Course summary
Bioarchaeological Science is at the forefront of the scientific study of the human past. This new programme incorporates the study of human osteoarchaeology and palaeopathology along with the advanced study of human remains through genetic and isotopic analysis. You will learn the latest scientific techniques for the extraction, analysis and presentation of DNA, protein, stable isotope and lipid data. Through a series of lectures, seminars and practical workshops, you will learn how biomolecular evidence is preserved and later extracted and analysed by bioarchaeologists, and how this data is used to further enhance the information available to archaeologists, evolutionary biologists and palaeoecologists. This programme also draws on the Department’s expertise in human osteology to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to identify and interpret human remains from archaeological deposits. In addition, you will learn how the study of ancient genes and genomes through the use of techniques such as next-generation sequencing and population genetics is transforming our understanding of the human past, human evolution and the bio-history of other species. You will also learn the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed in order to identify and interpret palaeopathological changes observed in archaeological human remains and to understand what these changes can tell us about ancient diseases. Students will have the opportunity to develop an original bioarchaeological science research project with our osteoarchaeological, aDNA and isotope specialists in our dedicated laboratories. This programme covers the knowledge and skills pertinent to the study of ancient remains and is aimed at students interested in pursuing biomolecular archaeology professionally. The skills taught on this programme, however, have multiple applications beyond archaeology, and so this programme is also suitable for students with a background in other disciplines including anthropology, earth sciences, genetics, history, and zoology.
Modules
Students will choose from a range of modules, tailoring a course to suit their interests, including osteoarchaeology, biomolecular archaeology and advanced archaeology. Students will be offered training in human osteoarchaeology and palaeopathology by leading specialists, and learn how ancient biomolecules are preserved, extracted and analysed from ancient tissues. Students will have the opportunity to develop an original bioarchaeological science research project with our osteoarchaeological, aDNA and isotope specialists in our dedicated laboratories. The core modules in semester 1 and 2 provide an opportunity for students to attain both basic and specialist skills in a broad range of laboratory and analytical techniques including DNA, protein and lipid extraction methods from different source materials (modern as well as archaeological), analysis, interpretation and presentation (in written and oral format) of ancient DNA, stable isotope, protein, and lipid data.
Assessment method
View the programme page to find out more about how you will be assessed. You can be assessed by coursework, written or oral examination, essays, your dissertation and other methods of assessment relevant to your subject. The University offers Student Support Advisors, personal tutors and peer mentoring to help you study towards the different methods of assessment.
How to apply
International applicants
When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country and to arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs. In addition, it is important to check all immigration requirements regularly and before travelling, as they can change. Students without the necessary visa will be refused entry to the UK. You should allow plenty of time to organise your visa and ensure you are aware of all your responsibilities under the terms and conditions of your visa. Please note that the advice provided via the University is the Student Visa category of the UK's Points Based Immigration Scheme. For further information, please visit the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.
Entry requirements
A UK Honours degree at 2:1 (upper second class), or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth in Archaeology, Anthropology, Earth Sciences, Genetics, History, or Zoology or a related discipline; or 2:2 in Archaeology or a related discipline, with relevant professional experience.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818 |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for one year) Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course |
To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test. Postgraduate Standard requirements are used by the Schools of Biological Sciences; Engineering; Geosciences; Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition; Natural and Computing Sciences; and Psychology. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your course, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £10000 | Year 1 |
| EU | £22000 | Year 1 |
| England | £10000 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £10000 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £10000 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £10000 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £10000 | Year 1 |
| International | £22000 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Tuition fees given are at the full-time rate. The part-time fee rate for taught postgraduate programmes is 50% of the relevant full-time fee rate.
Sponsorship information
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships: www.abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/. The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme: The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen.
Provider information
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of External Relations
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX