University of Exeter United Kingdom

MSc Bioarchaeology: Human Osteology

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 1 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree Masters Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

Embark on a transformative academic journey with the MSc Bioarchaeology: Human Osteology at the University of Exeter, a programme designed for those passionate about understanding past human lives through skeletal remains. This postgraduate degree addresses the critical need for specialists who can interpret skeletal anatomy and palaeopathology, bridging the gap between archaeology and natural sciences. If you are driven by a desire to uncover detailed biological and social histories from ancient populations, this course provides the advanced knowledge and practical skills required to excel in this dynamic field.

You will engage in intensive study on campus over one year, undertaking 105 credits of compulsory modules including Skeletal Anatomy, Research Design in Archaeology, Advanced Human Osteology, and a significant Bioarchaeology Dissertation. A further 75 credits can be chosen from a wide array of optional modules, allowing you to tailor your expertise. You will gain hands-on experience in our dedicated laboratory, analysing anatomical variation and palaeopathological conditions. Graduates are prepared for research roles, forensic anthropology, and further academic study, equipped with a deep understanding of human osteology.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This MSc program in Bioarchaeology focuses on Human Osteology, equipping students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in the field. The curriculum includes compulsory modules such as Skeletal Anatomy, Research Design in Archaeology, Advanced Human Osteology, and a Bioarchaeology Dissertation. Students can further specialize through a wide range of optional modules covering diverse areas like Professional Skills, Musculature Anatomy, Digital Pasts, Zooarchaeology, and Forensic Anthropology.

1 Compulsory modules

Skeletal Anatomy
Research Design in Archaeology
Advanced Human Osteology
Bioarchaeology Dissertation

2 Optional modules

Professional Skills in Archaeology
Advanced Project
Musculature Anatomy
Plants and Animals as Craft Resources
Digital Pasts
Experimental Archaeology: Research and Public Engagement
Practical Pasts
Approaches to Pottery: Archaeology, Archaeometry, and Experimental Archaeology
Themes in Archaeological Theory and Practice
Discovering the Past with Molecular Science
Field Study
Landscape Archaeology: Understanding the Historic Environment
Material Culture
Advanced Zooarchaeology
Zooarchaeology
Funerary Osteoarchaeology
The Archaeology of Humans and Other Animals
Researching the Historic Environment Online
Forensic Anthropology: Principles and Practice
Pandemics and disease in the ancient Mediterranean

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

39% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 21,160.00 USD 34,535.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 21,160.00 USD 34,535.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 645.00 - USD 1,289.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 1,934.00
Estimated Total USD 4,190.00 - USD 7,251.00

Living cost estimates are based on Streatham Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

92%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accreditation & Assessment ServicesAgricultural Services & ExtensionBrand ManagementCorrections & RehabilitationDevOps & Site Reliability EngineeringPolice & Public SafetyProduct Management & UXSpecial & Inclusive EducationStreaming & Digital ContentTalent & Artist Management

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Amgen

AstraZeneca

EXPOSE

GSK

NHS

National Health Service

University of Exeter

University of Oxford

Why Study MSc Bioarchaeology: Human Osteology at University of Exeter

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Exeter in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MSc Bioarchaeology: Human Osteology at University of Exeter

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is necessary.

What English language score do I need for this course?

Applicants need to meet specific English proficiency requirements, such as a Duolingo overall score of 120 or an IELTS overall score of 6.5. Other tests like TOEFL and PTE also have set score thresholds.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Possible job titles include Bioarchaeologist, Osteoarchaeologist, Forensic Anthropologist, and Research Scientist.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program teaches you how to identify human skeletal remains and analyze anatomical variations. You will also study palaeopathological conditions in both human and animal bones in our dedicated laboratory.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The MSc Bioarchaeology: Human Osteology program has an intake in September each year.
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