MA Medical Anthropology and Mental Health
SOAS University of London
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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

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SOAS, University of London

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Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

1 year

Course info

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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

Location

SOAS, University of London

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

1 year

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MA - Master of Arts

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SOAS, University of London

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Part Time

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SEP-25

Duration

3 years

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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

Location

SOAS, University of London

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

2 years

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Anthropology
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Course info

The SOAS MA in Medical Anthropology and Mental Health facilitates understanding of health from diverse perspectives and investigates the complexity of human suffering, as well as varied forms of healing and treatment. The programme offers training in anthropological approaches to the major health and mental health challenges of our time. Drawing on ethnographic research, clinical knowledge, lived experience and cross-cultural comparison, it explores health as embedded in historical and social ...Read more

The SOAS MA in Medical Anthropology and Mental Health facilitates understanding of health from diverse perspectives and investigates the complexity of human suffering, as well as varied forms of healing and treatment.

The programme offers training in anthropological approaches to the major health and mental health challenges of our time. Drawing on ethnographic research, clinical knowledge, lived experience and cross-cultural comparison, it explores health as embedded in historical and social forces such as climate change, coloniality, displacement, and intersecting inequalities including race and gender.

The programme equips graduates with conceptual tools for anthropological analysis and methodological skills in ethnographic research. Students are also introduced to insights from disciplines adjacent to anthropology, including psychology, transcultural psychiatry, psychoanalysis, biomedicine, and Science and Technology Studies (STS). Students’ anthropological skills will be honed through closely supervised original research projects in areas of individual interest, written up as a dissertation.

Students learn about the implications of ongoing cultural and technological shifts and the ethical stakes of diverse healing philosophies and practices in order to engage with current affairs and global conditions pertaining to mental health, inequality, conflict, and justice. They also have the opportunity to use short work placements as part of their study programme to gain practical experience or to reflect anthropologically on their existing work roles.

The MA welcomes students with an intellectual interest in anthropological approaches to health and mental health and is open to applicants from social sciences and other backgrounds, including clinicians, practitioners, pre-med students and trainees across medical and clinical fields, healthcare management, humanitarian/refugee organisations, policymaking and grassroots advocacy in health/mental health.

We specifically accommodate students of medicine and medical sciences who are interested in combining their training with an MA degree in anthropology. The programme also fosters the independent critical thinking and qualitative research skills needed to pursue postgraduate research through MRes or PhD programmes in Medical Anthropology and qualitative health sciences.

The SOAS Department of Anthropology is fostering recognition of the value of anthropology for medical and mental health policy and practice through the recently established Centre for Anthropology and Mental Health Research in Action (CAMHRA). This is an international hub for cutting-edge anthropological research, education and public engagement in the field of mental health in partnership with NHS, public health and a variety of non-government organisations.

MA Students join CAMHRA’s vibrant community and will benefit from the research-led teaching, guest lecturing, events and placements. The MA is taught by a diverse group of anthropologists currently leading collaborative research with NHS, voluntary/private sector, and international clinical and public health partners. Our global research projects bring perspectives and debates from different societies, cultures and healing systems.

Why study MA Medical Anthropology and Mental Health at SOAS?

  • SOAS is a world-leading Anthropology Department ranked 5th in the UK and 12th in the world for Anthropology (QS World University Rankings 2023)
  • SOAS is ranked 6th in the UK for employability (QS World University Rankings 2023).

The MA Medical Anthropology and Mental Health equips our graduates with basic skills in anthropological analysis and ethnographic research that are also usable in a variety of healthcare and other settings. Our graduates are prepared for a wide range of employment.

Key stats

CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
13th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
71st
What students say
L
Lina
30 Oct 24

Really good environment and space it’s a warm and kind place that has a good space for studying as well..Read more

F
Frank
30 Oct 24

Lengthy/ time consuming problems related to enrollment and delay in access to resources, apart from that people are helpful, vibe is great and plenty of space to relax and..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Applicants with bachelor’s degree equivalent to 2:ii: CGPA: 55-60% or 5.5/10 - 6.0/10 from a good university will be considered for entry. We will consider all applications with a 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher in a social science or humanities subject. In addition to degree classification we take into account other elements of the application such as supporting statement. References are optional, but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£12,220 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£25,320 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£25,320 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Anthropology reviews

Anthropology
Anthropology
L
Lina
30 Oct 24
Arabic and Social Anthropology BA (Hons)
Really good environment and space it’s a warm and kind place that has a good space for studying as well...
Read more
F
Frank
30 Oct 24
MA Anthropology of Global Futures and Sustainability
Lengthy/ time consuming problems related to enrollment and delay in access to resources, apart from that people are helpful, vibe is great and plenty of space to relax and...
Read more
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Uni info

SOAS University of London
SOAS University of London , Camden

At SOAS University of London, postgraduate students are encouraged to challenge the status quo and think globally....

Student rating
( 4.0) View reviews
CUG ranking
71st
SOAS University of London
Thornhaugh Street Russell Square Camden Greater London WC1H 0XG United Kingdom
Nearest tube station: Goodge Street  0.1 miles away Nearest train station: Euston   0.4 miles away
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