Department of Anthropology and Sociology

MA Social Anthropology

Key information

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

Home: £12,710
International: £26,330

Course code
L6U2
Entry requirements

Afghanistan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or 3.0

Albania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): First Level Diploma (Diploma e nivelit te para) (3 Years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10

Algeria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence; Diplome de [subject area]; Diplome d'Etudes Superieures; Diplome de Docteur end Pharmacie; or Diplome de Docteur en Medecine from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20

Antigua and Barbuda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

Argentina: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Titulo/ Grado de Licenciado/ Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 or Bueno 

Information for prospective students from Argentina

Australia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 / Credit / 60%

Information for prospective students from Australia

Austria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0 and overall Pass (Bestanden)

Azerbaijan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Bakalavr Diplomu) from recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or 3.5

Bahamas: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

Bahrain: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 74% or 2.67

Information for prospective students from Bahrain

Bangladesh: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution OR 4 Year Bachelor's degree from SELECTED institutions

Equivalent to 2:ii: Masters: 55% or 2.7. Bachelor: 60% or 3.0

Information for prospective students from Bangladesh

Belgium: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licentiaat (Flanders) or Licencié (Wallonia). Post 2005 Bachelor/Bachelier 180 ECT degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or 12/20 (Flanders); or 65% (Wallonia). Bachelor:  60% or 12/20 

Information for prospective students from Belgium

Bolivia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado or Título de [subject area] from a recognised institution. Minimum of 4 year

Equivalent to 2:ii: 67%

Information for prospective students from Belgium

Botswana: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (minimum 5 years) or Master Degree from the University of Botswana

Equivalent to 2:ii: C / 60% / 2:2

Brazil: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Título de Bacharel / Título de [subject area] / Título de Licenciado/a (4 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.5 or 65%

Information for prospective students from Brazil

Brunei: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Honours) from recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons; 50% / 3.5 out of 5.0

Information for prospective students from Brunei

Bulgaria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 4.0/6.0

Information for prospective students from Bulgaria

Burkina Faso: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplome d'Etudes Approfondies. Diplome d'Etudes Superieures Specialisees

Equivalent to 2:ii: 13/20

Burma / Myanmar: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: B- or 55% or 3.0/5.0 or 2.5/4.0

Cambodia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or 2.7/4.0

Cameroon: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplôme d'Ingénieur/ Diplôme d'Études Supérieures de Commerce (5 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 12 (assez bien) or 2.5. 70-74/ B+

Canada: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7 or 67%

Information for prospective students from Canada

Chile: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Grado de Licenciado en [subject area] or Titulo (Professional) de [subject area] (min 4 years) from recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 5.0/7

China Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4 years) 学士学位 from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70-75% or 2.5-2.9/4.0 (depending on university)

Information for prospective students from China

Colombia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado en [subject area] or Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0

Information for prospective students from Colombia

Croatia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Baccalaureus / Baccalaurea (Bachelor's degree) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.0/5.0

Cuba: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Titulo de Licenciado/ Arquitecto/ Doctor/ Ingeniero from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0

Cyprus: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.0/10 or 2.7/4.0

Czech Republic: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.0/4.0

Information for prospective students from the Czech Republic

Denmark: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 5/12 or 6/13 

Information for prospective students from the Denmark

Dominica: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

Dominican Republic: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Título de Licenciado/Título de [subject] upon completion of 4-year Licenciatura 

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%  or 6.5/10

Ecuador: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from recognised university

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% / 7 

Egypt: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from recognised university

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or 2.7/4.0

Information for prospective students from Egypt

Estonia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bakalaurusekraad from a recognised institution; University Specialist's Diploma; Professional Higher Education Diploma

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.0/5.0 or C

Ethiopia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from recognised public or HERQA-accredited private institution 

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/5.0

Fiji: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4 years) from the University of the South Pacific

Equivalent to 2:ii: B/3.0

Finland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor/Kandidaatti/Kandidat (180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or 1.4/3.0

France: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Grade de Licence from a recognised institution OR three years of study from a grande école 

Equivalent to 2:ii: 11/20

Information for prospective students from France

Gambia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): 2-year Master's degree from recognised university

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.3 or 60%

Georgia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Bakalavris Khariskhi) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 71%/C/ Good

Germany: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Befriedigend: 2.6-3.5/5.0

Information for prospective students from Germany

Ghana: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons

Information for prospective students from Ghana

Greece: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 (University) or 6.8/10 (Tech Institutes)

Information for prospective students from Greece

Grenada: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

Haiti: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

Hong Kong: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or Lower Second Class Honours

Information for prospective students from Hong Kong

Hungary: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Alapfokozat) or Diploma (Egyetemi Oklevél) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0

Iceland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Baccalaureus or Bakkalarprof) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.5 out of 10

