Forensic Archaeology and Genocide Investigation

Study options

Award

MSc

Key facts

Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option:
Full-time
Study option:
Part-time
Duration:
13 Months
Duration:
25 Months
Start date:
23 September 2024

Outstanding Research Impact

100% of our research impact in Archaeology is recognised as "very considerable" or "outstanding" (Research Excellence Framework 2021)

Real-world experience

Acquire practical skills and participate in active international research projects

Interdisciplinary approaches

Cross disciplinary boundaries and benefit from our global networks

Forensic Archaeology and Genocide Investigation represents an important and relevant area of study. On this course, you will learn about the evidence that genocide and mass violence leaves behind as well as the cutting-edge forensic techniques used to locate and record it.

The MSc Forensic Archaeology and Genocide Investigation is a diverse and versatile programme of study which offers the opportunity to:

  • Gain detailed knowledge about forensic archaeological investigations of genocide.
  • Gain and apply practical skills in the investigation of genocide and mass violence via participation in fieldwork as part of an active research project.
  • Complete a detailed research project relating to a range of topics concerning genocide and mass violence.
  • Undertake interdisciplinary sessions alongside academics and specialists in Archaeology and Genocide Studies, History, International Relations, Geography, Media and Film, Computer Games Design and Visualisation

The course provides a solid foundation for doctoral study and an opportunity for a career in archaeology, conflict and genocide studies, forensic investigation, Holocaust studies, international relations, and a range of other associated fields.

The course offers a unique opportunity to gain a wide range of practical and analytical skills and to participate in valuable career enhancement opportunities – such as fieldwork on active research projects.

The MSc is for students opting for a science-based dissertation, for example this could be a site-based field investigation or a technological-based analysis of multiple sites. 

The MSc Forensic Archaeology and Genocide Investigation is a diverse and versatile programme of study which offers the opportunity to:

  • Gain detailed knowledge about forensic archaeological investigations of genocide.
  • Gain and apply practical skills in the investigation of genocide and mass violence via participation in fieldwork as part of an active research project.
  • Complete a detailed research project relating to a range of topics concerning genocide and mass violence.
  • Undertake interdisciplinary sessions alongside academics and specialists in Archaeology and Genocide Studies, History, International Relations, Geography, Media and Film, Computer Games Design and Visualisation

The course provides a solid foundation for doctoral study and an opportunity for a career in archaeology, conflict and genocide studies, forensic investigation, Holocaust studies, international relations, and a range of other associated fields.

The course offers a unique opportunity to gain a wide range of practical and analytical skills and to participate in valuable career enhancement opportunities – such as fieldwork on active research projects.

The MSc is for students opting for a science-based dissertation, for example this could be a site-based field investigation or a technological-based analysis of multiple sites. 

On successful completion of study, we will issue you with a MSc Forensic Archaeology and Genocide Investigation

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Forensic Archaeology and Genocide Investigation

Part-time study

Part-time study is available over a two-year period.

Part-time study

Part-time study is available over a two-year period.

Work placements

A work placement is not included as part of the course. However, students will get the opportunity to work with staff from the Centre of Archaeology on active casework and field investigations, in particular as part of the Field School module

Course content

Module 1: Introduction to Genocide and Mass Violence.

Knowledge brings awareness, understanding and tolerance. On this module, you will be introduced to the history and evolution of genocide, its definition, and the legal aspects of mass violence and atrocity.  You will study acts of genocide from across the globe to develop an understanding of the events and the legacies that such acts left behind. Taught by active forensic archaeologists and genocide investigators, this module represents an important step in your development towards a career in conflict and forensic investigation.

Module 2: Archaeologies of Genocide and Mass Violence

Understand the past to build a better future. On this module, you will study the wide range of acts of violence and genocide perpetrated in the 20th and 21st centuries and learn to identify the types of evidence that such acts leave behind. You will be tasked with thinking critically about how complex landscapes are formed and how they evolve due to the actions of perpetrators, victims and bystanders in a variety of contexts. The module will challenge you to analyse sites of genocide from many disciplinary perspectives and it will equip you with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to identify and interpret a wide range of physical evidence. 

Module 3: Genocide Investigation: Search, Recovery and Analysis

Develop your competency through professional practice. On this module, you will study and gain practical experience of the wide range of methodologies used to investigate sites of genocide and mass violence. Taught by specialists in their field, you will learn about a range of state of the art technologies using in search, recovery and post-excavation, and apply them in mock scenarios.

