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Funerary Archaeology

Physical Sciences

Taught

MA

  • Overview
  • Application Timeline
  • Tuition
  • Requirements
  • Modules
  • About
  • Subject Area Information
  • Career
  • Similar courses

Overview

The Funerary Archaeology course at York explores past societies' treatment of the dead through an interdisciplinary approach, combining archaeology and human remains analysis. Students develop skills to investigate historical death and burial practices. Various qualifications are available, including MA and MSc.

Application Timeline

  1. September 1, 2025
    Start date
  2. March 19, 2026
    Today

Tuition

Year 1
Student categories Study
Full-time Part-time
Republic of Ireland£11,200£11,200
EU£25,900£25,900
England£11,200£11,200
Northern Ireland£11,200£11,200
Scotland£11,200£11,200
Wales£11,200£11,200
Channel Islands£11,200£11,200
International£25,900£25,900

Requirements

Entry Requirements:
Language Requirements

Language requirements information is currently unavailable.

Modules

Modules is currently unavailable

Please check back later for updates.

About

Overview

The study of past societies' treatment of the dead reveals significant insights into their cultures. Funerary archaeology merges the analysis of human remains with their archaeological context, offering an interdisciplinary approach to understanding life and death in historical contexts.

Course Details

The course at York provides students with the opportunity to develop a variety of skills and techniques focused on investigating death and burial practices in the past.

Key Features

  • Interdisciplinary approach combining archaeology and human remains analysis.
  • Flexible curriculum allowing exploration of
...

Subject Area Information

Forensic archaeology is a specialized field that merges principles of archaeology with forensic science to assist in legal investigations, particularly those involving human remains. This discipline is crucial in uncovering evidence from crime scenes, mass disasters, and historical investigations.

Typical Course Structure
  • 1. Introduction to Forensic Archaeology

  • 2. Human Osteology

  • 3. Field Methods in Forensic Archaeology

  • 4. Forensic Taphonomy

  • 5. Crime Scene Investigation

  • 6. Geophysical Survey Techniques

  • 7. Forensic Anthropology

  • 8. Legal and Ethical Issues in Forensic Archaeology

Typical Skills Acquired
  • Proficiency in archaeological excavation and documentation techniques.
  • Ability to analyze human skeletal remains and interpret forensic evidence.
  • Knowledge of geophysical survey methods and their applications in forensic contexts.
  • Understanding of the legal and ethical considerations in forensic investigations.
  • Competence in crime scene management and evidence preservation.

Career

Graduates of forensic archaeology programs can pursue various career paths that involve applying archaeological methods to legal investigations and forensic contexts.

Potential Professions
  • Forensic Archaeologist

    Working with law enforcement agencies to locate and recover human remains and other evidence from crime scenes.

  • Forensic Anthropologist

    Specializing in the analysis of skeletal remains to assist in the identification of victims and the interpretation of trauma.

  • Crime Scene Investigator

    Applying archaeological methods to the documentation and recovery of evidence at crime scenes.

  • Academic Researcher/Professor

    Conducting research in forensic archaeology and teaching at universities.

  • Consultant

    Providing expertise in forensic archaeology for legal cases, mass disaster response, and human rights investigations.

Similar courses

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Heslington, York, YO10 5DD
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Contact

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Heslington, York, YO10 5DD
Get expert guidance

Enhance your academic journey with the help from our experts.

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