Archaeological, Anthropological and Forensic Sciences BSc (Hons) (Full-time, Part-time)

Course overview

You can still apply to BU (including through UCAS Extra). Please apply through UCAS as soon as possible; your application can only be assessed once we have received it from UCAS.

Why study Archaeological, Anthropological and Forensic Sciences at BU?

• Internationally renowned archaeology department with one of the best equipped archaeology field schools in the UK
• Well established reputation for both traditional and forensic archaeology and anthropology
• Strong focus on both laboratory and field science.

What will I study?

This course involves the application of science in archaeological, physical anthropological and forensic contexts. It provides students a distinctive blend of laboratory and field science within a rigorous academic framework that bridges the sciences and humanities. It will prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities in archaeology, physical and biological anthropology, forensics and other applied sciences.

Increased professionalism, together with developments in science and technology, mean that both archaeological and forensic sciences require high quality scientists. There has also been an increase in the application of forensic archaeology and anthropology within the expanding arena that is medico-legal forensic science, which now encompasses disaster victim recovery and identification in the aftermath of terrorist bombings and natural disasters.

This course draws on BU’s international reputation in both traditional and forensic archaeology and anthropology from our well established and world-leading research rated Archaeology Group and our expanding Forensic and Biological Sciences Group. Research defines our status and our impact on both national and international decision makers and policy.

Archaeology and forensic science facilities

You will use our Crime Scene Training Centre, which includes two bedrooms, one with an ensuite, a lounge-kitchen-diner, a bank and a drugs lab, to carry out full-scale simulated crime scene investigations. You will gain experience in how to collect evidence for criminal prosecutions including fingerprinting, footwear impressions and blood spatter analysis for example. The School has a world-class range archaeological fieldwork equipment for your use and fully equipped analytical laboratories. You will also be able to gain experience through archaeological or forensic placements in the UK and abroad.

Bournemouth is ideally situated, with some of Britain's most iconic archaeological and historic sites, such as Avebury, Stonehenge, Maiden Castle, Corfe Castle and Fishbourne Roman palace, all within easy travelling distance.