Forensic Archaeology: Crime Scene and International Investigations

MSc Forensic Archaeology: Crime Scene and International Investigations

Delivery method: Part-time
Course Reference: MSFA

Course Overview

Forensic Archaeology involves the use of archaeological principles and techniques for the location, recovery, and interpretation of evidence for past events within the constraints of the criminal justice system. Forensic archaeology utilises both field and laboratory skills in the investigation of serious crime, missing persons cases, human rights and mass disasters which ranges from searching for and excavating clandestine graves to the international investigation of crimes against humanity.

The course is delivered by experienced archaeologists, anthropologists and forensic practitioners with an emphasis on developing varied, employable, professional capabilities.

The School of Conservation Sciences at BU includes one of the largest community of research-active and academic forensic archaeologists in the world. Our mission is to provide excellent, theoretically informed, science-based learning as well as research and consultancy relating to the natural and cultural environment. Externally, special relationships, exchange agreements and links with other institutions in the UK and overseas provide numerous opportunities for student placements and personal research. Collaborations have included the Forensic Search Advisory Group, United Nations (International Criminal Tribunals), International Commission for Missing Persons (IC-MP), Universities of Newfoundland, Johannesburg and Witwaterstrand (South Africa), State University of New York (SUNY) at Canton, Metropolitan Museum of Art New York and the National Police Improvement Agency (NPIA) Resources. The course is fully supported by the wide range of technical and scientific facilities available within the School of Conservation Sciences. These include dedicated research and high specification analytical laboratories, osteological laboratory, survey and skeletal collections, survey and geophysical equipment, GIS and spatial information suite, a cartographic studio, map library and a post-graduate student computer laboratory.

In the School we use a blend of different teaching methods from individual tuition during tutorials to formal lectures and practicals, with a range of group sizes. From this blend of teaching styles students gain confidence and flourish in their chosen fields to become professionals in waiting. The staff and students within the Centre for Archaeology, Anthropology & Heritage and the Centre for Forensic Science are undertaking ground breaking research in the field of forensic archaeology, forensic anthropology, physical anthropology and taphonomy, publishing leading books and material in these subjects. Staff are world leaders in the development of simulations of crime scenes such as mass graves, human rights crime scenes, temporary mortuaries and air crashes for training and are consultants worldwide for forensic archaeology.

The School is part of European Union funded schemes such as Socrates-Erasmus, Tempus and Leonardo adding to the cultural diversity of the School and providing opportunities for overseas study.