Department of Anthropology and Sociology & Food Studies Centre

M
A
A
n
t
h
r
o
p
o
l
o
g
y
o
f
F
o
o
d

Apply now
View On-demand
Book an Open Day

K
e
y
i
n
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n

Start date
Duration
1 year
Attendance mode
Full-time or part-time
Location
On Campus
Fees

Home: £12,710
International: £26,330

Course code
L6F1
Entry requirements

We will consider all applications with 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher. In addition to degree classification we take into account other elements of the application such as supporting statement. References are optional, but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.

 

See international entry requirements and English language requirements

C
o
u
r
s
e
o
v
e
r
v
i
e
w

The MA Anthropology of Food programme offers you the opportunity to explore historically and culturally variable foodways, from foraging to industrial food, from Asia, Africa and the Middle East to Europe and the Americas.

You will examine the roles that food classification, production, distribution, exchange, cooking and eating play in social organisation, differentiation, religious practice and cultural identity, and in mediating our relationships with non-human beings and surroundings. You will also explore the trans-regional and trans-national movements of foods and culinary practices and the role of food in human migrations, as well as the formation of regional and national cuisines.

You will study the passage of food from plant to palate, and examine who benefits, and who suffers, from contemporary modes of food production, exchange, preparation and consumption. You will address debates on the impact of contemporary food systems on food safety, dietary health, agrarian livelihoods and environmental sustainability and examine concerns over the alleged demise of family meals, traditional food knowledge and cooking skills.

Food activism, including digital food activism and movements toward sustainable food production and against food waste, and movements advocating fair trade, veganism and vegetarianism are explored in diverse cultural contexts. You will also address initiatives to protect local and artisanal foods, including promotions of heritage foods and food tourism in rural development and nation-building.

Why study MA Anthropology of Food at SOAS?

  • we are ranked 6th in the UK and 19th in the world for Anthropology (QS World University Rankings 2024)
  • 3rd in the UK for Employer Reputation (QS World University Rankings 2024)
  • 6th in the UK for Academic Reputation (QS World University Rankings 2024)
  • 4th in the UK (2023 Times/Sunday Times League Table)

The MA programme in Food Anthropology is run in collaboration with the SOAS Food Studies Centre, an interdisciplinary research centre housed in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology.

S
t
r
u
c
t
u
r
e

Learn a language as part of this programme

Degree programmes at SOAS - including this one - can include language courses in more than forty African and Asian languages. It is SOAS students’ command of an African or Asian language which sets SOAS apart from other universities.

The programme consists of 180 credits in total : 120 credits of taught modules and a dissertation of 10,000 words at 60 credits.

There are three types of taught modules: Compulsory (60 credits), Guided Options (30 credits, chosen from Lists A and B below), and Open Options (30 credits, chosen from Lists A, B or C below or from the School-wide open options list, including languages).

Important notice

The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The modules are indicative options of the content students can expect and are/have been previously taught as part of these programmes. 

However, this information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.

Core

Compulsory

Guided options

15-45 credits from List A or List B

Open options

Students can take a maximum of 30 credits from the School-wide open options list, including languages.

T
e
a
c
h
i
n
g
a
n
d
l
e
a
r
n
i
n
g

Modules

During the academic year, modules are delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials and/or seminars. Students can expect an average of two hours of classroom time per week for each module. Outside of the classroom, students explore topics of the module through independent study and through personal exchanges with teachers and fellow students. 

In some cases, modules are taught by several teachers within the department to provide students with an array of perpsectives on the subject. All modules involve the active participation of students in the discussion of ideas, viewpoints and readings.

Dissertation

The MA Anthropology of Food culminates in a 10,000-word dissertation, based on original research on a topic of the student's own choosing and developed in discussion with a supervisor.

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.

S
c
h
o
l
a
r
s
h
i
p
s

Title Deadline date
Tibawi Trust Award
Felix Non-Indian Scholarship
Felix Scholarships
Sasakawa Studentships
SOAS Master's Scholarships (Home)

E
m
p
l
o
y
m
e
n
t

The MA Anthropology of Food programme has a first-rate employability record. SOAS graduates move on to find employment in various fields.

Recent Department of Anthropology and Sociology 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

K
e
y
s
t
a
f
f

Apply now
View On-demand
Book an Open Day

S
O
A
S
V
o
i
c
e
s

R
e
l
a
t
e
d
c
o
n
t
e
n
t

You are viewing: Key information