MSc Forensic Osteology and Field Recovery Methods

Overview

Our one-year taught Master’s course in Forensic Osteology and Field Recovery Methods provides the theoretical knowledge and advanced practical skills you need to identify, excavate and recover human skeletal remains, and reconstruct biological profiles from hard tissue.

Reasons to study Forensic Osteology at Kent

• Forensic Science at Kent is ranked 2nd in the UK in The Complete University Guide 2025.
• Learn from a team of internationally respected academics with extensive professional and research experience.
• Gain real-world authentic training in excavation and recovery at our out-door Forensic facility, Crime Scene House, and Taphonomy Site.
• You’ll have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. Our Human Osteology Laboratory curates one of the largest human skeletal collections in the UK with extensive pathology and accompanying radiographs. Our Histology Laboratory facilitates histological sectioning and high resolution microscopic imaging of dental and bone tissues using state-of-the-art equipment.
• Specialise in your chosen area of expertise through an independent research project with one-to-one supervision.
• Develop the command, control and management skills that will enable you to present expert evidential incident reports to the highest standard.
• Small-class teaching.
• A highly supportive community of human skeletal biologists and forensic scientists.

What you'll learn

Supported by laboratory and practical based training, you will deepen your knowledge of osteology and anatomy, growth and disease of the human skeleton and forensic identification. You will learn relevant topics, opinions and methodologies in your area of research and develop your analysis and identification skills in your fieldwork.