A dream come true…
Coming to Durham to study Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology has been a truly special experience. From the very beginning, I knew it was the right place for me – a community where I could develop personally and professionally.
Why Durham University
Looking back, what drew me to this MSc was how it brought together everything I was looking for: inspiring professors, a well-structured curriculum, and hands-on access to skeletal material. The excellent laboratory facilities, the beautiful library and the strong student support network made the intensity of the program both manageable and rewarding. Combined with the University’s reputation and the welcoming atmosphere of the city itself, it truly felt like the perfect place to continue my studies.
From the classroom to the lab life
My favourite modules were Forensic Anthropology: Theory and Practice and Palaeopathology. They brought together all the initial knowledge from the start of the course and helped me see how it fit into a bigger picture. By the second semester, I felt far more confident. What seemed overwhelming started to fall into place, and I found myself genuinely excited by how much I was learning.
One of the most inspiring parts of the MSc has been the opportunity to learn directly from professionals. The guest lectures gave us further insight into forensic practices, demonstrating how the skills we were developing could be applied in the field. Another standout experience was visiting the Cellmark Forensic Centre, where we had the rare opportunity to see what daily work in a professional setting is like. These moments connected classroom knowledge to the real world and made me even more excited about the future.
Mock excavation
The mock excavation was another defining experience. Carefully recording skeletal material before we could even touch it showed me the importance of precision and patience in practice. It also brought home how all the time spent in the lab, from recognising skeletal fragments to timed tests, really prepared us for more complex tasks.
None of this would have been possible without the support around me. My professors went above and beyond, spending countless hours answering questions, encouraging us and sharing their expertise. My cohort also played a huge role – we pushed through the challenges together, celebrating successes and supporting each other during the harder days.
If I had to choose one moment that captures the spirit of the course, it would be when we all gathered for group photos after the mock excavation. The sun was shining, we were tired, dirty and laughing, and I felt so proud of what we had accomplished together. It’s a memory that will always stay with me.
Life in Durham
Durham quickly became a place I could call home. The city is welcoming and full of history and character, which made settling into a new country feel much easier. Some of my favourite moments were as simple as grabbing a cup of coffee, walking by the river, and taking in the view of the Cathedral – little routines that made the experience even more special.
Looking ahead
For my dissertation, I chose to focus on age estimation, a subject I fell in love with as soon as it was introduced during the course. This MSc has strengthened my passion for the study of human remains and has given me the foundation to pursue a PhD.
I want to thank my professors for the endless support and dedication – they made this journey truly special. To future students, my advice is to work hard, trust the process and enjoy every moment of this incredible experience.
Discover more
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