Lecturer in Anthropology
Department of Anthropology and Sociology
BA Social Anthropology and...
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Key information
Key information
- Duration
- 3 or 4 years
- Start of programme
- September
- Attendance mode
- Full-time
- Location
- On Campus
- Fees
-
Home: £9,535
International: £23,780 - Entry requirements
-
AAB-ABB
For joint degrees, the offer is based on the subject with the higher entry requirements
Contextual: ABB-BBB
-
See undergraduate entry requirements and English language requirements for international and alternative entry requirements.
Course overview
Our BA Social Anthropology degree explores what it is to be human in a complex and changing world.
You will study the great variety of beliefs and practices that exist around the world, from remote communities to global cities. You will learn theoretical frameworks and question your own assumptions, helping you to think creatively about how to address global problems.
Bridging the humanities and social sciences, anthropology offers a unique approach grounded in real-world research allowing for a greater understanding in cultural differences, political dynamics, social conflict, and human creativity. Studying at SOAS is unique as it draws from the regional expertise of our academics in Asian, African, and Middle Eastern languages and societies. If you are passionate about understanding human society and behaviour, and want to learn to think critically about the world around you, then Anthropology at SOAS is for you.
Why study Social Anthropology and... at SOAS?
- We are ranked 6th in the UK and 18th in the world for Anthropology (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- We are ranked 3rd in the UK for Employer Reputation (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- We are ranked 5th in the UK for Academic Reputation (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- We are ranked 12th in the UK (Times/Sunday Times League Table 2025)
- We are ranked top 10 in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide Subject League Tables 2026)
- We are ranked top 5 in the UK for Research Quality (Complete University Guide Subject League Tables 2026)
Study Abroad
Students are able to apply for the optional year abroad in their second year of studies at SOAS. Students will be invited to information sessions about how to apply during their second year of studies by the Study Abroad team. Student applications are considered on academic merit and a personal statement and are subject to availability. Students need to have achieved 55% or higher in their first year of studies to be eligible. For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
Use our combined courses tool to see a breakdown of course structure
Key information set data
Teaching and learning
The modules are taught by lectures and group discussions. Students become active in class through their reading and essay-writing as well as their participation in discussion groups. Whatever the topic, modules draw particularly on ethnographic studies of China, Japan, South East Asia, South Asia, the Near and Middle East, West Africa and East Africa, as well as their diasporas.
Independent Study Project (ISP)
The ISP can be taken by final-year students only. This is an opportunity for students to conduct original anthropological research on their own initiative, to engage in in-depth analysis of particular subjects and to undertake ethnographic fieldwork and/or library-based reseach. It is supported by a bi-weekly seminar on anthropological research and writing and is assessed by a single 10,000-word dissertation (including notes but excluding bibliography).
SOAS Library
SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.
Fees and funding
Fees for 2026/27 entrants per academic year
| Programme | Full-time | |
|---|---|---|
| Home students | Overseas students | |
| BA, BSc, LLB | £9,535 | £23,780 |
| BA/BSc Language year abroad | £1,425 | £11,770 |
See undergraduate fees for further details.
Employment
Students from SOAS’ Department of Anthropology and Sociology develop an in-depth understanding of the world. Employers value our graduates’ cultural awareness and global perspective, as well as their skills in analysis, data interpretation and problem-solving.
Recent graduates have been hired by:
- Allen & Overy
- BBC
- British Council
- Deloitte
- Hackney Migrant Centre
- IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development)
- IOM- UN Migration
- Media 52
- New York Times
- Social Mobility Foundation
- The Week
- UNICEF
- United Nations Development Programme
- World Bank Group
Find out about our Careers Service.
