Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology

Entry requirements

A candidate must satisfy one, or combination, of the following conditions;

Hold one of the following prior to commencement of the programme:

• An initial honours degree of Wrexham Glyndŵr University or another approved degree awarding body with a minimum of 2:2 honours degree* which has a significant content of Forensic Science, Crime, Archaeology, Anthropology or Biology.
• Equivalent qualifications of another overseas country which are deemed satisfactory by the programme team.

A non-graduate* can be admitted for candidature provided that they:

• Hold a non-graduate qualification, which the University deems to be of a satisfactory standard for the purpose of post-graduate admission.
• Have relevant work experience at a level that is deemed to compensate the lack of formal qualifications, and have held a position of responsibility within the Forensic, Archaeological or Policing sector for a minimum of three years.

*Students who have scored less than 60% (or 2.1 equivalent) in their undergraduate dissertation or equivalent research project module and all non-graduates will be offered a conditional place subject to the successful completion of the pre-entry bridging course in Preparing for Academic Success.

Please view our entry requirements page for more information.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The MRes Forensic Anthropology & Bioarchaeology programme has been designed to serve graduates wanting to embark on a research degree focussing on the search, recovery or identification of human remains and factors influencing these aspects.

This course can be completed over 1 year full time, or 2 years part time.

This programme equips graduates with the skills and subject-specific knowledge needed to pursue either a research-based career in a variety of academic disciplines or a fieldwork career in commercial or forensic archaeology & anthropology. The programme focuses on field and lab-based practical, analytical and research skills, and provides ideal training for students who want to work in industry, or subsequently wish to move onto a PhD programme, or who simply wish to undertake a more significant and flexible amount of research at the Masters level.

Key course features

• Develop an in depth knowledge in the field of forensic anthropology and bioarchaeology, and acquire a critical awareness of current issues and developments in the subject.
• Be informed by, and contribute to, broader academic debates about the methods, approaches and practices within the Archaeological and Forensic Science Sector.
• Undertake a tailored research project in industry, or through specialised facilitates.
• Gain proficiency in the application of acquired knowledge to challenging scenarios.
• Be equipped in a wide range of industry standard and novel techniques, applicable in the collectionand examination of remains.

Modules

• Advanced Research Skills: With a focus on developing research ideas, undertaking a literature review and planning a research study, this module develops the skillset and subject knowledge of the students so that research work can be effectively undertaken.
• Human Osteology: A detailed understanding of human remains and skeletal material in a casework and research environment is covered, showing students the key concepts and techniques used for developing biological profiles and their applications in cases of crime, mass disaster and other casualties.
• Negotiated Learning: Students may negotiate a tailored learning and research plan with their tutors for their personal and professional development, and to focus in more depth on a particular subject of their own expertise.
• Professional Practice & Placement: Students have the opportunity to undertake a 100 hour work placement in a scientific role of their interest, and to learn more about the codes of conduct and accreditations and certifications associated with it.
• Dissertation: Pilot Study: Students will begin their primary research on a small scale, expanding their knowledge of the appropriate practical research methods, and exploring the potential challenges and limitations they may face in the early stages of their final research project.
• Dissertation: Research Project: Students will undertake an advanced research project, putting in to practice their knowledge and understanding of the subject, and demonstrating the practical, intellectual and transferable skills they have developed throughout the programme.

Fees and funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

Wrexham University’s tuition fees for 2024/25 for MRes Forensic Anthropology & Bioarcheology are £7950.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & funding page.