BSc (Hons) Forensic Anthropology

Why study this course with LJMU?

• Accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
• Extensive hands-on fieldwork and laboratory work
• Opportunity to study abroad or to undertake a year-long work placement
• Access to excellent collections of human skeletal remains
• Taught by experts in forensic anthropology, forensic archaeology, human osteology, genetics, crime scene analysis, disaster victim identification and mass graves investigation
• Specialist facilities including osteology labs with digital X-ray, 3D laser scanning and printing equipment, geophysics equipment for detecting grave sites, plus scene-of-crime houses and laboratories
• 100% of students surveyed said this course was intellectually stimulating (NSS 2024)
• Available to study following a foundation year
• International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme

About your course

As part of the professionally accredited BSc (Hons) Forensic Anthropology at Liverpool John Moores University, you will acquire a solid grounding in human biology and skeletal anatomy, human variation, environmental sciences and forensic techniques to prepare you for a career as a forensic anthropologist.

You will have access to our excellent collections of human skeletal remains, as well as dedicated laboratories for analysing and documenting skeletal material. We also have geophysics equipment for exploring burial contexts, specialist forensic analysis facilities and a scene-of-crime lab. You will also be actively involved in excavating medieval human burial sites in Cheshire.

This is an extremely practical, hands-on programme. It focuses on the recovery of information from locations where bodies are found, as well as the human remains themselves. Fieldwork and practical experience in the osteology labs form a large component of your studies, and you will have the chance to develop your archaeological and anthropological skills working on the Poulton Project in Cheshire.

Course modules

What you will study on this degree

You will have access to our excellent collections of human skeletal remains, as well as dedicated laboratories for analysing and documenting skeletal material. We also have geophysics equipment for exploring burial contexts, specialist forensic analysis facilities and a scene-of-crime lab.

This is an extremely practical, hands-on programme. It focuses on the recovery of information from locations where bodies are found, as well as the human remains themselves. Fieldwork and practical experience in the osteology labs form a large component of your studies, and you will have the chance to develop your archaeological and anthropological skills working on the Poulton Project in Cheshire.

Further guidance on modules

Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.

Year 1

• Crime Scene Investigation (20 credits)
• Forensic Science (20 credits)
• Genetics and Evolution (20 credits)
• Introduction to Biological Anthropology (20 credits)
• Introduction to Archaeology (20 credits)
• Forensic Field Skills (20 credits)

Year 2

• Forensic Methods (20 credits)
• Human Osteology (20 credits)
• Forensic Human Identification (20 credits)
• Human Anatomy and Genetics (20 credits)
• Excavation and Analytical Techniques (20 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • Trace Evidence Analysis (20 credits)
  • World Archaeology (20 credits)
  • Sandwich Year - Forensic Anthropology (120 credits)
  • Study Year Abroad - Forensic Anthropology (120 credits)
  • Study Semester Abroad - Forensic Anthropology (60 credits)

Year 3

• Palaeopathology (20 credits)
• Advanced Forensic Anthropology (20 credits)
• Research Project - Forensic Anthropology (40 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • Advanced Forensic Methods (20 credits)
  • Expert Witness (20 credits)
  • Forensic Bioscience (20 credits)
  • Work-Based Learning (20 credits)
  • Geoforensics (20 credits)
  • Forensic Anthropological Genetics (20 credits)
  • Forensic Archaeology (20 credits)

Professional accreditation

The degree is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. A number of our students are student members and representatives for the British Association for Forensic Anthropology (BAFA), members of the British Association for Human Identification (BAHID) and the British Association of Biological Anthropology and Osteoarchaeology (BABAO).

Your Learning Experience

Teaching Support Assessment

Excellent facilities and learning resources

We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.

You will also attend lectures, interactive workshops, laboratory sessions, online activities and small-group tutorials. Teaching accounts for approximately 12-15 hours of your week.

The rest of your time should be spent in private study with the aid of resources available from our virtual learning environment, Canvas and Learning Resource Centre, so you can learn in your own time, at your own pace. Independent study becomes increasingly important as you work on your research project in your final year.

Work-related learning

Work experience is a vital part of your studies and we strongly recommend that you undertake a 12-month sandwich placement after your second year, either in the UK or abroad. You will also have the chance to do a short 4-6 week long work-based learning placement before your final year. Placements not only give you a chance to put what you have learnt into practice, but they also develop your personal and subject-related skills and help you acquire new skills to enhance your CV.

Career paths

During criminal investigations and following mass fatality incidents such as natural disasters and human conflicts, government and non-government organisations recruit forensic anthropologists to assist in the recovery and identification of human remains for repatriation and legal purposes.

