Skip to content

Forensic Anthropology

BSc (Hons)

Typical offer for 2025
Duration
UCAS code

Suitable for applications.

Overview

This degree explores how archaeological techniques and the analysis of human remains are used in a forensic (medico-legal) context.

You will gain a full grounding in archaeological excavation, surveying and recording of crime scenes.

In addition, you will also learn about human anatomy and anthropological analysis of human remains, including age, sex, ancestry assessment and the analysis and interpretation of trauma.

Specialist modules will allow you to understand how scientific techniques are used to build up a biological profile of unidentified remains; processes of decomposition (and preservation) of human tissues and associated materials; trauma analysis; and forensic identification of living people.

You'll also gain an understanding of scientific principles and how data should be presented in a legal context.

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK), and by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS).

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists logoThe Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences crest.

Rankings

The University of Bradford is ranked 11th in the UK in the Complete University Guide Forensic Science Subject League Table 2025.

My favourite part of the course is definitely the anthropology. The content is incredibly interesting and when you take in the fact that the School of Archaeological and Forensic Sciences has the largest collection of human skeletal remains in an archaeology department in the UK, you are stuck for picking out flaws. Mike, BSc Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology

Entry requirements

Typical offer - 112 UCAS tariff points.

 

A levels

BBC to include at least one Science subject, including:

  • Psychology
  • Maths
  • Geology
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology

Please note that where a science A level is taken, the University will require applicants to pass the practical element where applicable (for A levels awarded from August 2017 onwards).

T levels

Merit - with subject specific requirement in Science.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DMM. Science subject required.

Applicants on Access Programmes

Meet UCAS tariff of 112. Science subject required.

International Baccalaureate Requirements

112 UCAS tariff points to include at least 1 HL Science subject at grade 6. Plus HL 3 or SL 4 in Maths and English Language and Literature A or English B.

Plus minimum of

GCSE English, Mathematics and a Science at grade C or 4 (equivalents accepted).

English language requirements

Minimum IELTS at 6.0 or the equivalent.

If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, and you have a UKVI approved IELTS, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course. See the Language Centre for more details. For further information on English Language requirements please see the dedicated international entry requirements page.

Foundation Year entry

If you are a UK student and do not meet the entry requirements for this course, our Foundation Year has a route to Forensic Anthropology BSc (Hons).

Foundation Year entry requirements

72 UCAS points or equivalent plus an English Language, Maths and Science qualification equivalent to GCSE Grade 4.

Study and progression requirements

Pass each module and achieve a programme average of at least 40%.

In addition to the relevant core modules, you must study Introduction to Life Sciences, Foundation in Human Biology, Foundation in Chemistry.

If you do not have the required Maths entry qualification, you must study Maths and Stats for Higher Education.

If you are an international student and do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry onto this course, you may be interested in our International College.

Transferring from another university

If you are currently studying at another university and would like to transfer to the University of Bradford, this course accepts students into the second or third year. This is called advanced entry.

Applications for advanced entry will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must include an official transcript (not a screenshot of a portal), all module descriptors, and relevant qualifications. Module descriptors must include learning outcomes.

Applications must be submitted through UCAS and the required documents emailed along with your UCAS Personal ID no later than 31 August prior to the course starting in September. Relevant documents should be emailed to [email protected]

What you will study

All module information is for 2023 entry, and is subject to change.

Placement Year

You can spend a year in a laboratory environment as a paid employee of an approved organisation.

This experience allows you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems, learn about work practices, and improve your career prospects.

Learning and assessment

You will learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars, laboratory and field practicals, workshops, case studies and directed study. Directed study will include directed reading of selected textbooks, specified source literature and open learning materials, directed web-based materials, report writing and other assignments. There will also be an individual project/dissertation.

You will be assessed by written closed-book examinations using constructed (essays, short answers) and selected response (MCQ) questions and a variety of coursework assignments, including laboratory reports, oral presentations and dissertations.

There will also be involvement in laboratory, small-group workshops, case-based work and projects (individual and small group). You will be assessed by critical appraisal, case analysis and critique, case presentations, laboratory reports and dissertations.

The research dissertation develops your ability to undertake independent research and plan this research effectively. Presentations, the witness statement and the mock court exercise will develop your professional oral and written presentation skills.

Our facilities

In our Forensic Examination Suite, you'll learn the correct handling, examination and recording of a wide range of physical evidence.

Fees, finance and scholarships

Tuition fee 2025

  • UK: £9,250

  • International: £24,456

Additional costs

As part of this course you will be required to purchase:

  • A lab coat worth £10
  • Outdoor waterproof work clothing (personal asset) - £50
  • Outdoor waterproof safety work shoes (personal asset) £30
  • Tool kit (can be accumulated over time, personal asset) - £50

There may also be costs associated with summer field work (variable depending upon location, typically up to £500), and field trips to Ilkley Moor up to £20; British Museum; Prehistoric Societies (option module) costing up to £70.

There may be additional costs that you may incur as a student. Though these are not essential to your programme of study you need to be aware of them as a student of the University. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.

Financial support

See our fees and financial support section.

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.

A scholarship for this course is available to international students.

University of Bradford honoured with Queen’s Anniversary Prize for outstanding archaeology

We have been awarded a 2021 Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for our world-leading work in developing archaeological technology and techniques and its influence on practice, policy and society.

The prestigious accolade, which honours world-class excellence and achievement, is the highest form of national recognition that UK higher education institutions can achieve. The University has been honoured for its leadership and innovation in pioneering the techniques, technology and practices of archaeology both in the UK and worldwide.

logo for the queens anniversary prize 2021

Career prospects

Bradford archaeology graduates are highly sought after by employers. Part of that is down to a national shortage of archaeologists but another part is that Bradford has one of the world’s leading schools and a breadth of experience that spans over 40 years.

For all students, our investment in fieldwork, and our dedicated ‘hands-on’ approach to teaching has ensured that Bradford graduates have long been seen as extremely well-grounded in the skills and knowledge that employers look for.

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

Study support

Our comprehensive support services will help you to achieve your full potential – both academically and personally. 

We provide all you need to make the very best of your time with us, and successfully progress through your studies and on into the world of graduate employment. 

Our support services include: 

  • Personal tutors 
  • Disability services 
  • Counselling services 
  • MyBradford student support centres 
  • The Students’ Union 
  • Chaplaincy and faith advisers 
  • An on-campus nursery 
  • Halls wardens

We have well-stocked libraries and excellent IT facilities across campus. These facilities are open 24 hours a day during term time, meaning you’ll always find a place to get things done on campus. 

Our Academic Skills Advice Service will work with you to develop your academic, interpersonal and transferable skills. 

Research

This is the current course information. Modules and course details may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. The University reserves the right to alter or withdraw courses, services and facilities as described on our website without notice and to amend Ordinances, Regulations, fees and charges at any time. Students should enquire as to the up-to-date position when applying for their course of study.