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Postgraduate Programmes

copyright Dave Catchpole

In recent years, anthropology departments across Britain have expanded the range of postgraduate degree courses offered in anthropology. Students are now able to choose degrees in Anthropology of Childhood, Digital Anthropology, Forensics, Environmental Anthropology and many other specialisations. 


When choosing a postgraduate degree it is important to research your options thoroughly and to think of the career sector in which you would most enjoy working. Although obtaining a postgraduate qualification can be an important step to enhancing career prospects, in most cases it will not automatically help you get a job. Work, further training and/or voluntary experience are important in helping you add to the skills and knowledge you have gained during your degree.

In general, students who wish to take a MA or MSc in Anthropology do not require a previous undergraduate degree in the subject. Students are advised however to check the admissions requirements of specific university programmes.


Types of Postgraduate degree courses:

  • Taught masters courses (MA, MSc) usually range from one to two years and require students to complete a dissertation or a research project.
  • Research degree courses (MPhil, PhD). In the UK, this usually involves a research component with fieldwork (generally two years for an MPhil and three years for a PhD). At the end of their fieldwork, students are asked to submit a written dissertation.


UK Universities offering Postgraduate Degree Courses in Anthropology/Archaeology or Forensic Science

For information on courses and concentrations available at each institution, follow the departmental links below.



University of Aberdeen

 

University of Birmingham

 

Bournemouth University

 

University of Bradford

 

University of Bristol

 

Brunel University

 

University of Cambridge

 

University of Dundee

 

 

Durham University

 

University of East Anglia

 

University of East London

 

University of Edinburgh

 

 

Goldsmiths University of London

 

University of Kent

 

 

London School of Economics

 

The University of Manchester

 

Oxford University

 

 

Oxford Brookes University

 

Queen’s University Belfast

 

Roehampton University

 

School of Oriental and African Studies

 

 

University of St. Andrews

 

 

University of Sussex

 

 

University of Central Lancashire

 

 

University College London

 

Important questions to consider when choosing your degree:

  • Which specialist areas of anthropology am I most interested in?
  • Which career sector would I like to work in?
  • What is the geographical region I am most interested in?
  • Is there anyone in the university’s anthropology department who is interested in my research area?
  • Is there a work experience/fieldwork component to the degree?
  • How is the university’s teaching and research rated nationally/internationally?
  • Is the qualification transferable?
  • Does the university department provide links to career or research opportunities?

 

Tips on getting started with your search:

  • Take a look at our career paths to find out about jobs that may be available with your degree
  • Attend university open days and speak to departmental staff and admissions tutors to find out which programme best suits your needs
  • Read journal articles, internet resources, newspaper articles or listen to interviews with staff from the anthropology department you are interested in
  • Get in touch with former students and ask them questions
  • Attend open seminars that are held at the university


Funding possibilities:

Opportunities to locate sources of funding include, but are not confined to:

American Anthropological Association (AAA) webpage of Fellowships & Grants

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

Fulbright Commission

Funds for Women Graduates

Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE)

Higher Education Academy for Sociology, Anthropology and Politics (C-SAP)

Research Councils UK

Royal Anthropological Institute


Future Careers:

Take a look at the career paths section to find out more about the types of careers you can pursue with an anthropology degree.


General Information on Postgraduate Degrees:

http://www.npc.org.uk/ - National Postgraduate Committee

http://www.prospects.ac.uk – Prospects website on Postgraduate study

http://www.findamasters.com/ - information on Postgraduate Masters Degrees in Britain

http://www.postgrad.com/ - information and links on postgraduate study and careers

http://www.gradschools.com/ - information on postgraduate degree courses in the United States

 

 

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

image © Nafisa Fera 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 us on Twitter @DiscoverAnthro 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 Dayand 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.