You are successfully registered
04th July 2023
Anthropology is a far-reaching subject dedicated to the study of human civilizations throughout time and in the present day. Combining elements of sociology, history, cultural studies, linguistics and more, it’s a fascinating topic that offers a range of specialisations for postgraduate students.
You might be looking at courses because you’re considering anthropology careers in areas like social research, government policy, the charity sector or international development, to name a few. In order to help you achieve your goals, we’ve written this guide which contains everything you’ll need to know about your future study options and where they could take you.
So, keep reading to find out why you should study in this area, the types of degree you could get, what you’ll study, what careers you could move into and what university could offer your anthropology degree.
CONTENTS
Studying for a postgraduate degree in anthropology will see you diving into the complex forces and processes that shape the human race and its cultures. You might study social arrangements around the world or throughout time, examine human evolution and how it affects us to this day, or scrutinise how culture affects areas like international diplomacy and economics.
It’s a highly interdisciplinary field which can be a logical next step for a range of graduates, including students who have completed a degree in subjects such as geography, economics, international relations, psychology, linguistics, history and politics.
Anthropology can set you up for a range of careers, from working as a journalist to a developing policy, getting involved in charity work or conducting social research. Naturally, anthropology graduates will encounter many opportunities for overseas work, and will develop a useful range of transferable skills.
There are a few types of degree qualification you could study towards at postgraduate level. Your preferred course type might depend on what kind of anthropology degree jobs you want to go on to after you graduate.
MA and MSc degrees can both be attained in anthropology. An MA is more likely to focus on the social science and humanities aspects of the field, whereas an MSc may combine anthropological study with relevant fields such as engineering or public health.
It’s also possible to complete graduate diplomas, postgraduate diplomas and postgraduate certificates in a shorter time compared to a full taught master’s degree. These may be useful for students looking to gain new experience quickly or prepare for a change of focus or specialisation mid-career.
Research qualifications are available at master’s level, such as the MRes or MSc by research, as well as the MPhil and PhD at doctorate level.
Anthropology is a diverse field that is not only relevant to a broad range of job types but equips students with a robust set of transferable skills. As a result, it’s worth looking into the full range of jobs that you might be qualified for after your master’s in anthropology.
Some of the anthropology jobs related to your postgraduate studies include:
With this wide range of career options, salaries can vary. However, there is good potential for anthropologist salary growth across many of these career paths as you gain experience.
The entry requirements for your anthropology degree programme will differ depending on the level of study you’re applying for, and the university faculty managing the course. While it’s worth checking the specific admission criteria for courses that you’re interested in, generally you can expect to need a 2:2 or above at undergraduate level in a related area.
PhD applicants will need similar qualifications, but will also need to demonstrate that they have the necessary research experience to complete this degree type.
Some of the anthropology courses on offer at postgraduate level include:
Anthropology degrees can vary hugely in their areas of focus, with many postgraduate courses providing students with the opportunity to home in on particular niches in the field. However, you could also expect to complete more general modules such as:
Studying anthropology will equip you with a range of skills and competencies that will serve you well in future careers.
Scientific research methods, including ones used in social science, behavioural science, biology and psychology, are central to much of anthropological study. You’ll become an expert in data collection, analysis and presentation, and will be comfortable writing up reports or policy briefs based on your findings.
Having an eye for detail and an analytical mind are natural byproducts of this type of work; more so than many other disciplines, you’ll gain a particular understanding of and sensitivity to different perspectives – whether they’re cultural, psychological, economic or historical.
Being able to observe others and employ a range of methods to achieve results are particular strengths of anthropologists. They are ones that makes them particularly useful in growing research and policy fields, which hinge on understanding human behaviour and data in an integrated manner.
Teaching in your anthropology course will be primarily through lectures, seminars and tutorial discussions. However, computer labs and other supervised sessions are often a feature, especially for learning research skills. You’ll be expected to study independently to consolidate and extend your knowledge.
Assessment is typically through coursework: this can be in the form of essays, reports and presentations. In most cases, a thesis or dissertation will form a major part of your overall grade.
Postgraduate anthropology degrees vary in length, but at master’s level you can typically expect to study for one year full time. PGCert and PGDip courses last less than one year, while part-time students will take up to two years to get a master’s degree.
Research qualifications, like the MRes, MPhil and PhD, can take between one and four years full time, and two to eight years part-time.
You can select from more than 155 postgraduate courses in anthropology, offered by 35 different universities in the UK.
Our university search tool is perfect for effectively managing this huge range of choice. You can filter by location or course type before getting details on each course, including curriculum details and entry requirements.
Anthropology is an interdisciplinary field that overlaps with a variety of other disciplines, so there are some similar subjects you might want to consider during your course search. They include:
Certificates are a perfect stepping stone to a Masters degree as you’ll not only...
Not sure where to start when it comes to writing a PhD personal statement? We have...
A PhD is both financially draining and incredibly challenging. ...
