Overview

NFQ Level 9, Major Award

The MA (Human Osteoarchaeology) is a full-time programme running for 12 months from the date of first registration for the programme. It runs on a cyclical basis and the next student intake will take place in 2023/24.

In Semester 1 students will be required to attend lectures, seminars, practicals and field trips for all taught modules. In Semesters 2 and 3 students will develop a particular topic into a 20,000 word dissertation. The dissertation is to be completed by the end of September of the first year from the date of first registration for the programme.

Postgraduate Certificate in Human Osteoarchaeology

Candidates who pass at least 30 credits of taught modules may opt to exit the programme and be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Human Osteoarchaeology.

Programme Requirements

For information about modules, module choice, options and credit weightings, please go to Programme Requirements. 

Programme Requirements

Module List

Code	Title	Credits
Students take 90 credits as follows:
Part I
Students take 45 credits as follows:
Core Modules
AN6001	Regional and Topographical Anatomy	10
AR6009	Mortuary Theory	5
AR6011	Biocultural Approaches to Human Remains	5
AR6014	Osteoarchaeology Laboratory	10
AR6031	Palaeopathology	10
ST2001	Introduction to Biostatistics	5
Part II
Students take 45 credits as follows:
Core Modules
AR6003	Dissertation in Human Osteoarchaeology	45
Total Credits		90

Examinations

Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards Book and for each module in the Book of Modules.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Programme Learning Outcomes for MA in Human Osteoarchaeology (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Apply knowledge and understanding of the history of development of bioarchaeology and its relationship to other archaeological and biological sub-disciplines;
  
• Apply knowledge of human biological variability and its relevance to cultural, historical and archaeological contexts;
  
• Apply knowledge of a range of bioarchaeological methods which involve the quantification and analysis of age at death, sex, activity patterns, growth and development and pathological conditions identifiable in human remains;
  
• Provide differential diagnoses for observed pathological conditions in dry bone;
  
• Record, quantify and analyse bioarchaeological data within an archaeological context, and present the data in different forms;
  
• Design a research project in bioarchaeology and implement same;
  
• Communicate effectively with the archaeological community and with society at large.