India: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Top unis: 55%, or 5.5/10. All other: 60%, or 6.0/10; or 5.0/8.0

Information for prospective students from India

Indonesia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree or Sarjana I (S1) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.0

Iran: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence/ Karshenasi (4-year Bachelor) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 13/20

Iraq: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or Good

Ireland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution 

Equivalent to 2:ii: Second Class Honours Grade II

Israel: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%

Information for prospective students from Israel

Italy: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Laurea (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 94/110

Information for prospective students from Italy

Jamaica: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

Japan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): 学士 (Bachelor's degree) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70-75%  / Good/ B   or  2.7/ 4.0

Information for prospective students from Japan

Jordan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or 70%

Information for prospective students from Jordan

Kazakhstan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's (Bakalavr Diplomi) or Specialist Diploma from recognised institution 

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.67/4.0 or 3.5/5.0

Information for prospective students from Kazakhstan

Kenya: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 or 50-59% or 2.4/4.0 

Information for prospective students from Kenya

Kuwait: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.67/4.0

Information for prospective students from Kuwait

Kyrgyzstan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree or specialist diploma (min 4 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0 or 2.67/4.0

Latvia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bakalaura Diploms (Bachelor's) or Profesionālā Bakalaura Diploms (Professional Bachelor's) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10

Lebanon: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree / Licence from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or C or 2.7/4.0 or 12/20 

Information for prospective students from Lebanon

Liberia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 75% or 2.8/4.0

Libya: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from selected institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or 2.8/4.0 

Lithuania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelors/Bakalauro (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10

Information for prospective students from Lithuania

Luxembourg: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20

Macedonia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10 or 2:2

Malawi: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or 2.4/4.0

Malaysia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.0/4.0 or B (Class 2 Division 2)

Information for prospective students from Malaysia

Maldives: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the Maldives National University (MNU)

Equivalent to 2:ii: 50%

Malta: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class / 60% / Category IIB

Mexico: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Titulo de Licenciado from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7.5/10

Information for prospective students from Mexico

Morocco: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence/Licence d'Etudes Fondamentales/Licence Professionnelle from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 11/20

Information for prospective students from Morocco

Namibia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or 2.5/4.0

Nepal: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree / Bachelor's (4-year) from select institutions 

Equivalent to 2:ii: 55% or 2.4/4.0

Information for prospective students from Nepal

Netherlands: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 or 2.7/4.0

Information for prospective students from the Netherlands

New Zealand: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons

Nigeria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons

Information for prospective students from Nigeria

Norway: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelors/Bachelorgrad (180 ECTS) or Candidatus/a magisterii from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Overall C

Information for prospective students from Norway

Oman: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.0

Information for prospective students from Oman

Pakistan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from HEC recognised institution or 2 year BA + 2 year MA from HEC recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: CGPA 2.7 or 55%

Information for prospective students from Pakistan

Palestine: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree (4-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 75% or or 2.7/4.0

Papua New Guinea: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's (Honours) degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Class II Division B

Peru: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado or Professional Title from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20

Philippines: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master’s from recognised institution or Centre of Excellence; or Bachelor's from prestigious institution or Centre of Excellence.

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or 80% or 2.5/5.0 or Cum Laude

Poland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licencjat or Inżynier from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.8/5.0

Information for prospective students from Poland

Portugal: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado  (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20

Qatar: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.0 or 3.3/5.0

Information for prospective students from Qatar

Romania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplomă de Licenţă/Diplomă de Inginer/Diplomă de Urbanist Diplomat from a recognised university

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10

Information for prospective students from Romania

Russia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplom Bakalavra or Specialist Diploma from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0

Information for prospective students from Russia

Rwanda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons; 60%; or 13/20

Saudi Arabia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0 or 2.7/4.0 or 70%

Information for prospective students from Saudi Arabia

Serbia and Montenegro: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7 / Good 

Serbia and Montenegro: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's Honours degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons; 55%; 3.4/5.0; 2.75/4.0

Singapore: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.3/5.0 or 2.8/4.0

Information for prospective students from Singapore

Slovakia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Bakalár) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70%; or 2.0 overall; or C

Slovenia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (University Degree) or Diploma o pridobljeni visoki strokovni izobrazbi / Diplomirani (Diploma of Professional Higher Education) or Diplomant or Univerzitetni diplomant (first degree)

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7 out of 10

Solomon Islands: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from the University of the South Pacific

Equivalent to 2:ii: B/3.0

Somalia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Do not accept national qualifications for direct entry

Equivalent to 2:ii: N/A 

South Africa: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 60%

Information for prospective students from South Africa

South Korea: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.5/4.0; or 2.8/4.3; or 3.0/4.5

Information for prospective students from South Korea

Spain: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Título de Grado / Título de Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Titulo de Arquitecto from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 or 1.5/4.0

