The MSc in Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Investigation combines approaches from different disciplines to provide students with comprehensive a forensic skill set. Forensic Archaeology is the specialist application of archaeological techniques to the search and recovery of evidential material from crime scenes. This often, but not always, is related to buried human remains. It is essential that forensic archaeologists are able to appreciate their role within a wider police investigation and have a detailed understanding of crime scene management procedures.
The taught elements of the programme have a focussed structure that covers the key areas within forensic archaeology and is based upon direct case experience by the principal tutors working with UK police forces. There is a strong emphasis on hands-on experience utilising simulated crime scene scenarios whilst also giving students the opportunity to undertake a substantial individual research dissertation.
The programme is appropriate for students with either humanities or science based academic background and is underpinned by modules on Crime Scene Management and English Law delivered by West Yorkshire Police and Bradford School of Law. First destination figures for Postgraduate Taught Courses indicate that c. 85% of graduates achieve work or further studies in the discipline or cognate areas.
The course will:
This course is designed to be flexible. The MSc award can be obtained with either a substantial research dissertation (MSc with dissertation) or enhanced professional training during the summer (MSc without dissertation). It can be studied full-time over 12 months or by flexible study lasting up to 5 years. For the MSc without dissertation there are during the summer vacation two further, substantial research and writing assignments that require advanced level academic writing skills. In addition, students will take part in a simulated, complex, multi scene investigation that will require high level skills in co-operative working, scene management and information synthesis. For the Post Graduate Diploma students are required to carry out a small, directed, information based, research project and to evaluate and synthesise the results in a professional standard briefing document.