Biomolecular Archaeology, MSc
University of Aberdeen
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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

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Location

University of Aberdeen

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

12 months

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

University of Aberdeen

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

12 months

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

University of Aberdeen

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

24 months

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Biological Sciences
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Course info

This unique one year taught postgraduate programme combines cutting-edge biomolecular research with archaeological and evolutionary approaches, taught across the fields of archaeology, biological and medical science.This programme combines the study of ancient biomolecules in archaeology with advanced genetic, biomedical and evolutionary research to offer important insights and perspectives on key topics fundamental to human society, such as our evolutionary origins, our rich biological and ...Read more

This unique one year taught postgraduate programme combines cutting-edge biomolecular research with archaeological and evolutionary approaches, taught across the fields of archaeology, biological and medical science.

This programme combines the study of ancient biomolecules in archaeology with advanced genetic, biomedical and evolutionary research to offer important insights and perspectives on key topics fundamental to human society, such as our evolutionary origins, our rich biological and cultural diversity, ancient health and disease, life history patterns, and past responses to environmental and climate change. It also offers insights to similar questions but for other, non-human organisms such as wild and domestic plants and animals.

Biomolecular Archaeology therefore provides a set of analytical tools important not only for archaeologists, but also for biologists, ecologists, environmental scientists, and biomedical professionals, all of whom benefit greatly from gaining direct insights to past biological diversity.

The principal aim of the MSc in Biomolecular Archaeology is to equip students from a range of different backgrounds with the theoretical and practical skills required for analysing the most commonly preserved ancient biomolecules, with specific emphasis on palaeogenetics, genome sequencing and bioinformatics.

With a practical and applied focus, the programme combines cutting-edge biomolecular research with archaeological and evolutionary approaches and methods. Students will benefit from a choice of courses offered across the fields of archaeology, biological and medical sciences, and study key cross-disciplinary topics such as human evolution, plant and animal domestication, human diets and migrations, ancient pathogens, and human adaptations to past environments.

Students will have the opportunity to learn how biomolecules degrade and preserve in archaeological materials, and how they are extracted and analysed, the strategies and tools used in analysing DNA sequence data, and to develop their own, original biomolecular archaeology research project with specialists in our dedicated laboratories.

Biomolecular archaeology is a rapidly developing field of study. Graduates of this programme will be well placed to pursue careers working as professional archaeologists, either for archaeology companies or for universities, museums, local authorities or other heritage sector organisations. The knowledge and skills taught on this programme are highly transferable and have multiple applications beyond archaeology, for example in molecular biology.

Key stats

CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
39th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
41st
What students say
L
Lara
23 Nov 23

best - very pretty campus - lecturers are very approachable worst - they shut down the starbucks - workload is a lot and lecturers don’t communicate with each other about test..Read more

B
Boryana
01 Feb 23

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Students should have 2:1 (upper second class) UK Honours degree, or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth in archaeology (or a related discipline such as anthropology, earth sciences, or history), biological or medical sciences.or 2:2 in archaeology or a related discipline as above, with relevant professional experience.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£10,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£10,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Other UK

This is the fee you pay if the University is not in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is not in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£22,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£22,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

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Molecular Biology
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L
Lara
23 Nov 23
Neuroscience with Psychology BSc (Hons)
best - very pretty campus - lecturers are very approachable worst - they shut down the starbucks - workload is a lot and lecturers don’t communicate with each other about test...
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B
Boryana
01 Feb 23
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Uni info

University of Aberdeen
Directorate of External Relations King's College Aberdeen Aberdeen, City Of AB24 3FX United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Aberdeen  0.9 miles away

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