MSc Human Evolution

About this course

It has taken 7 million years of struggle to make us ‘human’. How did we get here and why? Investigate the biological and behavioural changes that made us the species we call Homo sapiens on this new MSc Human Evolution.

Applications for this course should be made directly to the University of Liverpool here.

• Gain advanced practical and theoretical experience in the methods and practice of human evolution research
• Enjoy hands-on training in archaeological fieldwork, including the excavation of human remains
• Acquire knowledge of the human fossil record, ancient DNA, proteomics, Neanderthal archaeology and spatial analysis
• Gain insights into the early archaeological records of Africa and Eurasia, archaeological and evolutionary theory, as well as ecological, environmental, and climate change modelling
• Engage independently and critically with a significant body of data on the foundations of human evolutionary studies
• Acquire knowledge of a wide range of perspectives, cultures, practices and benefits of variation and diversity within the human species
• Delivered as a collaboration between the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, studying MSc Human Evolution gives you the unique opportunity to benefit from two institutions’ specialisms.

You will gain expertise in the human fossil record, ancient DNA/proteomics and Neanderthal archaeology/spatial analysis. Through LJMU’s collaboration with the Poulton Project, you will have access to archaeological sites with burials and large skeletal collections for practical training. You will also benefit from learning in dedicated laboratory facilities for osteological analyses and practical field training in the excavation and recording of human skeletal remains.

University of Liverpool will provide you with expertise in the early archaeological records of Africa and Eurasia, archaeological and evolutionary theory, as well as ecological, environmental and climate change modelling. The university has dedicated facilities and support staff for undertaking materials analysis linked to experimental archaeology and 3D modelling. The Professor Elizabeth Slater Laboratories for Archaeological Science provide analytical tools, including scanning electron microscopy [SEM-EDX], a visualisation suite for 3D modelling of artefacts and microscopes for use-wear analysis of stone tools.

Through the research-led teaching on this MSc, you will be fully involved in the human evolution research community and will learn about the latest theoretical orientations, methods and discoveries.

Students will be expected to have at least an upper second undergraduate degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Biology, or any other cognate science discipline.

Employability

Further your career prospects

LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.

You will develop a range of skill sets which will be valuable for many careers, including data collection and statistical analysis, scientific writing, public presentations and working as a team. The MSc offers you the opportunity to learn a set of scientific skills useful in future careers in academia, the private sector or in associated scientific or heritage industries.

You may choose to go onto a PhD programme in a more specific area of the Life Sciences, or pursue a career in the following areas: natural and social sciences, cognition and psychology, genetics, forensic science, archaeological science, zoology, primatology, animal husbandry, veterinary science, museum management and academic research.

You will also be eligible to gain employment in teaching, the civil service, science communication and science policy through governmental and non-governmental organisations, including journalism field and laboratory science-related roles across a range of sectors.

The core module, Research Methods, includes employability-focused topics, such as CV writing and applying for jobs, project logistics, communicating your work outside academia, creating websites, use of social media and grant applications. All students will have their own personal supervisor, allowing for targeted conversations about research and future employment.