Social Anthropology and Social Policy (MA) LL64

Introducing MA Social Anthropology and Social Policy

This popular joint degree programme provides a grounding in both Social Anthropology and Social Policy, two subjects which complement and enrich each other.

Social Anthropology

Social anthropology is the study of human conduct and thought. Societies around the world vary enormously socially, culturally and politically.

The study of these variations, and the common humanity that underlies them, is at the heart of social anthropology.

Social Policy

Social Policy at the University of Edinburgh will enable you to engage with confidence in many of the political debates of our time.

We deal with a wide array of areas such as:

• health
• welfare
• labour markets
• education
• family and childhood

We discuss how policies affect our civic culture through studying political engagement and citizen participation.

Our programme will equip you with the knowledge to understand how policies affect society and the economy. It will also enable you to critically assess how policies are made and what actors and processes influence the policy making process.

Why Edinburgh?

We work closely with:

• governments
• NGOs
• third sector and interest representation groups
• international organisations
• other external actors

International comparative analyses are one of our main strengths. We place a strong emphasis on providing you with empirical research skills, so that you can become a critical researcher yourself.

Programme structure

You will take a broad range of courses in both disciplines in years 1 and 2 and will have the opportunity to specialise in years 3 and 4.

You will spend up to four months on an individual research project that will form the basis of your dissertation. Fieldwork for your project can be done both within and outside the UK.

How will I learn?

You will be taught through a combination of:

• lectures
• seminars
• tutorials

You will receive supervision with your research project.

How will I be assessed?

The course is assessed through exams, coursework, and project work.

All applicants are required to demonstrate a level of English language competency, regardless of their nationality or country of residence. These requirements are listed by programme.

Previous graduates have chosen careers in areas such as:

• social development
• healthcare
• journalism
• film

Others have gained employment as museum curators, or with international organisations such as Oxfam.

A growing number choose to continue with postgraduate study in anthropology. This often leads to careers as anthropological researchers with universities, public bodies such as the NHS, or private sector companies.