Information for prospective students from Spain

Sri Lanka: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor Special Degree or Professional Degree (4-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 55% or 2:2 or 3.0/4.0

Information for prospective students from Sri Lanka

St Kitts and Nevis: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

St Vincent and the Grenadines: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

Sudan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (5-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or B

Sweden: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's Degree/Kandidatexamen/Yrkesexamen from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Pass OR Godkänd (with a minimum of 90 credits at Good - C)

Information for prospective students from Sweden

Switzerland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplom/Diplôme;Lizentiat;Staatsdiplom/Diplôme d’Etat from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 4/6; or 6/10: or 3/5 

Information for prospective students from Switzerland

Syria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Licence/ al-ijaza-fi) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%+ or 'Good' from a public university

Taiwan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65-70% or GPA 2.6/4.0 - 2.8/4.0

Information for prospective students from Taiwan

Tanzania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2; or Lower Second; or GPA 2.7/5.0

Thailand: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.6/4.0

Information for prospective students from Thailand

Trinidad and Tobago: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's Degree from UWI

Equivalent to 2:ii: B-, 60% or 2.5; or Lower Second Class Hons

Tunisia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplôme National d'Ingénieur/ Diplôme National d'Architecture/ Docteur en Médecine / Vétérinaire/ Licence/ Maîtrise from recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 11 out of 20

Turkey: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Lisans Diplomasi from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Top Unis: 2.5/4.0.  All others: 2.8/4.0

Information for prospective students from Turkey

Uganda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 (Lower Second) or 3.0/5.0 or B

Information for prospective students from Uganda

Ukraine: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree or specialist diploma from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7 out of 12; or 3.5 out of 5

United Arab Emirates: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.6/4.0 or 75% or C+

Information for prospective students from the United Arab Emirates

United States of America: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.7/4.0

Information for prospective students from the USA

Vietnam: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.0/10 or 2.5/4.0

Information for prospective students from Vietnam

Yemen: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or 2.7/4.0

Zambia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%; B; Credit; 1.7/2.5; or 2.7/4.0; or 3.3/5.0

Zimbabwe: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 (60%)

Information for prospective students from Zimbabwe

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.

Course overview

Are you interested in how different people around the world do things differently? Have you ever questioned the taken for granted assumptions about what is “normal” behaviour in your culture, your workplace, or in powerful institutions? Have you got an interest in culture, behaviour, cultural heritage, or social justice? If so, then anthropology is the subject for you.  

Social anthropology is the study of people, cultures and societies around the world. It takes cultures on their own terms, and values the importance of culture to helping us understand the world we live in. Social Anthropology gives us the tools that we need to understand human cultural and social difference, and to really start to make sense of how people, groups and organisations think about the world.  

Social anthropology at SOAS is an introduction to the discipline of anthropology and its history, its theories, and methods. You do not need to have studied anthropology before to get the most out of this programme. It is the perfect introduction to the anthropological way of seeing the world and global problems or would be the perfect way to convert into the discipline if you wish to pursue a research degree later.

If you have studied anthropology before, a postgraduate degree at SOAS will allow you to develop your specialisms and research interests even further, including the possibility of learning a new language and delving deeper into a topic through a self-designed research project on our Dissertation module

Why study MA Social Anthropology at SOAS?

  • SOAS is ranked 5th in the UK and 12th in the world for Anthropology (QS World University Rankings 2023), and 4th in the UK (2023 Times/Sunday Times League Table)
  • SOAS Anthropology is ranked 2nd among Anthropology departments in the UK (REF 2022)
  • We are ranked 6th in the UK for employability (QS World University Rankings 2023).
  • We draw on the exceptional regional expertise of our academics in languages, cultures and politics, many of whom have joined us with a practical working knowledge of their disciplines.
  • Join our thriving community of alumni and academics who have an impact on the outside world of academia.
  • You can flexibly structure your programme using our optional modules and/or the optional modules from other departments, including the opportunity to learn a regional language.
  • We are specialists in the delivery of languages; your command of a language at SOAS will set you apart from graduates of other universities.
  • Our focus on the culture, politics and cultural communication are areas of growing global concern and significance among private, public and international institutions; our emphasis on skills, communication and methodology gives graduates a clear advantage with employers in the job market.

Structure

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

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.

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 List A

All students choose 45 credits: minimum 30 credits from List A and up to 15 credits from List B

Guided options List B

All students choose 45 credits: minimum 30 credits from List A and up to 15 credits from List B

Teaching and learning

This programme is designed to give students practical knowledge and tools for grappling with the theory and practice of real-world issues having to do with, for example, gender, race, migration, climate change, the global mental health crisis, and social inequality, while not letting go of the older question of our discipline: what does it mean to be human?

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.

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.

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.

Scholarships

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

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.