Location
    Preston
    Scheme
    Postgraduate
    Subjects
    Anthropology