Course details

The MA in Socio-Cultural Anthropology introduces you to the endlessly fascinating academic study that looks at humanity and the behaviours, societies and cultures that underpin the lives that are led as sentient beings.

The course enables you to move to anthropology from an undergraduate degree in another subject and offers a solid foundation of knowledge for carrying out research in socio-cultural anthropology in the future or preparing for an anthropology-related career.

You will undertake core modules covering topics such as thinking anthropologically, fieldwork and interpretation and understanding society and culture. There are also optional modules, including global health and a study into energy or climate change, allowing you to tailor the course to your own interests. The MA dissertation gives you the opportunity to explore your interests in greater depth.

You will develop a clear understanding of classical and contemporary writing and research on the subject through lectures, seminars and fieldwork with teaching provided by academic staff who are renowned experts in socio-cultural anthropology and have a wealth of fieldwork experience.

As part of your learning and development, you will be expected to spend a sizable proportion of your time, reading, discussing and preparing for classes, assignments and project work. You will also meet with your degree tutor regularly for further academic support and guidance.

As an anthropology student, you will have access to the Department’s highly respected research laboratories including the Durham Infancy and Sleep Centre, Behavioural and Ecological Physiology Lab, Physical Activity Lab, the South Africa field station and to material culture and skeletal collections.