BA Social Anthropology and Politics

University of Birmingham

United Kingdom, Birmingham

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University of Birmingham

United Kingdom , Birmingham

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

LL62

Campuses

Birmingham (Edgbaston)

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 25,320 / year

Next Intake September-2026

BA Social Anthropology and Politics

About

Our undergraduate BA Social Anthropology and Politics degree at the University of Birmingham will enable you to understand and analyse the contemporary world in all its variety. Explore alternative perspectives on today’s major political topics, movements and events.

Social Anthropology teaches students to question assumptions and think differently about some of the biggest questions of our time. From the challenges of conservation, to growing inequalities and religious coexistence, social anthropology’s comparative perspective will help you reassess the world around you.

A knowledge of politics helps you to understand what governments do, shedding light on how some of history’s pivotal events were motivated by the political leaders of the day. You learn to find your way among different arguments, rival theories and alternative explanations and about campaigns, elections, protest movements, policy issues and political ideals. You will also learn a great deal about human nature. Politics is not only what political scientists study, but also an activity in which professional politicians, civil servants and ordinary citizens take part.

The first year of the degree course gives you a thorough grounding in both Social Anthropology and Politics. In addition to receiving theoretical and methodological training in your second year, you can choose from a wide range of optional modules as you develop your own interests. In your final year, you will be able to continue to shape your own degree through your optional module choices and you will develop your own dissertation project with the help of an academic supervisor.

International undergraduate scholarships available in the College of Arts and Law

We are proud to offer 10 scholarships to international students in the form of £3,000 tuition fee awards for year one entry only.

Learn more about our scholarships and apply

Course details for prospective students on our BA Social Anthropology and Politics undergraduate degree programme at the University of Birmingham, UK.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to onto our undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Thanawiyah are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without the completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

English Language

You will need to demonstrate a certain level of English language, either through an English test such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE, or we may be able to accept your previous or alternative qualifications as evidence. Please view the entry requirements for specific programme requirements, and details on our presessional English language courses.

English Program Requirements

Number of A levels required:: 3
Typical offer:: ABB
General Studies:: Accepted.

IB Diploma:
6,5,5 in Higher level subjects plus 32 points overall.

BTEC qualifications:

BTEC Extended Diploma: DDD.
BTEC Diploma: DD, plus B at A-level.
BTEC Subsidiary Diploma: D, plus AB at A-level.

T Levels:
Distinction overall with B in the Core Component; all subjects considered.

Other qualifications are considered - learn more about entry requirements.

Alternative offers through our Pathways to Birmingham programmes and our Contextual Offer scheme

Students who are eligible and successfully complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive special consideration from admissions tutors and an alternative offer (typically two grades below the standard offer). In addition, our Contextual Offer Scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the contextual offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer.

International Students

We welcome applications from international students and invite you to join our vibrant community of over 4500 international students who represent 150 different countries. We accept a range of qualifications, our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.

Depending on your chosen course of study, you may also be interested in one of our foundation pathways, which offer specially structured programmes for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities. Further details can be found on Birmingham International Academy web pages.

Career

As a Social Anthropology and Politics student you will develop a wide range of skills that are attractive to employers.

These skills include:

Strong communication skills
Critical analytical skills
The ability to research, analyse and interpret complex information
Leadership and teamwork
Handling complex information
The ability to form concise and articulate arguments
Managing your time and prioritising your workload

These are key skills that will enable you either to pursue further study in Politics, Social Anthropology or related disciplines or move into employment in a wide range of careers. Our graduates have gone on to careers such as:

Adjudicator
Civil Servant
Graduate Intern
Graduate Research Executive
Journalist
Pensions Administrator
Production Runner
Social Worker
Parliamentary Researcher
Event Manager
Teacher

institution-employability

Developing your career

The University of Birmingham is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits, according to The Graduate Market 2024 report. Our Careers Network are here to offer you tailored, expert advice on your career plans and support you with finding and applying for jobs, internships and further study. There are hundreds of events to help you meet potential employers and learn more about the breadth of opportunities and career sectors available to you.

Support will be offered to you covering the whole job application process, including CVs, LinkedIn, application forms, interviews and assessment centres. You can also email our experienced Careers Advisors and College Teams to review your applications or answer any careers related question, alongside our on campus and online 1:1 appointments.

We have a number of exclusive work experience programmes such as our B-Experienced programme, which will give you professional experience to set you apart in the graduate market. We also offer work experience bursaries, which allow you to apply for funding to support you during any unpaid internships in the UK and rest of the world.

First years can take part in The Birmingham Project, with themes including celebrating arts and culture and shaping a global society. There’s also a successful Mentoring Programme, where you can gain access to experienced Mentors who can empower, inspire and inform you about their experiences. As a University of Birmingham student you will also be given access to LinkedIn Learning giving free access to real world training courses to kick-start your careers.

If you want to earn money WorkLink advertises convenient part-time job opportunities on campus to fit round your studies.

Extra-curricular activities

To enhance your career prospects even further, you may want to engage in extra-curricular activities to broaden your skills and your network of contacts. The Birmingham Award is the University of Birmingham’s employability programme, supporting you to develop and recognise the attributes you gain through extra-curricular activities. The award is supported by graduate employers and offers you an opportunity to showcase participation in activities outside of your degree programme.’

There are 300+ student groups and volunteering opportunities offered by the Guild of Students (our Students’ Union) so you’re bound to find activities that you want to be involved in whilst meeting friends who share your interests.