Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology (with placement year) BSc (Hons) at University of Bradford

Overview

This degree explores how archaeological techniques and the analysis of human remains are used in a forensic (medico-legal) context.

You will gain a full grounding in archaeological excavation, surveying and recording of crime scenes.

In addition, you will also learn about human anatomy and anthropological analysis of human remains, including age, sex, ancestry assessment and the analysis and interpretation of trauma.

Specialist modules will allow you to understand how scientific techniques are used to build up a biological profile of unidentified remains; processes of decomposition (and preservation) of human tissues and associated materials; trauma analysis; and forensic identification of living people.

You'll also gain an understanding of scientific principles and how data should be presented in a legal context.

Learning and assessment

You will learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars, laboratory and field practicals, workshops, case studies and directed study. Directed study will include directed reading of selected textbooks, specified source literature and open learning materials, directed web-based materials, report writing and other assignments. There will also be an individual project/dissertation.

You will be assessed by written closed-book examinations using constructed (essays, short answers) and selected response (MCQ) questions and a variety of coursework assignments, including laboratory reports, oral presentations and dissertations.

There will also be involvement in laboratory, small-group workshops, case-based work and projects (individual and small group). You will be assessed by critical appraisal, case analysis and critique, case presentations, laboratory reports and dissertations.

The research dissertation develops your ability to undertake independent research and plan this research effectively. Presentations, the witness statement and the mock court exercise will develop your professional oral and written presentation skills.

Career prospects

The placement itself provides an excellent introduction to the careers market in crime scene investigation, forensic anthropology and forensic archaeology and equips students extremely well for employment in the sector. 

For all students, our investment in fieldwork, and our dedicated ‘hands-on’ approach to teaching has ensured that Bradford graduates have long been seen as extremely well-grounded in the skills and knowledge that employers look for.