Social Anthropology Goldsmiths, University of London

Overview

The M.A. in Social Anthropology at Goldsmiths, University of London offers an exceptional opportunity for students to delve into the complexities of human societies and cultures. This programme is particularly suited for individuals aiming to establish a career in anthropology, whether they are new to the subject or have previous academic experience. The course is designed to build a robust foundation in social anthropology, encompassing its theoretical underpinnings, methodological approaches, and ethnographic diversity.

Why Social Anthropology at Goldsmiths?

Goldsmiths has been recognised as one of the top 10 institutions in the UK for anthropology, as per the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. This ranking reflects the university's commitment to academic excellence and its strong reputation within the field. Students will benefit from learning under the guidance of leading academics who are actively engaged in research and scholarship. The university also boasts a vibrant community, allowing students to connect with peers from diverse educational backgrounds, enriching their learning experience.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

The tuition fees for the M.A. in Social Anthropology are structured as follows:

• International students (full-time): £23,000 per year
• Home students (full-time): £11,800 per year
• Home students (part-time): £5,900 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The programme comprises both compulsory and optional modules, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience. Students will engage with the following core modules:

• Anthropological Theory
• Anthropological Research Methods
• Dissertation

In addition, students can select from a variety of optional modules, which may include:

• Anthropology and Gender Theory
• Anthropology and the Visual: Production Course
• Anthropology of Art
• Borders and Migration
• Constructing Human Rights
• Critical and Cultural Analysis: Key Theoretical Interventions
• Critical Voices in Development
• Decolonising Politics: Actions and Ideas from the Global South
• Development for the 21st Century
• Environmental Challenges, Social Justice and Human Rights
• Ethnographic Film and Cinema Studies
• Explorations and Debates in Black British History
• Human Rights and Criminal Justice: NGO Advocacy, Litigation, and Practice
• International Human Rights Law: Theory and Practice
• International Human Rights: Advanced Themes and Contemporary Debates
• Researching Human Rights

It is important to note that the availability of optional modules may vary each academic year.

Careers with Social Anthropology

Graduates of the M.A. in Social Anthropology are well-equipped to pursue diverse career paths in various fields such as media, research, teaching, and policy-making. Notable employers of recent alumni include prestigious organisations like Amnesty International, Médecins Sans Frontières, and the Royal Anthropological Institute. The programme also serves as a solid foundation for those interested in further academic research, with many graduates continuing on to complete research degrees at Goldsmiths.