MSc in Bioarchaeology (Zooarchaeology), University of Exeter

Exeter,

12 Months

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About this course

This MSc program in Bioarchaeology: Zooarchaeology at the University of Exeter combines traditional archaeology with natural sciences to study animal remains and their significance in understanding economic and cultural issues. You will focus on faunal evidence to analyze past human interactions with animals, including hunting and husbandry patterns within environmental and social contexts. The course features a dedicated bioarchaeology lab that studies anatomical variation, palaeopathological conditions, and the funerary context of human and animal remains. It emphasizes interdisciplinary research, drawing from archaeology, biology, geology, and chemistry, and prepares students for careers in heritage, archaeology, or further academic research.

Why this course is highly recommended

This program is highly recommended for students interested in the interdisciplinary field of bioarchaeology, especially those keen on blending archaeology with natural sciences. With active research linked to fieldwork in diverse regions and access to state-of-the-art facilities like the SHArD 3D Laboratory and extensive collections, students are prepared for careers in heritage, archaeology, or for further research PhDs. The course's reputation, ranking, and active research faculty, including Prof Alan Outram, make it a compelling choice for those passionate about understanding human-animal relationships historically.

Specialisation

The course specializes in combining archaeological techniques with branches of natural sciences to examine animal remains. It covers areas such as the archaeology of humans and animals, advanced zooarchaeology, and forensic anthropology. Students gain skills in analyzing skeletal anatomy, palaeopathology, and funerary contexts, with a strong focus on the interpretation of faunal evidence and its implications for understanding past societies, domestication, resource exploitation, and environmental impacts.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

26.71L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants need a 2:2 Honours degree in archaeology, history, anthropology, biology, geography, geology, chemistry, heritage, or similar fields. For international students, English language proficiency must meet Profile B2 standards. The program involves 120 credits of compulsory modules and 60 credits of optional modules, culminating in a dissertation of up to 15,000 words. The coursework combines lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory work, and field research, with assessments including essays, reports, presentations, and a research project.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

120

Career prospects

Graduates of this MSc often pursue further PhD research or enter the heritage and archaeology sectors. Career options include roles such as archaeological or field assistants, museum curators, experimental archaeologists, and community archaeologists. Many students leverage the program’s skills to work in commercial archaeology or heritage organizations, supported by university activities like career guidance and practical activities designed to boost employability.

FAQs

What are the entry requirements for this course?

Applicants need a 2:2 Honours degree or equivalent in relevant fields like archaeology, biology, or related disciplines. International applicants must meet specific English language proficiency standards (Profile B2).

Can I apply part-time?

Yes, the program is available as a full-time one-year course or part-time over two years.