PhD in Forensic Anthropology

« Back to Disciplines > Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences > Anthropology
Location Australian National University, College of Arts and Social Sciences
Discipline

• Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences > Anthropology

PhD in Forensic Anthropology

Forensic Anthropology is rapidly developing a high profile both internationally and domestically. Much of this interest has been catalysed by way of media coverage of investigations into crimes against humanity and unsolved murders. Australians have been involved in this kind of work recently in, for example, East Timor and the Solomon Islands.

Forensic Anthropology, as a discipline, is primarily concerned with developing and applying a range of anthropological and archaeological skills to questions of medico-legal importance. Traditionally the discipline is broken down into three main sub-fields: (1) forensic osteology; (2) forensic archaeology; and (3) forensic taphonomy. Forensic osteology uses methods and procedures developed in physical anthropology and focuses on human identification by way of the analysis of physical remains (skeletal and dental material in general). Forensic archaeology is concerned with managing and often excavating crime scenes that contain human remains (including mass graves in war-crimes situations). Forensic taphonomy is the examination and analysis of the various biological (e.g. decomposition), environmental (climate, soil acidity, temperature etc), and cultural (e.g. evidence for trauma) changes that can impact on human remains both at the time of death and after death.

More information about PhD opportunities in forensic anthropology at ANU.

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available for PhD students. Applications for scholarships for international students close on 31 August each year, and applications for scholarships for domestic students are open until 31 October each year.

How to apply

Find out more about applying for an MPhil or PhD in the ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences.

Further information

For further information on graduate research programs in forensic anthropology email us or phone +61 (02) 6125 2898.

Please Note: Should this listing mention details of an available scholarship, it is your responsibility to confirm the specifics with the university / institute prior to applyiing. Terms and conditions are in some cases subject to change and are not always reflected immediately within listings.
See our full disclaimer