Module 4: Field School: Practical Skills in Genocide Investigation

Gain practical experience of real-world casework. This module will give you the opportunity to put into practice the skills you have learnt on the Forensic Archaeology and Genocide Investigation degree program. You will be invited to join active forensic investigators from the Centre of Archaeology to carry out fieldwork one of their important research projects. You will gain practical experience of the wide range of methodologies used to investigate sites of genocide and mass violence. Taught by specialists in their field, you will use state of the art technologies. This module represents an important step in your development towards a career in conflict and forensic investigation. 

Module 5: Dissertation

Design and complete your own research project in forensic archaeology and genocide investigation. A dissertation is probably the longest piece of academic work you will complete. It will require effective project management, research, academic writing and data collation and analysis skills to complete on time. It is the one piece of work that is truly your own. Therefore, it will help you develop an in-depth understanding of a particular topic of genocide investigation whilst acquiring transferable skills in inter-personal communication, data collection and analysis, systematic analytical writing to present findings, and effective time-management. 

These modules enable you to:

  • Study and understand the wide range of acts of violence and genocide perpetrated in the 20th and 21st centuries, and the landscapes and physical evidence connected to them
  • Explore the ethical issues and challenges associated with forensic and archaeological investigations at sites of violence, conflict and genocide
  • Understand and critically reflect upon the role and contribution of archaeologists in the investigation of conflict and genocide worldwide
  • Critically evaluate the methods that can be employed by archaeologists working on sites related to past and current conflicts and genocide, especially intelligence gathering, remote sensing, geophysics and excavation 
  • Apply a range of forensic archaeological methods during a dedicated field investigation and interpret the results. 
  • Evidence your understanding of the complex ways in which genocide and mass violence affects societies, communities and individuals in the short, medium and long-term
  • Apply appropriate research skills and demonstrate communicative and evidencing skills [for individual assignments] appropriate to Masters level

The dissertation will enable you to:

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of research methods including project planning, data collection and research ethics   
  • Evidence the integration of elements of your learning from the programme as a whole to research a theme or topic associated with forensic archaeology and genocide investigation 
  • Display competence in applying research skills to collect and analysis primary and/or secondary data and sources 
  • Demonstrate cognizance of methodological approaches to forensic archaeology and genocide investigation, focusing particularly on the analysis of data derived during desk-based research and practical fieldwork.

Module 1: Introduction to Genocide and Mass Violence.

Knowledge brings awareness, understanding and tolerance. On this module, you will be introduced to the history and evolution of genocide, its definition, and the legal aspects of mass violence and atrocity.  You will study acts of genocide from across the globe to develop an understanding of the events and the legacies that such acts left behind. Taught by active forensic archaeologists and genocide investigators, this module represents an important step in your development towards a career in conflict and forensic investigation.

Module 2: Archaeologies of Genocide and Mass Violence

Understand the past to build a better future. On this module, you will study the wide range of acts of violence and genocide perpetrated in the 20th and 21st centuries and learn to identify the types of evidence that such acts leave behind. You will be tasked with thinking critically about how complex landscapes are formed and how they evolve due to the actions of perpetrators, victims and bystanders in a variety of contexts. The module will challenge you to analyse sites of genocide from many disciplinary perspectives and it will equip you with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to identify and interpret a wide range of physical evidence. 

Module 3: Genocide Investigation: Search, Recovery and Analysis

Develop your competency through professional practice. On this module, you will study and gain practical experience of the wide range of methodologies used to investigate sites of genocide and mass violence. Taught by specialists in their field, you will learn about a range of state of the art technologies using in search, recovery and post-excavation, and apply them in mock scenarios.

Module 4: Field School: Practical Skills in Genocide Investigation

Gain practical experience of real-world casework. This module will give you the opportunity to put into practice the skills you have learnt on the Forensic Archaeology and Genocide Investigation degree program. You will be invited to join active forensic investigators from the Centre of Archaeology to carry out fieldwork one of their important research projects. You will gain practical experience of the wide range of methodologies used to investigate sites of genocide and mass violence. Taught by specialists in their field, you will use state of the art technologies. This module represents an important step in your development towards a career in conflict and forensic investigation. 

