Anthropological Research

University of Aberdeen

United Kingdom, Aberdeen

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Home/United Kingdom/Aberdeen /University of Aberdeen/Anthropological Research

University of Aberdeen

United Kingdom , Aberdeen

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Research

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Aberdeen

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 12 month(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 23,800 / year

Anthropological Research

About

Introduction

The MSc Anthropological Research (formerly MRes Social Anthropology) offers a unique opportunity to delve into human cultures and societies within a world-renowned academic setting. This programme combines rigorous theoretical teaching with fieldwork opportunities to equip you with both the analytical frameworks and practical skills essential for advanced anthropological study. You will develop your own research theme under the supervision of a member of staff and will have the opportunity to carry out ethnographic field research.

Did you know? Aberdeen is ranked 1st in the UK for Overall Satisfaction in Anthropology* and 3rd in the UK for Anthropology and Archaeology** (*National Student Survey 2024, **Guardian University Guide 2025)

Study Information

At a Glance

Anthropology involves the comparative study of human societies in all their diversity, aiming to understand cultural life across a broad spectrum of social activities. Anthropologists conduct their research through long-term, in-depth fieldwork in various regions worldwide.

Our focus at Aberdeen encompasses multiple facets of people's everyday lives, from routine activities to special festivals and events. By observing these occurrences, researchers gain insights into other societies and reflect on their own, contributing to knowledge about distant cultures and addressing pressing issues in nearby communities.

The Anthropology Department at the University of Aberdeen is known worldwide for its expertise in Scotland and the Circumpolar North - including Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia and Russia, blending interdisciplinary perspectives with a strong research foundation

The MSc programme offers an introduction to the work of anthropologists, the methods for conducting fieldwork, and a historical and contemporary overview of anthropological research. Students will develop their own research topic with the help of a supervisor. You will learn to access research materials, conduct ethnographic fieldwork, apply research methods such as participant observation, interviewing, and recording, and adhere to ethical standards in anthropological research.

Upon completing the program, graduates will be prepared for further research towards a PhD in Social Anthropology or to pursue careers as trained researchers in the public or private sectors.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.

Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:1 standard from a recognised university or body.

Applicants without this qualification may be admitted subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of work experience appropriate to the field of study. Also taken into careful consideration is the trajectory of results, an applicant without an overall 2.1 but with 2.1 results in their final two years of study may be admitted.

Many students, but not all, intend to go on to study for a PhD, in which case the dissertation written at the end of the MSc serves as a PhD research proposal. To apply therefore, please include a short outline of your intended research theme. This need not be very detailed, up to about 1000 words in length. Please include this in your Personal Statement.

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English Program Requirements

English Language Requirements

To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:

OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Career

Careers

This degree provides suitable preparation for continued research towards a PhD in Social Anthropology or to enter employment as a trained researcher in the public or private sectors.

Recent postgraduate researchers in Anthropology from Aberdeen have gone to work in a range of top universities around the world and in other organisations including governments, charities and other international organisations, and museums.