Forensic Anthropology & Archaeology

Bournemouth University has opted into the TEF and received a Silver award.

Forensic anthropology and archaeology are both crucial areas of expertise in investigations of human remains in a modern context. During recent years international investigations of disasters, human rights violations and genocide have brought a growing demand for skilled practitioners who can contribute towards the recovery and identification of unknown victims and the determination of the cause of their deaths. Such skills have also been increasingly utilised to identify and investigate human remains recovered from forensic contexts relating to domestic criminal activity. You will undertake the only simulated mass grave exercise currently offered on a UK Master's programme. The MSc offers two pathways, which focus either on forensic anthropology (Osteology) or forensic archaeology (Search and Recovery).A core aspect of the programme is the understanding of legal issues and constraints, management and process of the investigative system and the professional skills required to present evidence to the courts. You will also cover the post mortem fate of human remains, the location and recovery of skeletonised remains and the application of biological anthropology at the level of both individuals and, populations.Our programme places particular relevance on interpretation of injury and postmortem events with emphasis given to the archaeological recovery of human remains rather than taking a view that analysis begins when remains reach the laboratory. Our graduates will be able to make confident assertions regarding the recognition and initial assessment of human remains in the field. In addition, you will gain a wide range of transferable skills including report writing, team working, professional communication and presentation skills, expert witness training and contemporaneous recording.This degree has been designed by our experienced archaeology and anthropology team who practice both nationally and internationally and address the needs identified by police services, the UK forensic regulator, the UN and other international identification agencies. Upon completion of the programme, you will join other BU graduates who are acknowledged as some of the best trained forensic anthropologists and archaeologists entering the field. This will open up a wide range of career prospects, with potential for you to work either in the UK or international examining crime scenes, mass graves and disasters and educating other researchers in new forensic approaches.

There are an average of 1500 international students attending the university each year. The website contains information for each country to help those students find specific information. There is also a wide range of help and assistance on hand once they arrive in Bournemouth. This ranges from immigration and visas advice to assistance with accommodation. There are also various support services on hand such as student wellbeing and a medical centre as well as a multi-faith chaplaincy service. Most of the students of Bournemouth University are fascinated by the attractive day and night life here. The area is a popular tourist destination and one of the most attractive parts of England that offers you a great opportunity to explore various places besides your academic progress. Situated on the south coast of England, the area is famous for its 12 kilometres long sandy beaches, beautiful parks and gardens. The university is at a distance of less than two hours from the city of London. As a student of the University, you can enjoy the beauty of the famous places like Durdle Door, Poole Old Town, Compton Acres, Lulworth Cove, Upton Park, Brownsea Island, Red House Museum, Highcliffe Castle, Christchurch, Purbecks, Corfe Castle, the New Forest, Winchester, Lyndhurst, Lymington, Romsey, Brockenhurst, Ringwood, Salisbury, Weymouth, Stonehenge, Wimborne or the cottage of Thomas Hardy in Dorchester.