Study Details: MSc 1 year full-time,
2 years part-time,
3 years part-time
Bioarchaeology at York combines advanced osteoarchaeological techniques with the molecular analysis of human remains. You'll be encouraged to immerse yourself in the study of stable isotopes, lipid residue analysis, palaeoproteomics and ancient DNA – and play an active role in the development of new techniques in this constantly evolving branch of archaeology.
We offer students the unique opportunity to design their own masters course based on their interests and future careers, with a range of core subjects that will underpin their understanding of osteoarchaeology and biomolecular archaeology alongside a broad suite of option modules.
You'll be taught by leading academic specialists from the Archaeology Department’s BioArCh centre for bioarchaeology who work on a range of cutting-edge research and commercial projects that feed into their teaching. We offer students dedicated independent lab time (open labs) with human and animal bones to deepen their anatomical knowledge.
2:2 or equivalent in Archaeology, Anthropology or a relevant subject.
Mature students or those with less conventional qualifications but with relevant professional experience and enthusiasm for this field will be considered.
To find out if your professional experience or qualifications are appropriate, please contact the Course Director.
For fees and funding options, please visit website to find out more
The skills and techniques you’ll develop are deployed widely in the field of archaeological research and exploration, but they are also valuable for a wide range of careers and further studies.
Many our MSc Bioarchaeology graduates go on to further research in bioarchaeological and environmental fields and on PhD courses in York and institutions worldwide.
Core modules
Ancient Biomolecules
The Archaeology of the Human Skeleton
Option modules
You'll choose option modules from examples including:
Animal bones for Archaeologists
Data Science for Archaeology
Practical Skills in Virtual Anatomy and Morphology
Professional Practice: Zooarchaeology or Human Osteology
Skeletal Evidence for Health in the Past
Zooarchaeology in Context
You'll also have the opportunity to choose options from our full module catalogue. Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available will confirmed after you begin your course.
Archaeologies of Colonialism in the British Atlantic World
Artefacts and Materials Analysis
Becoming Human
Building Conservation Projects
Buildings Recording
Contemporary Issues in Museums
Critical Approaches to Archaeological Practice
Death, Burial and Commemoration in the Roman World
Debates in Funerary Archaeology
Digital Creativity
Digital Approaches to Archaeology
Experimental Archaeology
GIS and spatial analysis
Heritage Principles and Concepts
Histories of Conservation
Landscape survey and geophysics
Life and Death in Iron Age Britain and Ireland
Making the Nation
Medieval Settlement and Communities
Mesolithic Life and Death
Museums, Audiences & Interpretation
Presenting Historic Houses
Project Management
Researching & Analysing Historic Buildings
Roman Archaeology: Ancient pasts, current issues
Roman Europe
Sustainability I: definitions of sustainability & methods of assessment
Sustainability II: understanding sustainability as change through time
Sustainable Buildings: Carbon, Retrofit and Reuse
Sustainable Conservation Challenges
The Ancient Celts: Archaeology and Identity in Iron Age Europe
The Archaeology of Roman Religion
The Viking Age: People, Places, Things
Thinking through Material Culture
Understanding & Interpreting Historic Buildings
Virtual Reality and 3D Modelling
Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.
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