MSc Early Prehistory and Human Origins

The MSc in Early Prehistory and Human Origins course at the University of York is designed for people interested in learning about human evolution and early prehistory. Students will dive deeply into the prehistoric periods of the Paleolithic and Mesolithic, with a focus on the technological, subsistence and symbolic dimensions of human life at this time. This program combines traditional lectures, seminars, and practicals, with a substantial individual project.Course Content: The curriculum of this program contains comprehensive studies in major issues in Early Prehistory and Human Origins. This involves study of topics like Neanderthals and modern humans, Pleistocene hominins, the impact of climate and environment on early prehistoric communities, the origins of food production and sedentism, to name a few. The course also incorporates teaching sessions and hands-on experience at the British Museum, London.Key Modules: Among the core modules are Introduction to Human Origins, Issues in Prehistory, Palaeoanthropology, Bioarchaeology, and Human Palaeoecology. Optional modules can be chosen from a list that includes Osteoarchaeology, Lithic Analysis, Zooarchaeolgy, and Heritage, Display and Curation. Students are required to complete an individual study project where they can investigate an aspect of early prehistory/human origins of their own interest. Future Careers: Graduates of this course could work in a range of sectors including environmental consultancy, museums, heritage agencies, or could continue into further research. It equips students with crucial skills in data collection, critical analysis, research project planning, collaboration and reporting their results which are beneficial in all sorts of professions.For more information on this course, please visit the official course page here.