University of Western Australia

What you'll study

This graduate diploma focuses on the identification and interpretation of human skeletal remains within legal, humanitarian and archaeological contexts. Teaching combines theoretical foundations with practical laboratory and field-based experience. Typical topics and modules include:

• Human osteology: skeletal anatomy, ageing, sex and stature estimation, and metric and non‑metric trait assessment.
• Trauma and pathology: identification and interpretation of perimortem and postmortem injuries, disease markers on bone and differential diagnosis.
• Taphonomy and depositional processes: decomposition, environmental effects on remains, burial and scavenging processes.
• Forensic recovery and scene methods: excavation techniques, documentation, chain of custody and in situ recording of remains.
• Medico‑legal systems and ethics: legal frameworks, expert witness practice, cultural heritage and Indigenous liaison considerations.
• Analytical methods and laboratory skills: laboratory processing, sampling strategies, imaging, 3D recording and basic biomolecular approaches relevant to forensic anthropology.
• Research methods and project work: study design, quantitative and qualitative methods, and a supervised practical or research project that develops applied skills.

The programme is delivered through a mix of lectures, hands‑on laboratory practicals, simulated case exercises and a supervised project. Students receive training with real skeletal collections and learn to communicate findings in written reports and oral testimony formats.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in a related discipline such as biological sciences, human biology, anatomy, forensic science, archaeology or a health profession. Relevant professional experience in forensic, mortuary, archaeological or museum work may be considered where formal qualifications differ.

Applicants should demonstrate prior coursework or competence in human anatomy, biological anthropology or equivalent. All applicants will need to meet the University’s general graduate admission standards and English language proficiency requirements if their prior study was not in English. Some placements or practical components may also require background checks, immunisation documentation or adherence to workplace safety requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates develop skills directly applicable to a range of applied and research roles. Typical career paths include:

• Forensic laboratories and coroner’s services, assisting in the analysis of skeletal remains and preparation of expert reports.
• Police and law enforcement support units, contributing specialist advice for missing persons and homicide investigations.
• Humanitarian and disaster victim identification teams, including work with NGOs or international agencies on mass fatality incidents.
• Museums, cultural heritage and repatriation roles, advising on the identification, conservation and ethical management of human remains.
• Academic and research positions in biological anthropology, archaeology and forensic science, or progression to honours and higher degree research.

Why study at University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia offers an interdisciplinary environment with strengths in human biological sciences and forensic research. Students benefit from access to specialised teaching collections, laboratory facilities and practical training opportunities that are integrated with applied casework and regional forensic services.

UWA fosters collaborations across disciplines and with external partners, including forensic pathology services, law enforcement and cultural institutions, which enhances applied learning and professional networking. The programme is delivered by staff with active research and professional experience in osteology, taphonomy and forensic practice, providing a strong foundation for vocational and research careers in forensic anthropology.