Course Catalogue

1. To provide an advanced level of experience in the methods and scholarly practice of human evolution research, at both practical and theoretical level.
2. To enable students to engage independently and critically with a significant body of data on the foundations of human evolutionary studies.
3. To facilitate the development of student ability to communicate orally and in written work, and to enable students to evaluate critically the work and research of others.
4. To promote creativity and self-initiative and to encourage students to produce original research, providing a strong foundation upon which further research at doctoral level can be undertaken.
5. To facilitate the acquisition of key skills and work / learning-habits which are as relevant to non-academic employment as to further academic study.
6. To enhance transferable skills in analysis, computing, and the scientific method, and thereby to enhance employment prospects.
7. To promote a sense of the general importance of the study of human origins through archaeology, anthropology, and related disciplines to our cultural heritage and the understanding of our species and its behaviour.
8. To expose students to a wide range of perspectives, cultures, and practices, and to espouse the manifold benefits of variation and diversity within the human species.
9. To encourage team working and sensitive, constructive collaboration with both peers and faculty in the pursuance of knowledge.

The MSc in Human Evolution will offer students the opportunity to learn and use a unique set of scientific skills they will employ in their future careers, whether in academia, in the private sector, or in associated scientific or heritage industries. Employability will be a constant theme throughout the MSc in Human Evolution to raise student awareness and understanding of personal employment and skills acquisition. One core module will include material specifically focused on moving students to the next stage – how to market yourself in a competitive field, whether though CV development or job application, and to raise understanding and awareness of the skill set students in Human Evolution most need.
All students will have their own personal supervisor/mentor who will be chosen from the faculty that focuses on human evolution; having a supervisor in a student’s chosen field will allow for targeted conversations about research (e.g. dissertation research) and future employment. Supervisors will provide academic support and guidance concerning University support services when appropriate. Students will meet with their supervisor on a one-to-one basis twice over the course of the semester and discuss their Personal Development Planning. Personal Development Planning will focus on both supporting academic development through training (e.g. how to read an academic paper) and also employability related development (e.g. the qualifications and skills needed to move on in academia) – so students can reflect on their current and future plans.
The MSc will provide transferable skills necessary for employment, including independent learning ability, personal responsibility, and decision making. In addition, while many students at the MSc level will undoubtedly choose further study in academia, the proposed Human Evolution MSc also requires students to develop a skill set that includes data collection and statistical analysis, scientific writing, public presentations, and working as a team member. Thus, graduates will have access to a broad range of career prospects, including multiple areas of natural and social sciences, cognition and psychology, genetics, forensic science, archaeological science, zoology, primatology, animal husbandry, veterinary science, museum management, and academic research. Beyond the directly applied career potential, graduates can gain employment in the teaching profession, the civil service and a range of field and laboratory science-related roles across a range of employment sectors. Further study may include PhD programmes that will allow students to develop research skills in more specific areas of the Life Sciences. Roles in science communication and science policy through governmental and non-governmental organisations, including journalism, also offer employment opportunities.