Overview
Forensic Anthropology focusses on the identification, analysis and interpretation of human osseous materials recovered from forensic contexts, whether crime scenes, war graves, or mass disasters.
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The bones and teeth of the skeleton are often all that remains of a deceased person and can provide such information as age at death, sex, stature, indications of general health and lifestyle, all of which can assist in the personal identification of that individual. The scientific study of crime scene evidence, post mortem interval and taphonomy can provide an insight into the circumstances surrounding death.
The programme was introduced in 2007 to meet a growing demand. Student intake has grown steadily since then and there is now a energetic community of human osteologists, working in both the forensic and archaeological fields, from all parts of the world.
Examining a mandible in our laboratories
While intensive and challenging, the taught MSc programme with its emphasis on academic excellence combined with lots of hands-on practical work , will be extremely rewarding. Graduates from the programme will be uniquely equipped with the knowledge and hands-on experience that allows them to carry out the analysis of human bone within a forensic context.
A multidisciplinary approach is used in this special category of forensic investigation, in which scientific method and theory are creatively used in solving osteological problems. Intellectual skills acquired through the programme include the ability to develop and test research, critical investigation of data sources and relation of scientific analyses to forensic problems.
In addition to an exceptional suite of dedicated archaeology research laboratories, state of the art equipment and teaching facilities, the University of Edinburgh offers its students excellent facilities in a beautiful and vibrant city.
Further information about the programme can be found within these pages, but please contact me if you have any additional questions.
Kath McSweeney
- Dr Kathleen McSweeney
- Co-director, MSc (Taught) in Forensic Anthropology
- Tel: +44 (0)131 650 2373
- Email:
- kath.mcsweeney@ed.ac.uk
- Dr Elena Kranioti
- Co-director, MSc (Taught) in Forensic Anthropology
- Tel: +44 (0)131 650 2368
- Email:
- elena.kranioti@ed.ac.uk
Further information
- Programme details
- Apply for this degree
- Deposit requirements and payment information
- Current student profile
- Facilities and community
- Careers
This article was published on Mar 1, 2013