University of Bradford
Department of Archaeological Sciences
Awarding and teaching institution:
Final award:
Programme title:
Duration:
UCAS Code:
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Programme accredited by:
Date produced:
University of Bradford
Master of Science / Postgraduate Diploma /
Postgraduate Certificate
Biological Archaeology
One year (full-time); two years (part-time)
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
March 2004, last updated: September 2007
Aims
Archaeology engages the entire human past in all its temporal and spatial dimensions. It is
fundamental to our understanding of how we evolved and our communities developed, and
how we study, preserve and interpret our past. At Bradford, our distinctive approach
emphasises the integration of the natural and physical sciences in this enquiry. In
accordance with the University’s mission, ‘Making knowledge work’, the Department of
Archaeological Sciences aims to provide ‘excellence in a comprehensive range of
archaeological topics, with emphasis on both teaching (‘Excellent’ in Subject Review 2000)
and research (Grade 5 in Research Assessment Exercise 2001), believing in the two
activities to be mutually dependent’.
The MSc in Biological Archaeology course is designed to give graduates in Archaeology and
related subjects an introduction to and systematic training in the application of biological
evidence to archaeology. It provides the necessary practical, analytical and interpretative
skills in biological archaeology to enable a range of applications within the wider discipline,
but with a focus on those aspects of archaeology which examine human subsistence and
health through the study of animal bones, plant remains and biomarkers in human and nonhuman bone.
The course aims to prepare students not only for research in biological archaeology, but also
to further career prospects in all areas of mainstream archaeology. The course is well-suited
both to students who wish to use it as a foundation from which to commence research or as
vocational training to enhance employment prospects in archaeology.
This course will
 Give graduates in archaeology and related subjects an introduction to and systematic
training in the application of biological evidence and methods in archaeology.
 Provide a flexible programme of study that reflects areas of staff expertise.
 Encourage development of independent learning skills, by providing a supportive,
structured environment.
 Develop high-level subject knowledge and understanding, and provide training in
discipline skills to enable graduates to pursue further research or careers in
archaeological science.
 Develop critical and analytical problem solving skills and personal transferable skills
to prepare students for careers in non-cognate fields.
Learning outcomes on completion of the course cover subject knowledge and
understanding, cognitive skills, discipline-related practical and professional skills and other
general skills and capabilities specified in the learning outcomes for approved modules in the
programme. In particular, this includes
 Advanced knowledge and understanding in practical, analytical and interpretative
approaches in biological archaeology; understanding of the wider application of
Effective for the academic year 2007-2008
ecological and biological methods in archaeology; demonstration of the mastery of a
selected range of methods and techniques within biological archaeology.
 Subject specific practical/professional skills in the analysis of animal bones, plant
remains and biomarkers in human and non-human bone; acquisition of advanced
skills in the study of human and non-human bone, palaeoecological evidence, soils
and sediments, mathematical and statistical approaches to archaeological data and
the application of biological methods within specific cultural contexts, according to
module selection; acquisition of practical laboratory and/or field skills; the design and
completion of a substantial work of independent study.
 General / transferable skills: Written and oral communication, confident use of
information technology, collecting and recording data, group working, independent
learning and research, time management, problem solving, to critically review,
synthesise and carry forward professional research in a specialised area; manage
own learning; critically evaluate professional literature in chosen area and related
disciplines.
Among the distinctive features of this course are hands-on experience in the Department’s
laboratories, a wide range of option choices, and a substantial individual research
dissertation.
Curriculum
The course is offered in full-time (1 year) and part-time (2 years) mode. It comprises a core
of compulsory modules to provide the appropriate framework and a range of option choices
to develop specialist skills. Most modules are at M Level, while some choices in up to 20
credits are also available from modules offered at Level 3.
The curriculum may change subject to the University’s course approval, monitoring and
review procedures. Quality assurance is provided through the external examiner who is
selected from leading experts within the discipline. There is also an External Advisory Board
comprising members of the public and private sector, which meets biannually to advise on
departmental strategy and curriculum.
Details about modules, including specific learning outcomes, are available from the module
descriptors. The Masters qualification comprises 180 credits; 60 credits per semester and 60
credits of dissertation. 10 credits are equivalent to 100 student learning hours.
Awards and Progression
(This is a summary only; the full regulations are maintained on the Web at
http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/QA_Hbk/Postgrad_Taught_Regs.html.)
