Bradford, United Kingdom
DURATION
3 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 23,290 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* international / home: GBP 9,535
Key Summary
Introduction
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.
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK), and by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS).
Admissions
Curriculum
What you will study
All module information is for 2023 entry and is subject to change.
First-year
- Independent Study for Forensic Scientists
- Principles of Forensic Crime Scene Investigation
- Introduction to Archaeological Methods
- Biological Anthropology: From Human Evolution to Forensic Anthropology
- Scientific Frameworks
- Field Recording Skills
Second year
Core
- Forensic Examination and Analysis of Physical Evidence
- Statistics and Databases for Forensic Scientists
- Laboratory Science
- Comparative Osteology
Option
- Archaeological Practice
- Virtual Anatomy for Forensic Sciences
- Biometrics and Human Identification
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Forensic Biology
Final year
Core
- Dissertation
- Interpretation and Presentation of Forensic Evidence for Forensic Science
- Forensic Anthropology
- Forensic Archaeology
Option
- Forensic Taphonomy
- Recent Advances in the Analysis of Human Remains
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 the 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.
Rankings
The University of Bradford is ranked 11th in the UK in the Complete University Guide Forensic Science Subject League Table 2025.
University of Bradford honoured with Queen’s Anniversary Prize for outstanding archaeology
We have been awarded a 2021 Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for our world-leading work in developing archaeological technology and techniques and its influence on practice, policy, and society.
The prestigious accolade, which honours world-class excellence and achievement, is the highest form of national recognition that UK higher education institutions can achieve. The University has been honoured for its leadership and innovation in pioneering the techniques, technology, and practices of archaeology both in the UK and worldwide.
Career Opportunities
Career prospects
Bradford archaeology graduates are highly sought after by employers. Part of that is down to a national shortage of archaeologists but another part is that Bradford has one of the world’s leading schools and a breadth of experience that spans over 40 years.
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.
Career support
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programs. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work, and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.
Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programs, there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.