Social Anthropology
(MA) Social Anthropology
Entry for 2023
FHEQ level
This course is set at Level 7 (Masters) in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Course Aims
The MA in Anthropology is designed to equip students with an in-depth understanding of anthropological theory and method, particularly as applied to 'real life' issues in the contemporary world. Students learn about the development of anthropology as a discipline, how anthropologists theorise social change, how to apply anthropological methods and knowledge to real-world situations, and gain understanding of a diverse array of topics and areas of the world that anthropologists have studied. The programme may act as either an introduction to anthropology for students new to the field, or as an opportunity for students with an anthropological background to expand their knowledge into specialised areas of anthropology and to explore interdisciplinary study through course options. Students completing this programme pursue a range of careers in the fields of social research, publishing, and the non-governmental sector. A number of students who have completed the course pursue a PhD in anthropology.
Course learning outcomes
To understand and apply advanced anthropological theory and method.
To critically assess ethnographic writing.
To assess the value of different theoretical perspectives in anthropology.
To exhibit knowledge of diverse array of topics and areas of the world that anthropologists have studied.
To develop and express reasoned arguments in written form.
To effectively manage their own learning independently and in groups.
To engage in independent research in the form of a supervised dissertation.
To demonstrate knowledge of different research methods and the ability to assess the strengths and weaknesses of applying different research methods to specific research problems.
Full-time course composition
Part-time course composition
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.