Programme summary for MSc Anthropology

About the programme

MSc in Anthropology

Anthropological approaches and knowledge have been popularised across various disciplines and are increasingly relevant in making sense of contemporary lifeworlds. The programme connects with a growing need for anthropologically-based expert knowledge. The roles of specialists who can offer anthropological expertise have been recognised widely. These experts are also being sought out by various agencies in relation to some pressing contemporary issues. For instance, anthropologists are increasingly sought by organisations in the management of diversity, difference and conflict resolution. The programme will connect with this emphasis by offering rigorous studies in anthropological approaches.

The MSc provides critical understandings of anthropological theories and knowledge conventions. Students will develop anthropological expertise for a range of specialist roles in employment settings. The programme will also be suitable for candidates seeking to obtain a post-graduate qualification in anthropology in preparation for doctoral studies.

Programme structure

One year full-time for students; two years part time. The programme offers both February and September start dates; Intermediate awards will be available for those completing 30, 60 or 120 credits. Three compulsory taught modules; choice of option modules from a choice of six options; students will select a specialist area of interest and conduct anthropological fieldwork for their research dissertations.

Career opportunities

Your studies on this programme will be applicable and transferable to a wide range of professions across sectors from government departments to NGOs, for instance. It is also likely that some candidates who are attracted to the programme will already be working as professionals in various fields and or would be desirous of gaining academic grounding in anthropology to proceed to doctoral studies.
Details of careers in anthropology can be found on the Royal Anthropological website http://www.therai.org.uk/education/publications/careers-in-anthropology/
The American Anthropological Association (AAA) website also offers ‘Careers in Anthropology DVD’. http://www.aaanet.org/resources/students/CareersDVD.cfm

Support

You will have opportunities to form study groups and have additional tutorials with your supervisors. You will be provided with personal tutors and have opportunities to meet individually with your lecturers in consultative sessions. You will develop independent work in a peer-supported environment guided by anthropologists with international expertise in a range of research areas. You will have opportunities to attend seminars hosted by one of the research centres and groups in the School including the Anthropology and Contemporary Worlds Research Group, the Centre on Human Rights in Conflict and the Centre for Research on Migration, Refugees and Belonging

Admission

Applicants are normally required to have a good first degree (2:1 or 2:2) in any related area from a UK university or its overseas equivalent. Equivalent professional or research experience would also be considered, after an interview and based on a statement and supporting material such as an essay.

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programmes. Students that apply to enter stages of the programme may be admitted through normal Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes, or through an approved articulation agreement. Therefore such applicants must be able to demonstrate evidence that they have the required learning outcomes as listed in the modules for which they are seeking exemption.