Department of Anthropology and Sociology

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

Home: £12,710
International: £26,330

Course code
PGTF0188
Entry requirements

We will consider all applications with a 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher in a social science or humanities subject. 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.

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In the MA Anthropology of Global Futures and Sustainability we tackle the most urgent challenges of our times, offering students the opportunity to explore, communicate and address them as engaged global citizens. 

We ask fundamental questions about what it is to be human in a complex and ever-changing world, critically questioning existing assumptions and knowledge, and productively thinking about how to create a more just and sustainable world. The programme equips students with the theoretical and methodological tools to understand crises of climate change, sustainability, and global inequalities, as well as the experience, skills, and hands-on opportunities to influence policy and practice and to live prosperously in an unprecedented future. 

Why study MA Global Futures and Sustainability 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 programme is a key part of the SOAS Department of Anthropology and Sociology's commitment to economic and social justice, environmental equality and to engage strongly and critically with the Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations.

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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 modules and a dissertation of 10,000 words at 60 credits.

This programme is designed to give students practical knowledge and tools for tackling climate change and helping to create a sustainable future. A mix of seminars, lectures, workshops and practical sessions will form the teaching of the programme. Assessment will be conducted through a combination of essays, reflective pieces, practical exercises (such as methodological experiments), presentations in writing and other media and reports.

There are five core elements:

Sustainability

The big challenges in development and future thinking (environmental movements, humanitarianism, economic alternatives, refugees, racism, pandemics).

Climate change

A focused examination of theory, institutions and knowledge.

Ethnographic research methods

The theory and practice of excellent anthropological research.

'How to change things'

How to present and target research in the world. You will also receive direct instruction from experts, including engaged anthropologists, activists and artists, on our flagship engaged anthropology module. This includes practical training in how to lobby governments for change, how to produce media for a range of audiences, how to engage with and advocate for communities, and how to effect positive change towards the ends of social justice.

Dissertation

Opportunity to research, produce and present an original project based on the themes of the programme.

Modules

As well as the programme’s core modules, students will also be able to choose other modules offered in the department, as well as options from departments across SOAS, including a range of languages and other disciplines, allowing students to tailor their MA to their skills and interests.

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

Open options

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

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During the academic year, modules are delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials and/or seminars.

Contact hours

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 perspectives on the subject. All modules involve the active participation of students in the discussion of ideas, viewpoints and readings.

Dissertation

The MA Anthropology of Global Futures and Sustainability 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.

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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 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.

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