Commercial forensic science providers, police departments, universities, museums, industry and government laboratories all recruit graduates. Secondary science teaching is also a popular route. Some graduates have taken their studies further with a masters degree or PhD. The techniques used in forensic anthropology are derived from those used in traditional archaeological excavations and post excavation analysis of human remains. Archaeological units in the UK and abroad are therefore good places to seek employment and many of our graduates go on to become osteoarchaeologists.

If you decide not to pursue a career in forensic anthropology, your transferable skills will enable you to compete in the wider job market, for instance in the allied health sciences, where training in human anatomy and biology is highly valued.

Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service

A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.

Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website.

Tuition fees and funding

Home

• Full-time per year: £9,535
• Placement year: £1,905

International

• Full-time per year: £18,250
• Placement year: £3,830

Entry requirements

Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements

• Grades/points required from qualifications: BCC-BBC (104-112)

Work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth by visiting the UCAS Tariff Calculator.

GCSEs and equivalents

• Grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics/Numeracy.

GCSE Equivalences accepted:
• Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
• NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
• Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
• Higher Diploma in Maths/English
• Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number

A levels

• BCC-BBC (104-112)
• Minimum Number of A Levels: 2
• Maximum AS UCAS Points: 20

BTECs

• Extended Diploma: DMM

Access awards

• Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• Pass overall with a minimum of 104 points

International Baccalaureate

• Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications From a relevant subject

OCR Cambridge Technical

• Extended Diploma: DMM

Irish awards

• Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications From a relevant subject

T levels

• Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.

You need to obtain the required UCAS points from a related subject area.

International requirements

• IELTS: 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of the course start date.

Find your country __

Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.

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Degree Overview:

The BSc (Hons) Forensic Anthropology program at Liverpool John Moores University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human biology, skeletal anatomy, human variation, environmental sciences, and forensic techniques. The program aims to prepare students for a career as a forensic anthropologist.

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Objectives:

• Acquire a solid grounding in human biology and skeletal anatomy, human variation, environmental sciences, and forensic techniques.
• Develop practical skills in crime scene investigation, skeletal analysis, and human identification.
• Gain experience in fieldwork and laboratory work, including excavation of medieval human burial sites.
• Understand the legal context of forensic anthropology and the role of the expert witness.
• Develop transferable skills that can be applied to a variety of careers.

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Description:

The program is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and offers students access to excellent collections of human skeletal remains, dedicated laboratories, geophysics equipment, specialist forensic analysis facilities, and a scene-of-crime lab. Students will have the opportunity to participate in fieldwork and practical experience in the osteology labs, including working on the Poulton Project in Cheshire.

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Outline:

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Level 4:

• Core Modules:
• Genetics and Evolution (20 credits)
• Crime Scene Investigation (20 credits)
• Forensic Science (20 credits)
• Forensic Field Skills (20 credits)
• Introduction to Biological Anthropology (20 credits)
• Introduction to Archaeology (20 credits)

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Level 5:

• Core Modules:
• Forensic Methods (20 credits)
• Human Osteology (20 credits)
• Excavation and Analytical Techniques (20 credits)
• Forensic Human Identification (20 credits)
• Human Anatomy and Genetics (20 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Trace Evidence Analysis (20 credits)
• World Archaeology (20 credits)
• Sandwich Year - Forensic Anthropology (120 credits)
• Study Year Abroad - Forensic Anthropology (120 credits)
• Study Semester Abroad - Forensic Anthropology (60 credits)

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Level 6:

• Core Modules:
• Palaeopathology (20 credits)
• Advanced Forensic Anthropology (20 credits)
• Research Project - Forensic Anthropology (40 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Advanced Forensic Methods (20 credits)
• Expert Witness (20 credits)
• Forensic Bioscience (20 credits)
• Work-Based Learning (20 credits)
• Geoforensics (20 credits)
• Forensic Anthropological Genetics (20 credits)
• Forensic Archaeology (20 credits)

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module but typically include a combination of exams and coursework.

• Exams: Multiple choice, short answer, interpretative, problem-based learning, and essay questions.
• Coursework: Phase tests, fieldwork/practical reports, data handling, oral presentations, poster presentations, podcasts, online or real-time group discussions, essays, or the evaluation of practical skills.

