MSc in Human Palaeoecology
Our relationship with the environment has been long and complex and has profoundly influenced our evolution, biology and culture. As archaeologists we attempt to investigate how past people lived, which is usually achieved by studying cultural remains such as pottery, building structures and a multitude of other archaeological evidence. Reconstructing and then understanding the history of past human life ways relies upon a range of key approaches, which reveal a diverse and fascinating range of evidence within the field of Human Palaeoecology.
This MSc will provide you with the opportunity to study and understand important key issues and materials in this broad field, explored through four core themes:
- Environmental Impact and Change.
- Dispersals and Diasporas.
- Palaeoeconomy and Diet.
- Human Health and Environment.
What will I be studying?
The MSc uses lecture, laboratory practical, workshop and seminar sessions for teaching. It consists of two taught core modules and a choice of two specialised modules spread over two terms and a research dissertation in the third term over the summer months. Core courses are:
- Past Peoples and Palaeoenvironments
- Research & Study Skills in Human Palaeoecology
- Dissertation (double module)
Optional courses include:
- Bones and People
- Plants and People
- Biomolecular Archaeology & Anthropology
The course will provide students with a wide range of skills essential for working in the professions or undertaking future research. The course at Durham benefits from excellent learning resources and cross-collaborative links with other departments. You will be working in a department with a large number of PhD students and staff actively engaged in a broad range of Bioarcheological research projects. We welcome applications from graduates in archaeology, anthropology, geography and geoscience, environmental science and other related disciplines.
Members of staff teaching on the MSc in Human Palaeoecology
Dr Mike Church
Prof. Peter Rowley-Conwy
Prof. Mike Richards
Dr Andrew Millard
Dr Alex Bentley (Anthropology)
Dr Greger Larson (RCUK Research Fellow)
Professor Don Brothwell (Honorary Visiting Professor)
Why study at Durham?
The MSc in Human Palaeoecology builds upon the research strengths of the Archaeology Department’s rapidly expanding Bioarchaeology Research Group, which is one of the largest of its kind in the UK. The group is linked with other research clusters in the university and beyond through its new cross-disciplinary initiative - the Centre for Past Peoples and Palaeoenvironements (CP3).
Life after the MSc
This degree will provide you with a wide range of transferable skills for a variety of professions and for future research.
Download the Course Information here 
For application details please contact:
Postgraduate Admissions Secretary,
Dept of Archaeology,
Durham University,
South Road,
Durham
DH1 3LE, UK
tel: 0191 334 1109 (Monday - Thursday)
fax: 0191 334 1101
email: pgarch.admissions@dur.ac.uk
