Under the Norman nave of Durham Cathedral, amidst the massive columns and rounded arches that impart a sense of solidity and timelessness, the students of the MSc in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology of the Department of Archaeology have paraded one by one.
It is their congregation, their moment, a crucial passage in their lives that they will surely not forget. But for the Archaeology Department, it is also a particularly significant moment, as these graduates are the first students of the new MSc in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology. Conceived and developed from an idea by Professor Rebecca Gowland and directed by Dr. Daniel Gaudio, the new MSc has brought a wave of innovation to the department.
The featured photo above shows some of the students and Prof Gowland and Dr Gaudio after the congregation, celebrating this achievement at the Department of Archaeology (photo by Alexander Jansen).
Over the past year, students have engaged in the different aspects of forensic anthropology and archaeology, such as learning to draft Expert Witness Statements and then defending them in a mock court process held in the Law department's mock court room.
The mock trial; students defend their forensic anthropology report. (Photo by Alexander Jansen)
They have deepened their knowledge in various disciplinary areas, including Forensic Taphonomy, human identification methods, Paleopathology, and several others. Over the spring, they conducted an excavation of a simulated mass grave at the fantastic Botanic Garden of Durham. Each student has spent the summer working on an individual scientific project for their dissertation, each characterised by unique scientific aspects.
They also travelled to Italy for a scientific project in collaboration with the Heritage Office of Trento and the MUSE of Trento, under the supervision of the Office for the Protection of Culture and Memory of Defence (Ministry of Defence, Italy). The study aimed to analyse a group of World War I soldiers discovered in a mass grave in 2022. The goal was to provide identification or at least recover fragments of the history of 12 fallen young men who disappeared a century ago.
The excavation at the Botanic Garden. The human remains are represented by casts. (Photo by Alexander Jansen)
Going towards the laboratories of MUSE, Trento, Italy.
Some moments of the analyses of the analysis of WWI soldiers in Trento (Photo by MUSE).
We take pride in the remarkable journey our students have undertaken, believing that the intensity of the past year has not only equipped them with robust scientific skills but has also forged unforgettable experiences, enduring friendships that will transcend this academic milestone, and a poised and confident and conscious outlook toward their future.
“The MSc in Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology provides an excellent blend of theoretical and practical learning. The weekly practical sessions in the human bone lab, expert witness exercise in the mock courtroom, and mock mass grave excavation really brought to life what we were taught.”
- Lauren Gill
“The forensic anthropology and archaeology program was amazing. I learned so many amazing things. I especially loved all the practical experiences we had including the mock trial and the mock excavation. These two opportunities helped me better understand what it means to be a forensic anthropologist... The entire year program was extraordinary.“
- Sierra Perkins
“The master’s program in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology at Durham University provided an exceptional educational experience. The program offered a multitude of valuable opportunities for learning and practical experience, including simulated courtroom exercises, weekly lab sessions, access to the collections for independent learning and a field trip in Italy. Furthermore, the staff within the archaeology department consistently offered support and guidance, providing a great environment for academic and professional growth.”
- Stine Vieweg
Our Department of Archaeology is a leading centre for the study of archaeology and is ranked 10th in the world (QS World University Rankings by subject 2023). We are an inclusive, vibrant and international community. Our students develop knowledge and gain essential and transferable skills through research-led teaching and lab-based training.
