Continuing Education

Many universities and colleges in Britain offer part-time adult courses in anthropology or related subjects. Part-time courses are usually found within Anthropology Departments, Departments for Continuing Education, or Lifelong Learning Centres. Since courses can vary from year to year, prospective students are advised to check up-to date prospectuses on-line or speak to administrators at local centres. Below are details of centres offering anthropology or related subjects in the social sciences.


Birkbeck University of London

• Certificate in Anthropology

• World Arts & Artefacts
• Birkbeck also offers individual anthropology modules; for a full list look here

University of Bristol Department of Anthropology and Archaeology

The department offers a range of part-time short courses primarily in archaeology.

University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education

• Being British: the social anthropology of Britain

City Lit (The City Literary Institute)

• A taste of Anthropology

• Ways into Anthropology: Part 1

• Ways into Anthropology: Part 2

• Ways into Anthropology: Part 3

University of East London Department of Humanities and Social Sciences

• University Certificate in Anthropology

This evening class course lasts one year and is divided into two semesters. Successful completion of the course provides entry to UEL’s BSc Anthropology programme.

University of Edinburgh Office of Lifelong Learning

The university’s Office of Lifelong Learning has part-time courses in related subjects such as archaeology and society & politics.

University of Glasgow Department of Adult & Continuing Education

The university’s Department of Adult & Continuing Education has part-time courses in related subjects such as archaeology and sociology.

Goldsmiths College’s Professional and Community Education

PACE offers anthropology courses as part of its Social and Cultural Studies programme. Most courses in the programme provide credits towards a BA in Social and Cultural Studies. Students can choose from the following anthropology courses:

• Film & Anthropology

• Integrated Degree in Anthropology

• Space, Place & Identity: Diasporas in the Modern World

University of Hull Centre for Lifelong Learning

Hull’s Centre for Lifelong Learning offers short courses in social studies, such as Introduction to gender and sociology of health.

University of Kent’s Centre for Flexible Learning

Kent’s Centre for Flexible Learning offers courses for those who wish to study for pleasure, professional development or modules in combined studies.

• Culture and Societies 1

• Cultures and Societies 2

Lancaster University Department of Continuing Education

Lancaster University’s Department of Continuing Education provides short courses in related subjects such as archaeology and history.

The University of Liverpool Centre for Lifelong Learning

Liverpool’s Centre for Lifelong Learning provides short courses in related subjects such as archaeology and local history.

Oxford University Department of Continuing Education

Oxford’s Department of Continuing Education offers courses in related subjects such as archaeology and local and social history.

University of Sheffield Institute of Lifelong Learning

Sheffield’s Institute of Lifelong Learning provides courses in related subjects such as archaeology, social and political studies, gender studies.

University of Sussex Centre for Community Engagement

Shamanic Consciousness

Get involved in anthropology through the RAI's Education Outreach Programme

The RAI's Education Department organises events, activities, contests as well as produces teaching and learning materials for anyone interested in learning about anthropology. Take a look at the many ways to get involved with like-minded people who are passionate about the subject:

• Become an RAI member: take a look here for all the benefits associated with joining the RAI.  
• Attend an event: take a look at our events page for a list of various anthropological events which take place nationally. 
• Take part in discussions by joining our community forum and our Facebook Group
• Join our Student E-Network by emailing Nafisa Fera, the RAI's This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• Become a volunteer: the RAI's Education Department is always looking for ethusiastic individuals to help out with our outreach events such as the London Anthropology Day and the ESRC Festival of Social Science. If you are interested in volunteering email Nafisa Fera, the RAI's This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• Apply for an internship: interns form an essential part of the RAI's Educational Outreach Activities. If you are interested in becoming an intern for the RAI's Education Department email Nafisa Fera, the RAI's This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your CV and a cover letter. A minimum of two months is required in order to be considered. For further information about volunteering at the RAI visit: http://www.therai.org.uk/about-the-rai/governance/getting-involved/
• Be creative: If you have a poem, song, artwork or photographs which reflect anthropological topics, email Nafisa Fera, the RAI's This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Take a look at the Your Space section for inspiration!

Disclaimer: The above information is provided for information and guidance only. It should not be interpreted as endorsement or otherwise by the Royal Anthropological Institute (RAI) for any external institution listed.  Furthermore, the RAI accepts no responsibility for material created by external parties or the content of external websites.