Master of Anthropology (Advanced)

Anthropology is the study of contemporary human cultural lives. This degree centres on anthropology’s ethnographic approach, which is employed to understand how people live their lives, on their own terms. Such an approach enables anthropologists to examine key global challenges and events, like climate change and xenophobia, as well as how government policies, technologies, and products and services are incorporated into people’s lives. Designed for those whose work or interest is in understanding people in specific contexts, this program equips students with the necessary ethnographic skills and opportunities to undertake analysis of human lives, and to make cross-cultural comparisons.

Why study anthropology at the ANU?

The Master of Anthropology (Advanced) at the ANU is a highly sought-after program that places very strong emphasis on anthropological theory and methods with the intention of turning out graduates ready to work in applied research contexts in the public and corporate sectors, or to proceed to a PhD. The program provides students with central skills in anthropological and ethnographic theory and methods, which includes training in research and analysis, a broad suite of optional language training, field-schools, internship placements as well as a thesis option. We offer graduates comprehensive training in ethnographic methods and anthropological theory, followed by thematised progression in accordance with the student's interests and future intentions for work or study.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must present one of the following:

The GPA for a Bachelor program will be calculated from (i) a completed Bachelor degree using all grades and/or (ii) a completed Bachelor degree using all grades other than those from the last semester (or equivalent study period) of the Bachelor degree. The higher of the two calculations will be used as the basis for admission.

Further information: In order to enrol in THES8103 Thesis, students must have the written agreement of an identified supervisor three months in advance of the start date of the semester of first enrolment in THES8103. Students who do not have the written agreement of an identified supervisor three months in advance, or whose agreed supervisor either subsequently leaves the university or is on leave from the university, will be transferred to the Master of Anthropology.

Cognate Disciplines: Anthropology, Cultural Heritage Studies, Development Studies, History, Human Ecology, Human Geography, Indigenous Studies, International Relations, Linguistics, Literary Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology

Ranking and English Language proficiency: At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry. In line with the University's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors. Applicants will first be ranked on a GPA ('GPA1') that is calculated using all but the last semester (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes. If required, ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of:

Prior to enrolment in this ANU program, all students who gain entry will have their Bachelor degree reassessed, to confirm minimum requirements were met.

Further information: English language admission requirements and post-admission support

Employment Opportunities

A Master of Anthropology will advance your career working in cultural institutions, the public service, non-government organisations, academia, or any professional area requiring an understanding of anthropology.