Forensic Anthropology

Forensic Anthropology at the University of Dundee offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary programme designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to pursue a career in forensic science, bioarchaeology, and related fields. This course provides an in-depth understanding of human osteology, human identification, and the application of anthropological techniques in forensic investigations. Students will explore the anatomy and pathology of human bones, learn to analyze skeletal remains, and develop expertise in estimating age, sex, stature, and trauma analysis. The programme combines theoretical coursework with practical laboratory sessions, fieldwork, and case studies to ensure students are well-prepared for real-world applications.

Throughout the degree, students will engage with cutting-edge forensic technologies, including DNA analysis, digital imaging, and software tools used in human identification. The curriculum emphasizes ethical considerations, legal frameworks, and the importance of meticulous documentation in forensic contexts. Collaboration with law enforcement agencies, legal professionals, and archaeological institutions provides invaluable exposure and networking opportunities, enabling students to understand the interdisciplinary nature of forensic anthropology.

The programme is suitable for individuals seeking careers in forensic science, criminal justice, archaeological research, or academia. Graduates will possess strong analytical and research skills, an understanding of skeletal biology, and practical experience in forensic casework. The University’s research-led approach ensures students benefit from the expertise of faculty involved in innovative forensic and archaeological research. Whether pursuing further studies or entering the professional field, students will graduate with a solid foundation in forensic anthropology, capable of contributing effectively to investigations of human remains and advancing developments in forensic science.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee

The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.

The fee shown is annual, and may be subject to an increase each year.

Fee category

Fees for students starting September 2015

Scottish students

£1,820 per year of study (for Sept 2014 entry). Fees for September 2015 will be confirmed by the Scottish Government in early 2015.

Rest of UK students

£9,000 per year, for a maximum of 3 years, even if you are studying a four year degree. See our scholarships for rest of UK applicants.

EU students

£1,820 per year of study (for Sept 2014 entry). Fees for September 2015 will be confirmed by the Scottish Government in early 2015.

Overseas students (non-EU)

£15,950 per year of study. See our scholarships for international applicants.

Not specified Start date September 2015 Course Starts in September Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time

Course Content

What you will study

Typical Degree Programme

Levels 1 and 2

Our programme in Forensic Anthropology shares common core modules in Levels 1 and 2 from the College of Life Sciences. From Level 3 onwards you will follow specialised modules for BSc Forensic Anthropology within the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID). The Level 1 and 2 curriculum provides a general introduction to the life sciences through an integrated programme of lectures, tutorials, practical work and field excursions.

Please refer to the Biological/Biomedical Sciences degree structure and overview webpage for details of the common curriculum in Levels 1 and 2.

Modules specific to Forensic Anthropology include:

• Human Form and Function - examines the relationships between structure and function in the human body.
• Introduction to Human Anatomy - introduces you to the principles of the dynamics and topography of human form, particularly in relation to the skeletal system.

Level 3

At Level 3 you will specialise in the following subject areas:

• gross anatomy
• human osteology
• comparative osteology

• Practical human anatomy is a substantial component of the Level 3 programme.

• You will:

• begin to appreciate the intimate relationships between human form and function
• acquire a detailed understanding of the anatomy of the human body
• be able to identify individual skeletal elements and begin to formulate an educated opinion on their origin (human or nonhuman) and their stage of development (i.e. age at death)

Summer work placements

Many students take advantage of opportunities for summer work placements, normally between Levels 3 and 4, which are available as externally-funded competitive placements, or as voluntary laboratory work.

Level 4

Your studies at Level 4 will be at the level of current research in your chosen subject area.

• sex determination from human remains
• age determination from human remains
• biological identity
• personal identity
• pathology and trauma
• time death interval
• police, the law and the mortuary

Your studies will involve extensive use of scientific literature and the opportunity to attend a regular programme of seminars given by invited speakers from Britain and abroad.

• Research project - several formats are available including laboratory-based research under the supervision of a leading scientist, computer modelling, multimedia teaching packages, literature and electronic database review.

How you will be assessed

All modules are assessed by a combination of in-course and end-of-course procedures. Regular in-course assessments (e.g. practical reports, computer-based exercises, essays and data processing exercises) provide feedback on your progress and help you prepare for end-of-module examinations.

On-line assignments are used extensively at Levels 1 and 2, with access via a PC on or off campus. Peer assessment operates in many team projects.

Requirements

See Course Homepage for Full Details

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Dundee.

The Forensic Anthropology program at the University of Dundee is a specialized course designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply anthropological techniques in forensic contexts. This program offers a comprehensive overview of human osteology, trauma analysis, and the application of biological anthropology to legal investigations. Students will explore the biological profile estimation, including age, sex, stature, and ancestry determination from skeletal remains. The curriculum integrates theoretical coursework with practical training, enabling students to analyze real forensic cases and develop investigative skills. The program emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and professionalism in forensic work, preparing graduates for careers in forensic laboratories, crime scene investigation, or further academic research. The teaching faculty consists of experienced professionals in forensic anthropology, osteology, and related biomedical fields, providing expert insight into current practices and advances. Facilities include advanced laboratory spaces for osteological analysis, imaging, and evidence handling, along with access to skull mock-ups, skeletal collections, and modern forensic software tools. Students are encouraged to engage in research projects, internships, and fieldwork to enhance their hands-on experience. The program also covers legal and courtroom procedures, understanding the role of forensic anthropologists as expert witnesses. Graduates of the program will be well-prepared to contribute to criminal investigations by identifying human remains, interpreting trauma, and providing important evidence in judicial proceedings. The university fosters a multidisciplinary environment, allowing students to collaborate across fields such as criminology, biology, and law. Overall, the Forensic Anthropology program at the University of Dundee combines academic rigor, practical training, and research opportunities to develop highly qualified specialists in forensic sciences.