Course summary
This programme uses the unique archaeological collections of the University of Aberdeen, combined with state-of-the-art bioarchaeological approaches and techniques, to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills to analyse human skeletons from archaeological contexts. The University of Aberdeen’s Marischal Museum holds thousands of human skeletons from research and rescue excavations. Located in the iconic Marischal College building, in the heart of the city of Aberdeen, this collection includes extensive archaeological human skeletal collections, from Neolithic to Medieval and post-Medieval remains. In particular the collection has a rich assemblage of material from the major medieval towns of Aberdeen, Perth, and St Andrews, as well as prehistoric material from Neolithic and Bronze Age periods. There is also some international material from Egypt, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu. These collections provide unparalleled research and teaching opportunities for students at the University of Aberdeen. As part of the programme, students will actively work on these collections and where possible publish the results as part of student/staff projects. This new programme in the developing field of Osteoarchaeology and Palaeopathology (the study of human remains) will provide the knowledge and practical skills to unlock the rich stories of the human past, equipping students with the knowledge to understand some of the major trends in the development of human lifeways and societies.
Modules
This programme benefits from significant input from other related research being carried out at Aberdeen into human remains, including multi-isotopic analyses, the Alaska project and cemetery studies and human remains research in the Northern Picts project. Students benefit from hands on access to the University’s unrivalled collection of human skeletons located in the iconic Marischal College.
Assessment method
Classes are taught through lectures, small group tutorials and seminars. A main focus of the MSc is development of individual research skills through dissertation work. Assessment for each 30-credit taught module is on the basis of one 3000-word essay and one 3000-word project on topics relevant to the course. The nature of the project may vary from course to course and include reports, exercises and oral presentations.
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 or a related discipline, OR a 2:2 in Archaeology or related discipline plus related 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
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