To be eligible for the award of the Degree of Master, students must achieve at least 40.0% in
individual modules amounting to 160 Credits and at least 35.0% in individual modules
amounting to the other 20 Credits. Students, who attain an overall weighted average of at
least 70.0% at the initial attempt, including at least 70.0% at the initial attempt in the
dissertation, shall be eligible for the award of the Degree of Master with Distinction; those,
who attain an overall weighted average of at least 60.0% at the initial attempt, including at
least 60.0% at the initial attempt in the dissertation, shall be eligible for the award of the
Degree of Master with Merit.
Details of eligibility criteria for the Postgraduate Certificate and the Postgraduate Diploma are
to be found at the above named Web site.
Admission requirements
A first degree in Archaeology or another relevant or related discipline, normally with an upper
second class degree, or equivalent. Other relevant qualifications will be considered.
Admission onto the courses will be on an individual basis for overseas students, at an
equivalent level to UK entry requirements, on the advice of Student Registry. For North
American students a GPA of at least 2.5 on a scale of 4.0 is required, or an equivalent.
Admissions are made on the basis of suitability for the proposed course; based on
qualifications, references, applications and interview. A completed application form,
Effective for the academic year 2007-2008
references, official transcripts, or a list of courses/modules and grades/marks stamped by the
applicant's undergraduate department or student registry are required of all applicants.
Teaching, learning and assessment strategies
The emphasis of the course is on the acquisition of fundamental principles and selected
specialist skills within biological archaeology and on the wider application of these within
archaeological contexts, drawing on areas of departmental expertise (e.g. modules such as
Biomolecular Archaeology, Archaeology of Human Remains, From Village to State in South
Asia, Human Expansion and Settlement in the North Atlantic). The taught components of
Master's courses may be assessed by a variety of methods including examination, laboratory
reports, essays, critical reviews, oral presentations, essay plans, independent project, data
analysis tasks, worksheets and project design, depending on the modules studied. The
dissertation then allows a particular area of interest to be developed through supervised
research.
First destination figures for Postgraduate Taught Courses indicate that c. 85% of graduates
achieve work or further studies in the discipline or cognate areas.
Course Structure
Module title
Palaeoeconomy
Human Ecology
Maths and Quantitative Methods
Archaeology of Human Remains
Chronology and Biomolecules*
Soils and Chemical Prospection
Expansion and Settlement in the North
Atlantic
The Ancient City
Province and Empire
Advanced Theoretical Archaeology
From Stone to Bronze
Nutritional Archaeology
Research Skills
Advanced Archaeozoology
Mortuary Behaviour
Palaeoecology *
Taphonomy and Chemistry of Human
Remains
Celtic Europe
Palaeolithic Archaeology
Dissertation
Module
code
AR7003D
AR7004M
AR7001M
AR7101D
AR5303M
AR7014M
AR7128D
Status
Level
Credits
Sem
C
C
O
O
O
O
O
M
M
M
M
3
M
M
20
10
10
20
10
10
20
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
AR7104D
AR7107D
AR7015T
AR8122D
AR8125M
AR8119D
AR8126M
AR7021M
AR5105M
AR8118M
O
O
O
O
C
C***
C
O
O
O
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
3
M
20
20
30
20
10
20
10
10
10
10
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
AR8111D
AR7106D
AR9000Z
O
O
C **
M
M
20
20
60
2
2
* Level 3 modules
C = Compulsory
** Subject to progression
O = Optional
*** This module is optional for students studying for the award of Postgraduate Diploma
Student support and guidance
The nature of teaching, learning and research provision at Master’s level creates an intense
working atmosphere, where academic support is largely provided by the Course Manager,
but also by the Chair of Postgraduate Committee/Director of Postgraduate Studies. In
addition, each student will be allocated a personal tutor. There is also study support through
university and departmental handbooks and by module study guides. The support offered by
the Department is enhanced by university infrastructure, such as Library and IT facilities or
Effective for the academic year 2007-2008
the Disabilities Office, Counselling Service, Student Health Centre and Career Development
Service.
Further information
Further information can be found in the Postgraduate Prospectus. More details about the
Department and its courses can be obtained from the Postgraduate Secretary (Department
of Archaeological Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD7 1DP, UK;
Tel +44-(0)1274-235534, Fax +44-(0)1274-235190, Email: archsci@bradford.ac.uk).
Effective for the academic year 2007-2008