Overview

The MA in Anthropology will help you develop a nuanced and cross-cultural perspective on the challenges that humans face in our fast-changing world, with content that reflects our research strengths in adversity, adaptation and globalisation. You will have the opportunity to put this understanding into practice through academic events and work experience in Bristol's thriving creative and cultural industries as well as social organisations. In addition to the core themes of the programme - which explore interrelated real-world issues such as sustainability, technology, engagement, arts and materiality - you will receive advanced training in theory and methods delivered through world-class, research-led teaching.

The programme will introduce you to anthropological research design and data analysis using qualitative and mixed methods, including ethnographic and visual methods; survey, interview and focus-group design; participatory approaches and research ethics. There are opportunities for undertaking an off-campus placement with an external partner such as a media-tech company, museum, heritage organisation, NGO or local authority. You can gain first-hand experience of working in a vibrant and diverse industry while putting into practice the skills you have learned throughout the course.

Being taught by research-active experts in the field, you will gain knowledge and understanding on some of the most relevant and urgent contemporary issues and public debates. From drugs and stimulants in Africa, to children and their art in Amazonia; from museums and heritage in Asia, to transhumance mobility in Europe, you will learn alongside leading academics through in-class lectures, small-group seminars, field trips, and potential international knowledge exchange programmes.

This MA will enhance your transferable skills and employability by providing valuable research experience and helping you develop a network of contacts in and beyond work placement providers.

Programme structure

Two mandatory units offer advanced anthropological training in theory, method and practice. In Anthropological Theory and Practice, you will explore contemporary social and political issues and consider what a shared, sustainable future might look like. We help you gain a deeper understanding of the interconnected world we live in and encourage you to think about why people act the way they do. We enable you to find your unique voice that challenges prejudice and inequality. After all, we cannot learn to work together without learning about each other through our differences and diversities.

In Research Methods in Anthropology, you will be trained in anthropological research design and data analysis using qualitative and mixed methods. Sessions will explore ethnographic, reflexive and visual methods, as well as survey, interview and focus-group design.

Optional units will allow you to tailor your programme to your area of interest, including a work placement opportunity. Optional units may vary but will highlight social and cultural diversities in human societies.

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MA in Anthropology.

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in an arts, humanities or social sciences discipline. Non-traditional qualifications/routes may also be considered.

For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies.

We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so the applicant would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of their degree. Specific module requirements may still apply.

We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following:

  • evidence of significant, relevant work experience Such as work in museums/galleries, heritage sites, policy making, community/charity work, social programmes
  • a relevant postgraduate qualification.

If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

UK: full-time
£14,000 per year
UK: part-time (two years)
£7,000 per year
Overseas: full-time
£30,800 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

International students may be awarded a Think Big Postgraduate Scholarship.

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

Anthropologists are in demand in a transforming economy and workplace culture because we have a deeper understanding of human practices and cultural connections - a perspective hugely important for a sustainable future. Anthropologists are highly sought after in public and private sectors, including governmental bodies such as the UK Government's Department for International Development (DfID) or NGOs like Action Aid and Oxfam.

You could go on to work in academia as a lecturer or researcher with postgraduate studies, find opportunities as a corporate anthropologist in local and international businesses that value research and analytical skills. You could also explore broader career prospects in diverse fields such as policy, advocacy, heritage, health or the creative industries, capitalising on your planning, research and managerial skills and capacities.