MSc Forensic Anthropology

The MSc in Forensic Anthropology is a one-year taught Master’s Programme consisting of two semester’s coursework and one semester of an original research project.

This course is the only forensic anthropology/osteology MSc in the UK to be based within a dedicated forensics school with state of the art Crime Scene Investigation practical labs as well as excellent resources in Forensic Biology and Chemistry.

The MSc in Forensic Anthropology is designed to enable graduate students to develop skills in a variety of areas, which concern the processing, analysis, and identification of human remains. The course provides intensive training in developmental anatomy and osteology, forensic anthropology method and theory, forensic taphonomy in theory and practice, crime scene investigation and the law, research methods, and expert witness and presentation skills. The course has a focus on both domestic forensic anthropology work (e.g. UK and US) and forensic anthropology in the context of international humanitarian work and international criminal investigation. Students graduating from this course will be well placed to undertake further research at the doctoral level, take up jobs in forensic labs, or to participate in human remains excavations.

Students will study the current issues and techniques involved in all aspects of human remains recovery and identification with an international focus. They will gain knowledge of modes of decomposition and death, and learn how to approach a body in any condition to learn the most from it. In addition, they will have the chance to develop a large number of transferable skills.

The TRACES centre can also provide information.

Course Information

International students please note:  If English is not your native language, you MUST submit proof of proficiency in the English language to a high level – please see the link below to UCLAN’s English proficiency requirements, which lists the tests that are accepted and the documentation you will need to submit with your application.

 Course Information (pdf)

 Course Information (RTF

 Application and Admission Process (PDF) 

 Application and Admission Process (RTF) 

Health and Safety

If you are offered a place on the Msc Forensic Anthropology course, there are some important things you need to know about and comply with regarding health and safety requirements.   Much of our work takes place out of doors in the second and third semesters, and much of this on rough, rural or agricultural land.  “Comfort facilities” are limited and unless you are properly equipped you are at risk re. exposure to the elements and other hazards.

• You must be able to follow directions quickly and accurately in both the lab and the field.  This is for both your own (and others’) safety and also with regard to following correct forensic procedures. 
• Upon arrival at UCLAN, you must provide official medical documentation indicating that you have had the complete Hepatitis B vaccine series as well as an up to date tetanus vaccination.  Without these, you cannot participate in the visits to the dissecting rooms, the autopsy, or work in the field in France, at TRACES or other assessed fieldwork components of the course.
• You must provide a doctor’s letter indicating that you are reasonably fit and can participate in strenuous activities involving manual handling, climbing, digging, etc. 
• Students who are pregnant (or who become pregnant) will not be allowed to register for the CSI module either while pregnant or just post giving birth re. the hazards identified in the risk assessments of the fieldwork components of this module. 
• Students are required to provide their own personal protective equipment (PPE) for various activities in the lab and field.  UCLAN will provide hard hats and reflective vests as needed for specific activities, but you must supply the rest of your own PPE.  Students will not be allowed to work at TRACES without proper footwear.  You can either bring most of this with you or purchase these items in Preston.  The following is a list of what you will need:
  • 2-3 CSI suits (you must purchase these from UCLAN during the second semester)
  • Lab coat 
  • Safety footwear - Wellington boots with steel toe caps
  • Safety footwear - Work/Hiking boots with steel toe caps
  • Waterproof outerwear (trousers and jacket)
  • Hats (warm hat for winter and sun hat for summer)
  • Sunscreen, insect repellent, etc.
  • Water bottle, flask, etc. 

For further academic information please contact the Programme Leader:

Tal Simmons, PhD, DABFA, tlisimmons@uclan.ac.uk , Maudland Building 218, 44-(0)1772-894256

Staff

• Peter Cross
• Tal Simmons
• Rachel Cunliffe
• Jennie Robinson
• Mick Wysocki