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Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Active blended learning approach, combining face-to-face and online learning.
• Lectures, interactive workshops, laboratory sessions, online activities, and small-group tutorials.
• Independent study with the aid of resources available from the virtual learning environment, Canvas, and Learning Resource Centre.
• Faculty:
• Dr. Alex Wilshaw, a practitioner with in-depth knowledge of working as a forensic anthropologist.
• Unique Approaches:
• Emphasis on practical, hands-on learning through fieldwork and laboratory experience.
• Access to excellent facilities and resources, including collections of human skeletal remains, dedicated laboratories, and geophysics equipment.

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Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Forensic anthropologist
• Osteoarchaeologist
• Forensic science provider
• Police department
• University
• Museum
• Industry and government laboratories
• Secondary science teacher
• Opportunities:
• Work experience through sandwich placements and work-based learning opportunities.
• Support from the Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service.
• Outcomes:
• Graduates are well-prepared for careers in forensic anthropology and related fields.
• Transferable skills acquired through the program can be applied to a variety of careers.

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Other:

• The program is highly practical and hands-on, with a strong emphasis on fieldwork and laboratory experience.
• Students have the opportunity to develop their archaeological and anthropological skills working on the Poulton Project in Cheshire.
• The program is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
• Students have the opportunity to study abroad for a semester or year or to undertake a year-long work placement.
• The program is available to study following a foundation year.
• An International Foundation Year course is available offering direct progression onto this degree program.
• Students have access to first-class teaching facilities, laboratories, and study areas.
• The Avril Robarts library is within easy walking distance and provides resources to support student studies.
• The school is fully committed to promoting a learning environment that supports a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI).
• The school has a Disability Support Coordinator, an EDI Coordinator, and a School EDI Working Group.
• Personal tutors play a vital role in promoting awareness of support services for students.
• The program is designed to help students develop their talents, passion, and purpose.
• Students have opportunities for flexible, paid, and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU's in-house recruitment service.
• LJMU offers fully funded Discovery Internships.
• One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via campus-based Careers Zones.
• LJMU offers a year-round program of events, including themed careers and employability workshops, employer events, and recruitment fairs.
• The Start-Up Hub can help students grow their enterprise skills and research, plan, and start their own business or become a freelancer.
• LJMU's Careers, Employability, and Start-up Services are available to graduates.
• Students may be able to study abroad as part of their degree at one of LJMU's 100+ partner universities across the world.
• Students could complete a work placement or apply for one of LJMU's prestigious worldwide internship programs.
• Students could attend one of LJMU's 1-4 week long summer schools.
• The Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects, or unpaid placements anywhere in the world.
• LJMU offers a wide range of opportunities and support to ensure students experience a transformation in their career trajectory.
• Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help students develop their talents, passion, and purpose.
• A suite of learning experiences, services, and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure they leave with a great onward plan.
• LJMU offers a life-changing experience beyond just studying for a degree.
• LJMU encourages students to get involved in extracurricular activities.
• LJMU provides news and updates from the university and beyond.
• LJMU offers a variety of related courses in animal behavior, biochemistry, biology, biomedical science, and biotechnology.
• LJMU has a strong presence on social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Spotify.

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• Home full-time per year: £9,250
• International full-time per year: £18,250
• Placement year: £1,850
• Placement year international: £3,830

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Overview:

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a public university located in Liverpool, England. It is a large and diverse institution with a strong focus on providing high-quality education and research opportunities.

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Services Offered:

LJMU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus accommodation options are available for students.

Student Support:

The university provides comprehensive support services, including academic advising, career counseling, financial aid, and mental health resources.

Library:

LJMU has a well-equipped library with extensive resources and study spaces.

Student Futures:

This service helps students with career planning, job searching, and employability skills development.

International Student Support:

Dedicated support is available for international students, including visa guidance and cultural adjustment programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

LJMU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students. Key aspects include:

Sports, Societies, and Lifestyle:

Students can participate in a wide range of sports clubs, societies, and social events.

Campus:

The university has multiple campuses located in Liverpool, providing a diverse and stimulating environment.

Go Abroad:

LJMU offers opportunities for students to study abroad and gain international experience.

Volunteering:

Students can engage in volunteering activities and contribute to the local community.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Reputation:

LJMU is known for its high-quality teaching and research.

Diverse Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

Location:

Liverpool is a vibrant and culturally rich city, providing students with a stimulating and enjoyable living experience.

Student Support:

LJMU provides comprehensive support services to ensure student success.

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Academic Programs:

LJMU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate:

Bachelor's degrees in various fields, including business, law, health sciences, engineering, and the arts.

Postgraduate:

Master's degrees, PhD programs, and other postgraduate qualifications.

Degree Apprenticeships:

Programs that combine work experience with academic study.

Continuing Professional Development:

Short courses and programs for professionals seeking to enhance their skills.