BA (Hons) Anthropology

On this degree you'll explore anthropology from fresh, contemporary perspectives.

• You'll investigate the world of anthropology from a new angle, drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives to approach issues such as the environment, the state, its politics towards refugees and asylum seekers.
• The BA Anthropology degree offers a challenging and contemporary syllabus. You'll explore key anthropological debates and use them to help you understand contemporary societal and cultural issues.
• We offer a fresher approach to the subject than other universities – from the impact of the environmental crisis and austerity economics, to border politics, the state and racism, you’ll learn much more than just ‘traditional’ anthropology. This is one of the reasons we were ranked top 10 in the UK for anthropology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject in 2023.
• In the first two years, you’ll concentrate on contemporary anthropological approaches and concepts, such as kinship, ritual, critical ecologies, and intersectionality. You'll also learn to analyse these concepts using video, film and written texts, and you’ll get to study about different regions of the world in depth.
• You'll also hone your anthropological skills by choosing from a selection of optional modules, tailoring your degree to your own interests, aspirations and future employability.
• You'll explore links between theoretical issues and ethnographic studies, enabling you to think critically about culture and society in Britain, and around the world.
• Our graduates have gone on to work for the UN, World Bank, NGOs, law companies and corporate social responsibility (CSR) consultancies.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Dr Kuldip Kaur or Dr Julia Sauma.

We accept the following qualifications:

A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
International Baccalaureate: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655
Access: Pass with 45 Level 3 credits including 30 Distinctions and a number of merits/passes in subject-specific modules
Scottish qualifications: BBBBC (Higher) or BBC (Advanced Higher)
European Baccalaureate: 75%
Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H2 H2 H2

We don't assume you have any knowledge of anthropology, and welcome applications from anyone with arts, social studies or science backgrounds.

Alternative qualifications and experience

See our full list of undergraduate entry qualifications.

We welcome students with a range of educational experiences. If you believe you may not meet the standard qualification requirements we would still encourage you to apply because we consider all aspects of your application when making a decision.

We’ll pay particularly careful attention to your personal statement, which is your opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the subject you’ve applied for. Your referees are also welcome to include any relevant contextual comments around your academic achievements. We’ll look at all these things when making a decision on your application, as well as your qualifications and grades, and may still be able to offer you a place.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.0 with a 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.

Our BA Anthropology graduates have been successful in a range of areas, including:

• Filmmaking
• Advocacy work for NGOs and development agencies
• Journalism
• Museum curating
• Media careers
• Teaching
• Postgraduate research

Our particular emphasis on public anthropology encourages our students to explore options in a range of practice-based and public sector career paths.

Find out more about the types of jobs you can get with an anthropology degree.

Skills

The BA Anthropology degree will equip you with a range of specialist and transferable skills. As part of your studies, seminars and course work, you'll develop skills in:

• Analytical thinking
• Communication (including public speaking, developing and presenting an argument, note taking, report writing)
• Awareness of social and cultural differences
• Understanding human behaviour
• Thinking 'outside the box'
• Research and evaluation
• Open mindedness