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The MSc in Archaeological Sciences course from University of Bradford is designed to give graduates a systematic training in the application of modern scientific methods in archaeology. It provides the necessary practical, analytical and interpretative skills to apply a wide range of specialist approaches in archaeology.It aims to prepare students not only for research in archaeological science, but also to further career prospects in all areas of mainstream archaeology.

Students normally follow one of three pathways.

• Environmental Archaeology focuses on subsistence and health through studies of animal bones, plant remains and biomarkers in human and non-human hard tissue. It also introduces environmental issues which impact on human beings, including environmental change.
• Landscape Archaeology focuses on understanding and interpreting landscapes in the past using scientific methods.
• Biomolecular Archaeology allows students to specialise in the use of biomolecular methods to study both human remains and artefacts.

The pathways are intended to guide students through appropriate modules; they are indicative rather than prescriptive and students may choose to take the optional modules offered in any combination, subject to timetabling.

Special Features

• Individual modules are available to candidates wishing to enhance their specialist knowledge in a particular area

• Hands-on experience in laboratories, a substantial individual research dissertation and has a wide range of option choices

• First destination figures indicate that about 85% of postgraduates in Archaeological Sciences achieve work or further studies in the discipline or cognate areas

Facilities

Archaeological Sciences at the University of Bradford has pioneered the teaching of scientific archaeology, and is one of the best-equipped scientific archaeology divisions in the country.

There are 15 specialist laboratories covering environmental archaeology, geophysics, biomolecular archaeology, dating, computing, human osteology, histology, microscopy, forensic taphonomy and conservation.

Analytical facilities include an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer with laser ablation facility, light-stable isotope mass spectrometers, optical and electron microscopy, radiography, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, Raman and magnetic analyses, complemented by a histology facility, vacuum ovens, furnaces and a range of specialist metric equipment for osteological research. Field equipment includes geophysical (multiplexed earth resistance, dual magnetometer, ground-penetrating radar) and topographic survey instrumentation.

There are project offices for the major field projects, housing research staff and students. There are also extensive reference and teaching collections of human skeletal material, radiographs, plant and animal remains, and geological specimens.

Students are encouraged to study in the labs using the skeletal material outside of dedicated teaching hours.

Career Prospects

The course prepares students not only for research in archaeological science, but also furthers career prospects in mainstream archaeology or scientific analysis. The course is well-suited both to students who wish to use it as a foundation from which to commence research or as vocational training to enhance employment prospects in archaeology.

Career destinations have included PhDs at Universities of York, Bradford, Oxford, Texas A&M, Catamarca; UNESCO research; archaeological project managers; conservation science and teaching.