Module 5: Dissertation

Design and complete your own research project in forensic archaeology and genocide investigation. A dissertation is probably the longest piece of academic work you will complete. It will require effective project management, research, academic writing and data collation and analysis skills to complete on time. It is the one piece of work that is truly your own. Therefore, it will help you develop an in-depth understanding of a particular topic of genocide investigation whilst acquiring transferable skills in inter-personal communication, data collection and analysis, systematic analytical writing to present findings, and effective time-management. 

These modules enable you to:

  • Study and understand the wide range of acts of violence and genocide perpetrated in the 20th and 21st centuries, and the landscapes and physical evidence connected to them
  • Explore the ethical issues and challenges associated with forensic and archaeological investigations at sites of violence, conflict and genocide
  • Understand and critically reflect upon the role and contribution of archaeologists in the investigation of conflict and genocide worldwide
  • Critically evaluate the methods that can be employed by archaeologists working on sites related to past and current conflicts and genocide, especially intelligence gathering, remote sensing, geophysics and excavation 
  • Apply a range of forensic archaeological methods during a dedicated field investigation and interpret the results. 
  • Evidence your understanding of the complex ways in which genocide and mass violence affects societies, communities and individuals in the short, medium and long-term
  • Apply appropriate research skills and demonstrate communicative and evidencing skills [for individual assignments] appropriate to Masters level

The dissertation will enable you to:

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of research methods including project planning, data collection and research ethics   
  • Evidence the integration of elements of your learning from the programme as a whole to research a theme or topic associated with forensic archaeology and genocide investigation 
  • Display competence in applying research skills to collect and analysis primary and/or secondary data and sources 
  • Demonstrate cognizance of methodological approaches to forensic archaeology and genocide investigation, focusing particularly on the analysis of data derived during desk-based research and practical fieldwork.
Professor Caroline Sturdy Colls talks about the impact of her research

Professor Caroline Sturdy Colls talks about the impact of her research

Video

In this video, Professor Caroline Sturdy Colls talks about the impact of her research for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

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Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Archaeologies Of Genocide And Mass Violence (F2f) 20 credits
Dissertation - Msc Forensic Archaeology And Genocide Investigation (F2f) 60 credits
Genocide Investigation Search Recovery And Analysis F2f 40 credits
Introduction To Genocide And Mass Violence (F2f) 20 credits
Show 2 optional modules

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Introduction To Genocide And Mass Violence (Dl) 20 credits
Methodological Approaches To Genocide Investigation (Dl) 40 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Archaeologies Of Genocide And Mass Violence (Dl) 20 credits
Dissertation - Ma Forensic Archaeology And Genocide Investigation (Dl) 60 credits
Show 2 optional modules

Entry requirements

Honours degree of 2:1 or above, or relevant professional experience, in a related area.

Language level must be at least IELTS 6-6.5 or equivalent. However, you will be considered if you have a level of fluency to meet the needs of the course.  

Honours degree of 2:1 or above, or relevant professional experience, in a related area.

Language level must be at least IELTS 6-6.5 or equivalent. However, you will be considered if you have a level of fluency to meet the needs of the course.  

MSc Forensic Archaeology and Genocide Investigation

MSc Forensic Archaeology and Genocide Investigation

Video

This course draws on the expertise of our Centre of Archaeology. Students use the latest techniques to explore real-life investigations.

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For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

GO

Facilities

Careers

After completing the Forensic Archaeology and Genocide Investigation MSc, you’ll be equipped with transferable skills attractive to employers. These can be adapted to a range of professions including: 

  • Archaeology
  • Forensic Investigation
  • Human Rights Work
  • Law Enforcement
  • Academia
  • Armed forces
  • Security services

Eager for more knowledge? Upon completion, you will be ideally placed for further academic study at PhD level.

Centre of Archaeology

Centre of Archaeology

Video

The Centre specialises in Holocaust archaeology, forensic archaeology and genocide investigation using cutting edge technology to pioneer non-invasive techniques.

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Teaching and assessment

Teaching

On this course, you will learn via a combination of lectures, seminars, practical exercises and fieldwork opportunities. Independent study also makes up an important part of the course. Tutors will provide supporting materials and formative and summative assessments to help you.

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your studies wherever you are.

On this course, you will learn via a combination of lectures, seminars, practical exercises and fieldwork opportunities. Independent study also makes up an important part of the course. Tutors will provide supporting materials and formative and summative assessments to help you.

