Social and Cultural Anthropology
(MA) Social and Cultural Anthropology
Entry for 2027
FHEQ level
This course is set at Level 7 (Masters) in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Course Aims
The MA in Anthropology is designed to equip students with an in-depth understanding of anthropological theory and method, particularly as applied to 'real life' issues in the contemporary world. Students learn about the development of anthropology as a discipline, how anthropologists theorise social change, how to apply anthropological methods and knowledge to real-world situations, and gain understanding of a diverse array of topics and areas of the world that anthropologists have studied. The programme may act as either an introduction to anthropology for students new to the field, or as an opportunity for students with an anthropological background to expand their knowledge into specialised areas of anthropology and to explore interdisciplinary study through course options. Students completing this programme pursue a range of careers in the fields of social research, publishing, and the non-governmental sector. A number of students who have completed the course pursue a PhD in anthropology.
Course learning outcomes
Demonstrate critical understanding of social and cultural anthropology’s conceptual foundations, contemporary transformations, and emerging directions.
Evaluate diverse ethnographic texts and modes of representation, with critical awareness of their epistemological, ethical, and political implications.
Synthesise theoretical debates and apply them to the analysis of complex social, cultural, political, and environmental problems in a global context.
Design and implement a rigorous anthropological research project for the independent dissertation, selecting and combining methods with a detailed understanding of their possibilities, limitations, and ethical challenges.
Communicate advanced anthropological analysis and argumentation clearly, persuasively, and professionally in written, oral, and/or visual forms.
Exhibit reflexive awareness of positionality, power, and ethics in anthropological research and practice, and articulate how these shape knowledge production.
Engage critically with the intellectual, historical, and global contexts that have shaped anthropological knowledge traditions and contemporary scholarly debates.
Full-time course composition
| Year | Term | Status | Module | Credits | FHEQ level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Autumn Semester | Core | Living Theory: Anthropological Thought and Practice in the Contemporary World (861L6A) | 30 | 7 |
| Core | Thinking Like an Anthropologist (820L6) | 30 | 7 | ||
| Spring Semester | Core | Global Research Skills (012L2) | 15 | 7 | |
| Summer Teaching | Core | Dissertation (Anthropology) (841L6) | 45 | 7 |
Part-time course composition
| Year | Term | Status | Module | Credits | FHEQ level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Autumn Semester | Core | Living Theory: Anthropological Thought and Practice in the Contemporary World (861L6A) | 30 | 7 |
| Year | Term | Status | Module | Credits | FHEQ level |
| 2 | Autumn Semester | Core | Thinking Like an Anthropologist (820L6) | 30 | 7 |
| Spring Semester | Core | Global Research Skills (012L2) | 15 | 7 | |
| Summer Teaching | Core | Dissertation (Anthropology) (841L6) | 45 | 7 |
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.