Social Anthropology

Overview

We provide a programme of study that will enable you to engage reflexively with the particularities of your own cultural and social context as well as with the possibilities inherent in cross-cultural comparison.

Working within a rich and active research culture, we shall explore the distinctive nature of social anthropology and its contribution to a critical and informed understanding of the contemporary world - a world reflected in the diversity of our research and teaching interests.

Courses range from those offering an overview of anthropological theory to those examining specific issues such as kinship, gender, development and religion.

Who this programme is for

The Social Anthropology programme at The University of Edinburgh is primarily intended for graduates with little or no previous training in anthropology. These may be either students contemplating future doctoral research in the subject or students who wish to acquire anthropological expertise to supplement their existing range of professional skills.

Whether your aim is to explore the possibilities of doctoral research or add anthropological expertise to your existing professional skills, this MSc offers an intensive introduction to social anthropology.

Career opportunities

Past students of this programme have gone on to doctoral research in anthropology, while others have been very successful in securing places both in the UK and overseas in a wide variety of careers, from journalism to working in non-governmental organisations.

You will also develop a range of highly transferable skills, such as communication, independent research, and project management, which can be applied to roles in any field.