Anthropology
A comprehensive guide to studying Anthropology at university.
- - “Anthropology gets you to question the world and the systems that operate it” - Nessie, [b]Graduate BSc Anthropology student, UCL[/b]
- - “This course is great for cultivating a super open-minded way of looking at the world that enhances your own life, because you are taught that the world can be looked at in a million ways and that nothing should be taken as fact.” - Megan, [b]2nd Year BSc Anthropology student, Exeter[/b]
- - “The subject is so vast, there’s bound to be something you like. Of course, it depends on where you study but most courses in degrees like anthropology cover a wide range of areas and geographical regions that allow you to learn and explore the world from radically different perspectives and gain really important insights about variety in religion, law, kinship, livelihoods, etc…. Its one of the best subjects for breaking down a lot of your presumptions and providing strong foundation for the kind of critical thinking that is important and hard to come by elsewhere.” - Katja, Graduate [b]BSc Anthropology Student, Oxford[/b]
- - “Anthropology is not particularly well known or understood as a discipline outside of academia, even just outside of the social sciences.. Having studied anthropology you do spend a lot of your time trying to explain your degree and the things it taught you to employers and others in the “real world”. - [b]Katja, Graduate Anthropology Student, Oxford[/b]
- - “Employability wise, you learn a very niche set of skills that are really helpful for a career in research…not a vocational job” - Megan, [b]2nd year BSc Anthropology student, Exeter[/b]
Studying Anthropology at a UK university is a transformative experience, unlike anything you encountered at A Level 😲.
You'll explore human societies, cultures, and biological aspects through subjects like social anthropology, cultural anthropology, and biological anthropology 🌍. The diversity of topics—from rituals and traditions to evolutionary biology—keeps it fascinating.
Expect to spend a lot of time on ethnographic studies, involving immersive fieldwork and detailed observations. This hands-on approach means you'll be out in the field, not just in lecture halls 🏞️.
Essays and reports dominate your coursework, requiring critical thinking and comprehensive research 📚. You'll often read and analyze complex texts, exploring various theories and their real-world applications.
Group discussions and presentations are integral, helping to develop your communication skills and broaden your perspectives 🗣️. Seminars with guest anthropologists and practitioners offer valuable industry insights and networking opportunities.
Note: Anthropology demands a blend of scientific and humanities skills, making it both challenging and deeply rewarding. Be prepared for a journey that reshapes your understanding of humanity 🌟.
Equipped with a broad range of methodological, analytical and communication skills developed as a result of their degree, many anthropology graduates pursue a broad array of career pathways.
Many graduates seize the intersectional and cross-cultural nature of anthropology as a discipline, allowing them to enter into diverse fields.
Some of which include: [b]journalism, film-making,[/b] TV, law, ethnographic and modern art museums, social work, [b]international development[/b], [b]NGOs[/b] and volunteering, police, refugee work, advertising, interior design, PR, marketing, music industry, HR, teaching, and as [b]cultural advisors[/b] for multinationals.