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.
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Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
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.
The student experience
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Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Your programme is made up of a number of core modules which are part of the course framework. Some programmes also have optional modules that can be selected to enhance your learning in certain areas and many feature a dissertation, extended report or research project to demonstrate your advanced learning.
The delivery of the course is shared between Liverpool John Moores University and University of Liverpool with a 50/50 split of core modules and options. Students will move between the institutions to make use of the specialist laboratory facilities.
Core modules
Dissertation
60 credits
The dissertation allows you to undertake independent guided research on a scholarly topic of relevance in the discipline of your choice.
Human Variation and Adaption
15 credits
This module links human variation and adaptation by recourse to the fundamental tenets of evolutionary theory, and will examine how the major processes of evolution (mutation, selection, migration, and drift) are reflected in both the biological and cultural characteristics of our species. Your lectures will establish key theoretical principles and seminars will guide you through individual case studies on aspects of hominin and human biological and cultural adaptation. In doing so, the module will examine how our ancestors have been shaped by evolutionary processes, as well as investigating the role of natural selection in the future of our species.
Palaeoanthropology
15 credits
This module is designed to cover key issues and topics in palaeoanthropology, ranging from the origins of the earliest hominins to modern humans, the biomechanics of bipedalism and our distinct growth pattern and life-history.
Ancient DNA and Proteomics
15 credits
In this module you will acquire critical knowledge about the main ancient DNA findings which have emerged in the last decade. Emphasis will be given to the acquisition of computational skills for the analysis of genetic data, which are in high demand in both academic and industrial settings.
Advanced Osteology and Skeletal Pathology
15 credits
On this module you will learn to identify and describe the human skeleton, become familiar with animal bones and learn how to differentiate between the two.
Archaeological Field Skills
15 credits
This module covers excavation planning, execution and reporting. It includes assessed fieldwork and a compulsory competency placement comprising of at least two weeks excavation of an archaeological site.
Research Methods
15 credits
This module provides extensive training in generic research knowledge and statistical techniques. You will learn research methods, methodology and how to design and execute a research project, incorporating ethics, data protection, project logistics and funding.
Early Technologies
15 credits
This module provides an introduction to techniques of artefact production and methods of analysis used in the study of Palaeolithic assemblages.
Optional Modules
Dental Archaeology
15 credits
This module provides advanced training in the identification of teeth and deals with a wide range of dental anthropological topics. It aims to provide you with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience required to identify and examine human teeth, and to use them to characterise and compare both samples and individuals.
Deciphering Symbols
15 credits
Topics covered during the module may include: symbolism and symbolic communication within the definition of modern human behaviour; approaches to the evolution of a symbolic communication in hominins; understanding art: anthropological and philosophical definitions; ornaments and symbolling of identity; Palaeolithic art and definitions of art; the problem of close reading and the identification of meaning.
Teaching
An insight into teaching on your course
Your modules will be delivered through a combination of formal lectures, student-led seminars and extensive practical and workshop instruction. The focus will be on research-led teaching, and you will be offered practical classes in numerous sub-fields.
The modules are designed to guide you to identify your own learning needs and the resources to address them. This will prepare you for your research project, including planning research, research design, time management, ethics and health and safety.
Semester 1 gives you core knowledge in the human fossil record, asking and answering questions about how and why we are the way we are. Genetics, and in particular ancient DNA, is an integral part of understanding population histories and students will have access to the aDNA lab. The early archaeological record as seen through stone and other materials is introduced, along with methods of study including experimental approaches and basic descriptive statistics. Knowledge of the human skeleton adds depth to understanding the human fossil record, and a large teaching collection gives students the opportunity to develop in-depth understanding of skeletal anatomy and evidence of pathologies.
Semester 2 builds on the core knowledge and provides you with essential research skills, including how to disseminate research and make a broader social impact. It also allows students to choose one of two options to further explore the behavioural record and associated theory or a specific aspect of human osteology. Excavation at Poulton Project field site gives students first-hand experience of recording human skeletal remains in context. Finally, climate change is a driver of biocultural evolution, and this module integrates two areas of expertise that epitomise the biocultural approach, making this a distinctive MSc programme.
Assessment
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
The MSc in Human Evolution uses a wide range of assessment methods, including coursework (critiques, reports, research design, professional reports and essays), tests and oral presentations (group and individual).
Assessment elements are regularly structured for you to benefit from the feedback that they provide. Formative assessments include bi-weekly quizzes embedded in the first semester module Advanced Osteology and Skeletal Pathology, to help you transition from undergraduate to postgraduate learning. The MSc focuses on authentic assessment via tasks such as fieldwork and lithic reports. Through studying the diversity of human societies, you will develop a truly global perspective.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Dr Mark Grabowski
Programme Leader
Dr Grabowski completed his PhD at the University of Illinois, US. He is a paleoanthropologist and evolutionary biologist whose research focuses on the causes and consequences of macroevolutionary changes in morphology. Dr Grabowski uses an approach that relies on measurement theory and statistics to provide insights into the evolutionary processes that produce the changes seen in fossil record and among living taxa today. Topics of interest include the origins and adaptations of our species and our lineage. Recent field work includes searching for Miocene fossil apes in Creu Conill, Spain and Hammerschmiede, Germany, and Eocene Primates in the Great Divide Basin of Wyoming, US. Dr Grabowski is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Human Evolution.
I particularly enjoy teaching subjects that are aligned with my research
School facilities
What you can expect from your School
LJMU offers dedicated laboratory facilities for osteological analyses and practical field training in the excavation and recording of human skeletal remains. LJMU’s collaboration with the Poulton Trust provides access to archaeological sites with burials and large skeletal collections for practical training. At University of Liverpool, 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. The Experimental Archaeology Research and Teaching Hub (EARTH) provides facilities at Ness Gardens for large-scale projects, including the making of fire. The departmental Ancient Technologies Workshop is designed for small-group practical training in the making and analysis of early tools, such as stone, wood, bone, clay and metal.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
Students will be expected to have at least an upper second undergraduate degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Biology, or any other cognate science discipline.
Additional requirements
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Relevant work experience
Past practical experience will also be considered in lieu of achieving the requisite undergraduate degree (or the requisite grade) on a case-by-case basis.
International requirements
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IELTS
6.5
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.