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Anthropology courses

Anthropology involves studying the similarities and differences between cultures and societies across the world and can help us understand issues in our own society, such as multiculturalism, religion and human rights. You will learn theories and methodologies for research work and have the opportunity to go on field trips abroad. Careers after this course include research, overseas development work and community work in the UK.

Studying anthropology at university

Example course modules

  • Anthropological methods
  • Introduction into prehistoric archaeology
  • Methods and analysis in biological anthropology
  • Research methods in social anthropology
  • Evolutionary biology and geography
  • Human ecology
  • Human osteology
  • Gender and society
  • Material cultures
  • Ethnographic methods

Teaching hours / week

Average for this subject

9
Hours
5
14
Hours

Average for all subjects

The time you'll spend in lectures and seminars each week will vary from university to university, so use this as a guide.

More on studying and contact hours at uni

Who studies this subject

  • Female : 76%
    Male : 24%
  • Mature : 25%
    School leaver : 75%
  • Full-time : 87%
    Part-time : 13%

What students say about anthropology

What you need to get on a course

Subjects you need

A-levels (or equivalent) usually required

  • No Specific Requirements

Useful to have

  • Sociology
  • Biology

Application checklist

Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.

  • January application
  • October application
  • Personal statement
  • Portfolio
  • Interview
  • Entry test
  • Work experience
  • Audition

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!

Career prospects

Sources: HECSU & KIS
Fewer than 800 graduates completed anthropology degrees last year, and they were well spread out across a whole range of jobs – many industries have jobs that can be done by anthropology graduates and unlike a lot of degrees, there aren't many jobs we can point to and say ‘graduates from this degree do that job’. Management and marketing jobs are the most popular, though, and many graduates go into the education or social care sectors. Graduates are also rather more likely than average to work in London, or to go overseas to work. This is quite a popular subject at postgraduate level, and if you want to go into research, you'll need to think about postgrad study.
Professional and accrediting bodies:

Six months after graduating

Typical graduate job areas
  • Other elementary services occupations

Longer term career paths

Jobs where this degree is useful

  • Marketing executive
  • Social Researcher
  • Museum archivist or curator

Other real-life job examples

  • Community worker
  • Recruitment consultant
  • Education officer

What employers like about this subject

A student taking an anthropology degree will acquire subject-specific skills that include the relevance of anthropology to contemporary cultural issues, an understanding of human society and culture and the operation of languages and power. Transferable skills you can develop include communication, problem-solving, team-working, the ability to gather and process information and the ability to construct convincing and well-presented arguments. There are few jobs specifically as anthropologists, but anthropology graduates are flexible and find work with many industries, including social and welfare, education, religious and faith organisations, recruitment, government, banking, retail and manufacturing.