Why study MSc Bioarchaeology at BU?

  • Animal bones and human remains are amongst the most common finds on archaeological excavations of all periods
  • The archaeological profession has an increasing need for staff with osteoarchaeological training, to assist in the interpretation of archaeological sites and understanding the human experience in the past, particularly their relationship with animals
  • Choose specialist optional units within the overall context of bioarchaeology, for example Applications of Zooarchaeological Science or Palaeanthropology and Palaeolithc Archaeology
  • Provides you with an excellent foundation if you want to pursue a career as a specialist osteoarchaeological practitioner, or pursue doctoral level study in bioarchaeology
  • Access to an incredible collection of skeletal remains, comprising more than 700 human specimens and over 500 reference skeletons of mammals, birds, fish and reptiles and specimens - one of the largest such collections to be held by any UK university.

Find out more about the content of this course.

We hold one of the largest human remains collections among UK universities

We have an incredible collection of human skeletal remains, comprising more than 700 specimens. This is one of the largest such collections to be held by any UK university. Our zooarchaeology collection contains over 500 known reference skeletons of mammals, birds, fish and reptiles, including everything you need from cows and wild boar to mice and frogs. We also have licenced specimens of rare and endangered species in this collection. 

Key information

Next start date:

September 2024, September 2025

Location:

Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus

Duration:

September start: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Required subjects:

Archaeology, History, Biological Sciences, Biological Anthropology, Anthropology, Forensic Investigation, Forensic Biology, Forensic Science

Entry requirements:

A Bachelors Honours degree with 2:1 in a required subject. For more information check out our full entry requirements.

International entry requirements:

If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS 6.0 (Academic) with a minimum of 5.5 in each component. For more information check out our full entry requirements.