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your studies wherever you are.

Assessment

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative).

Formal assessments will include poster presentations, essays, fieldwork reports and a dissertation.

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative).

Formal assessments will include poster presentations, essays, fieldwork reports and a dissertation.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

We know that it is important for you to be able to evaluate your progress. Your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

We know that it is important for you to be able to evaluate your progress. Your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

The Darkest Truths

Blog

In 2007, Caroline Sturdy-Colls—then a 21-year-old University of Birmingham graduate student—made her first visit to the Nazi death camp at Treblinka, Poland

Staff

The course is taught by staff from the Centre of Archaeology, a cutting-edge research centre based in the School of Law, Policing and Forensics

The Centre of Archaeology is directed by Professor Caroline Sturdy Colls – Professor of Conflict Archaeology and Genocide Studies – alongside Associate Professor Kevin Colls. Both are practicing forensic archaeologists and investigators.

Our research team consists of specialists in Forensic and Conflict Archaeology, geophysical methods, archaeological excavation, photogrammetry and laser scanning, and ethical approaches to genocide investigation.

The Centre is dedicated to developing research excellence and professional practice with a particular focus on the application of novel techniques to the investigation of recent and historic crimes, guided by the unique ethical challenges posed in these circumstances. As part of this research, we have completed the first archaeological surveys of the former extermination camp at Treblinka (Poland), the sites pertaining to the slave labour programme in Alderney (the Channel Islands), the former Semlin camp (Serbia), killing sites in Ukraine and Poland, and Bergen-Belsen (Germany; in collaboration with the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation).

Professor Caroline Sturdy Colls

Professor Of Conflict Archaeology

Prof. Sturdy Colls' pioneering research focuses on the application of interdisciplinary approaches to the investigation of Holocaust landscapes. Caroline is the Course Leader for the Forensic Archaeology masters.

Caroline's profile

Kevin Colls

Associate Professor

Kevin is a professional archaeologist, forensic investigator, and researcher at Staffordshire University. The Course Leader for MSc and MA programs in Forensic Archaeology and Genocide Investigation.

Kevin's profile

William Mitchell

Lecturer

William has worked on a number of forensic research projects throughout Europe, including sites of the Holocaust in Germany, Ukraine and Poland. Using non-invasive geophysical techniques, he has developed his specialism in the search and recover…

William's profile

Dr Tony Craig

Associate Professor

Dr Tony Craig is Associate Professor in Modern History. His research primarily focuses on the contemporary security history of Britain and Ireland.

Tony's profile

Alun Thomas

Associate Professor

Alun's research interests cover the history of Russia and the Soviet Union and Central Asia; imperialism, colonialism, decolonisation, refugeedom, itinerance; nomadism,nationalism, state-building, urbanisation, memory and patrimonialisation.

Alun's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 23 September 2024 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for MSc-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £10,300 per course £16,750 per course

For the course starting on 23 September 2024 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for MSc Part-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Part-time £10,260 per course £16,740 per course

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you've previously completed a Staffordshire University undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Centre of Archaeology website

Blog

We offer world-class services in commercial, research and community archaeology – all supported by cutting-edge equipment and facilities.
Included in tuition fees
Included in the fees:
  • As a Staffordshire University student, you’ll be entitled to a range of free software programs.
  • Travel and accommodation for the Field School module (only).
  • As a Staffordshire University student, you’ll be entitled to a range of free software programs.
  • Travel and accommodation for the Field School module (only).
Not included in tuition fees
Not included in the fees:
  • Text books are available from the library, but some students choose to purchase their own copies.
  • Printing
  • Travel costs
  • Any optional field trips
  • Text books are available from the library, but some students choose to purchase their own copies.
  • Printing
  • Travel costs
  • Any optional field trips
Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Our students

We got involved in the full archaeological procedure, we applied our knowledge on the interpretation of an archaeological field and finally, we experienced the satisfaction of finding buried artefacts which strengthen the initial hypothesis.

Thaleia Marioli

Forensic Archaeology (Module)

The Holocaust is one of the darkest pages of modern history and we have to understand that lesson. It’s all about tolerance and about learning hard lessons and as a researcher I could help the understanding and to investigate true stories and pay some respect to the victims.

Daria Cherkaska

Forensic Archaeology (Module)

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus MSc Full-time 23 September 2024 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations

in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021