Social Anthropology University of St Andrews

Overview

The Social Anthropology at the University of St Andrews takes a comparative and global view of human individuality, society and culture, studying how people make meaningful lives in extremely diverse settings. Research covers lives in cities and villages in Europe, the Pacific, Africa, Asia and the Americas.

You will examine topics as diverse as belief, politics, gender, illness, art, migration, colonialism and postcolonialism, or our relationship with the environment. You will question taken-for-granted ideas and learn to understand how others see the world.

Key facts

• The programme provides a general introduction to social anthropology at the postgraduate level, with an emphasis on bringing interdisciplinary skills to anthropological research. 

• It enhances existing anthropological knowledge and helps develop theory and practice in those coming to anthropology for the first time. 

• The MRes offers a range of social science components, research and methodology training, and core social anthropology teaching.

Highlights

• Opportunities for theoretical development and specialist interests with training in research methodologies

• Small class sizes encourage student-led seminars and discussion as well as more contact with supervisors

• Introduction to cross-disciplinary connections and differences

Careers

• Graduates in social anthropology from St Andrews will gain key practical skills in analysing social and cultural dynamics and how these shape relations, attitudes and experiences. 

• They will learn how to communicate cross-culturally and to examine problems reflexively and holistically, revealing and questioning taken-for-granted assumptions.

• These skills are transferable to many different careers, and are particularly sought after in development, the non-profit sector, the civil service, human resources, museums and curation, environmental conservation, business, and education.