Human Osteoarchaeology

Human skeletal remains are the most direct evidence of past lifeways and their scientific investigation gives unique insights into human history.

Bioarchaeology, also known as osteoarchaeology (the study of archaeological human remains), is a subdiscipline of biological anthropology. It is an exciting interdisciplinary field that draws on a variety of techniques, ranging from visual examination of the whole skeleton to the biomolecular analysis of small bone samples. Demographic shifts, environmental changes, migrations, lifestyles, numerous diseases and the impact of violence and conflict all leave traces on the skeleton.

This MSc provides the skills required to:

identify human remains, through detailed analytical skills

apply a wide-range of methods employed in the study of human remains, including analysis of skeletal pathology

quantify and analyse scientific data

understand skeletal biographies

apply social theory

interpret human remains within their cultural context at both an individual and a population level

Combining theoretical learning with hands-on practice, we will provide you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential to your handling and analysis of remains recovered from archaeological sites.

Focal areas of research of staff involved in the MSc Human Osteoarchaeology programme include:

Bioarchaeology/ Human Osteoarchaeology/ Palaeopathology/ Biological Anthropology

Interpersonal violence and conflict

Experimental bioarchaeology

Professional standards, ethics and legislation in human osteoarchaeology

Historical bioarchaeology

Bioarchaeology of children and childhood

Palaeodietary reconstruction

Archaeology of identity

Human–environment interactions

The transition from hunter-gatherer to farming communities

The development of complex societies

Social and health inequalities in the past

Diet and health

Cultural heritage perspectives on the past, present, and future

Breadth of expertise within the Archaeology subject area:

Bioarchaeology and isotope studies

Egyptology

Roman and ‘Celtic’ archaeology

The Byzantine World and Late Antiquity

Megalithic monuments

Prehistory of Europe, the Mediterranean and North-East Africa

Early civilisations and urban societies

The archaeology of Scotland

Cultural heritage and sustainability

Digital heritage and heritage policy

Archaeomaterials analysis

Human evolution

Conflict archaeology

Medieval archaeology

Computational archaeology

Marine and coastal archaeology

Buildings archaeology

Archaeological survey-Landscape Archaeology