MRes Forensic Anthropology & Bioarchaeology

The MRes Forensic Anthropology & Bioarchaeology programme has been designed to serve graduates wanting to embark on a research degree focussing on the search, recovery or identification of human remains and factors influencing these aspects.

This programme equips graduates with the skills and subject-specific knowledge needed to pursue either a research-based career in a variety of academic disciplines or a fieldwork career in commercial or forensic archaeology & anthropology. The programme focuses on field and lab-based practical, analytical and research skills, and provides ideal training for students who want to work in industry, or subsequently wish to move onto a PhD programme, or who simply wish to undertake a more significant and flexible amount of research at the Masters level.

Key Course Features

• Receive training in handling of skeletal remains from diverse and contemporary contexts.
• Undertake a tailored research project in industry, or through specialised facilitates.
• Develop systematic knowledge of forensic anthropology and bioarchaeology.
• Gain proficiency in the application of acquired knowledge to challenging scenarios.
• Build transferable skills enabling career progression and potential for doctoral study.

Assessment and Teaching

The programme will be delivered via blended learning meaning that teaching will encompass both online and classroom-based delivery, guest talks, tutorials, and laboratory workshops. This mode of delivery would mean that students can travel from a distance to study a programme, without having to commit to living in Wrexham full time as well as allowing more flexibility for those wishing to work alongside their studies. Each module takes the form of a learning package consisting of online resources such as videos, articles, quizzes, websites, discussion boards, etc. (accessed via the module space on Moodle), tutorial support meetings and, where appropriate, practical workshops.

In addition, the student will complete 100 hours of placement activity in an appropriate industries such as laboratories, hospitals, museums, fieldschools, education institutions or the police. Placements can be paid or voluntary and completed on a full time, part time or ad-hoc basis so long as they allow for adequate time to complete the assessments before the end of trimester 2. There is no restriction on where the placement is to be completed and students are encouraged to investigate a wide range of possibilities including international roles.

The programme will be delivered through the medium of English. Students are entitled to submit assessments in the medium of Welsh. Students are also encouraged to engage in placements which support welsh medium where available and appropriate.

A range of summative assessment strategies will be used including practical examination, portfolio, reports, poster presentation, oral presentations, research and learning logs. These have been designed to reflect work place requirements and developing technologies where appropriate. Students will receive formative assessment, particularly during the practical and self-study elements of the programme to ensure they can keep track of their progress and development.

Career Prospects

Graduates of this programme could go on to work in:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Bioarchaeology
• Human Osteology
• Forensic & Crime Scene Science
• Commercial Archaeology
• Humanitarian Work
• Museums & Heritage
• Research Scientist
• Laboratory Technician
• Education

Or investigate further research opportunities such as PhD Study.

A candidate must satisfy one, or combination, of the following conditions: Hold one of the following prior to commencement of the Programme: An initial honours degree of Wrexham Glyndwr University or another approved degree awarding body with a minimum of 2:2 honours degree which has a significant content of Forensic Science, Crime, Archaeology, Anthropology or Biology. Equivalent qualifications of another overseas country which are deemed satisfactory by the programme team. A non-graduate can be admitted for candidature provided that: A non-graduate qualification, which the University deems to be of a satisfactory standard for the purpose of post-graduate admission. Have relevant work experience at a level that is deemed to compensate the lack of formal qualifications, and have held a position of responsibility within the Forensic, Archaeological or Policing sector for a minimum of three years. Students who have scored less than 60% (or 2.1 equivalent) in their undergraduate dissertation or equivalent research project module and all non-graduates will be offered a conditional place subject to the successful completion of the pre-entry bridging course in Preparing for Academic Success. Students currently study the PGDip in Forensic Anthropology & Bioarchaeology at the Cyprus Institute of Science and Humanities are eligible to apply for the MRes Top-Up through advanced standing.