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Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Investigation (MSc) Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Investigation (MSc) University of Bradford

University of Bradford

Masters Degree , Forensic Archaeology

Course Description

Forensic Archaeology is the specialist application of archaeological techniques to the search and recovery of evidential material from crime scenes, often but not always related to buried human remains.

This course is taught by staff with extensive crime scene experience who regularly work on a range of operations and are at the forefront of the professional development of the discipline.

The course will:

  • Provide you with advanced practical, analytical and interpretative skills in forensic archaeology
  • Provide training in discipline skills to enable graduates to pursue careers in Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)
  • Prepare students for careers in non-cognate fields through emphasis on team working and application of a wide knowledge base to problem solving

This course combines approaches from different disciplines to provide students with a comprehensive forensic skill set.

It is essential that forensic archaeologists are able to appreciate their role within a wider police investigation and have a detailed understanding of crime scene management procedures.

Forensic Archaeology in the United Kingdom is rapidly developing and recognised as a distinct discipline by the Home Office Forensic Science Regulator. Bradford staff have been actively involved in defining skills matrices for use by the Institute for Archaeologists as part of the process of professional regulation.

Course Content

The taught elements of the programme have a focused structure that covers the key areas within forensic archaeology and is based upon direct case experience by the principal tutors working with UK police forces. There is a strong emphasis on hands-on experience utilising simulated crime scene scenarios.

Students can either chose to undertake a substantial individual research dissertation or alternatively take part in a simulated, complex, multi-scene investigation that will require high-level skills in co-operative working, scene management and information synthesis plus complete substantial research and writing assignments that require advanced level academic writing skills.

This programme is also available as a part-time, two-year course. 50% of the modules will be studied in each year. 

Please note that for 2019 entry, the module information is subject to change.

Modules

Core

Introduction to Forensic Archaeology and Forensic Anthropology (ARC7038-B)

Crime Scene Investigation (ARC7039-B)

Professional Development (ARC7041-B)

Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Investigation (ARC7012-B)

Forensic Taphonomy (ARC7017-B)

Law for Expert Witnesses (LAW7028-B)

Dissertation route:

Dissertation (ARC7034-E)

Non-dissertation route:

Advanced Fieldwork Programme for CSI (ARC7014-C) & Independent Research Papers for CSI (ARC7040-C)

 

Entry Requirements

2:2 or above in a relevant discipline, from either the humanities or sciences (e.g. archaeology, anthropology, forensic sciences, law, etc).

Other relevant qualifications and past experience will also be considered.

For North American students, normally a GPA of at least 2.5 on a scale of 4.0 is required, or an equivalent.

English language requirements

IELTS at 6.0 or the equivalent

If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course. 

Assessment Methods

Due to the specialist nature of the programme all modules are core to the programme, although students can choose between the research dissertation and the non-dissertation route. The teaching strategy makes use of employer engagement by including delivery of elements from police CSIs, and specialists from Forensic Service Providers (Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Archaeology and CSI) in support of LO1.

The thematic modules are delivered in a combination of formal lectures, student-led intensive seminars/tutorials and extensive practical instruction. Coursework (simulated crime scene and field documentation, witness statements) is geared towards demonstrating relevant knowledge, understanding and professional skills in principal approaches to the recovery, interpretation and reporting of forensic evidence. Communication skills are tested in both written and oral form in several modules.

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