MA Anthropology
- MA
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
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in an arts, humanities or social sciences discipline. Non-traditional qualifications/routes may also be considered.
If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications:
- Evidence of significant, relevant work experience in one of the following sectors: museums/galleries; heritage sites; policy making; community/charity work or projects; or social programmes.
- A relevant postgraduate qualification
ACCEPTABLE SUBJECTS: Any Arts, Humanities or Social Science degree List if helpful includes but not limited to:
- Architecture
- Archaeology
- Broadcasting and TV
- Cultural Studies
- Economics
- Film Studies/Filmmaking
- Game Design
- Geography
- History
- History of Art
- Journalism
- Language and Literature
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Social Policy
- Sociology
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 statementIf 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
- Home: full-time
- £14,500 per year
- Home: part-time (two years)
- £7,250 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £32,300 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 and scholarships
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.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk
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