The University of Bradford has received educational accreditation for its archaeological and forensic sciences programmes from two professional bodies.

The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS)
awarded educational accreditation to the University’s BSc (Hons) Forensic Science, BSc (Hons) Forensic and Medical Sciences, BSc (Hons) Forensic Anthropology and MSc Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Investigation
programmes.

Assessors from the Chartered Institute for Archaeology (CIfA) accredited Bradford’s BSc (Hons) Archaeology and BSc (Hons) Forensic Anthropology programmes.

Dr Cathy Batt, Head of Archaeological and Forensic Sciences at the University of Bradford, said: “Accreditation not only enhances the academic credibility of our programmes but also gives our students a competitive edge in the job market, offering clear pathways to professional recognition and career advancement.

“This achievement reflects our dedication to excellence in teaching, research and industry engagement, and underscores our role as a leader in shaping the next generation of professionals in archaeology, anthropology and forensic science.”

What the assessors said

CIfA’s assessment of Bradford’s BSc (Hons) Archaeology and BSc (Hons) Forensic Anthropology said: ‘The degree programmes give students access to an impressive breadth and depth of practical experience in the field, lab and workplace and the department has a wealth of technical resources and high-quality research and teaching collections’.

The review panels comprise both university educators and working forensic and archaeological practitioners.

The panel for the CSFS were impressed with the breadth and quality of the research infrastructure at the University of Bradford, including its extensive human skeletal collection, the Anatomage Table for advanced anatomical visualisation, the dedicated taphonomy (study of how organisms decay and become fossilised or preserved) site for forensic fieldwork, the isotope laboratory for biochemical analysis, and the dedicated in-house radiographic facilities including conventional X-radiography, CT and Micro CT. They commented: ‘Together, these resources provide a rich, interdisciplinary environment that supports both high-impact research and innovative teaching practices’.

Bradford’s BSc (Hons) Forensic Anthropology has received accreditation by both professional bodies (CIfA and CSFS) as it meets both sets of requirements.

Who are CIfA and CSFS?

Created in 1982, CIfA is the leading professional body which represents archaeologists working in the UK and around the world. The institute promotes high standards and ethics in archaeological practice.

Originally founded as the Forensic Science Society in 1959, the CSFS is the main professional body for people working as forensic practitioners, academics, researchers in the UK. It became a professional body in 2004 and is dubbed as the ‘international voice of forensic science’.