Social Anthropology BA/BSc
Study of human cultures, beliefs, behaviours, and ways of life - exploring how people across the world make meaning, organise communities, and respond to social, economic, and political change.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Are interested in cultures and communities
Enjoy analysing social behaviour
Like research and fieldwork
Want a global career
Are curious
Popular Career Fields
Research & Academia
International Development
Charity & NGO Sector
Government & Public Sector
Your Personality Might Be:
Culturally curious
International Development
Observant researcher
Empathetic
What is it?
What is a degree in Social Anthropology?
Social Anthropology is the comparative study of human societies and cultures. It explores how people live, think, communicate, celebrate, work, worship, and form relationships across different cultural contexts.
You will examine topics such as kinship, identity, religion, ritual, language, inequality, globalisation, migration, and social change.
The degree focuses heavily on understanding the world from people’s own perspectives, using ethnography - deep, immersive research, to study human experiences in context.
Anthropology blends social science, humanities, and global studies, providing an in-depth understanding of cultural diversity and contemporary global issues.
Why study for a degree in Social Anthropology?
If you’re fascinated by people, cultural difference, travel, identity, and social meanings, Social Anthropology offers an intellectually rich and globally relevant degree.
It helps you understand why societies function as they do, how people adapt to change, and how global issues (migration, inequality, climate, identity politics) shape everyday life.
Anthropologists develop cultural sensitivity, strong communication skills, and deep analytical abilities that are valued in charities, NGOs, media, international development, business, and social research.
Course Summary
Study of human cultures, beliefs, behaviours, and ways of life - exploring how people across the world make meaning, organise communities, and respond to social, economic, and political change.
What you'll study
Social Anthropology degrees often cover topics such as:
Cultural theory, identity, and social structures
Ethnographic research and fieldwork methods
Kinship, gender, family, and social relationships
Religion, ritual, language, and symbolic systems
Globalisation, migration, and cultural change
Politics, inequality, and development in diverse societies
Skills You'll Gain
A Social Anthropology degree builds strong academic and practical skills, including:
Ethnographic and research skills – enabling you to gather in-depth insights through observation, interviewing, and cultural analysis.
Critical thinking – allowing you to challenge assumptions and understand issues from multiple cultural perspectives.
Communication and storytelling – presenting complex ideas clearly across written, oral, and digital forms.
Intercultural sensitivity – supporting inclusive, respectful work with diverse communities and global partners.
Analytical and conceptual skills – interpreting social patterns, global issues, and cultural meanings.
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Graduates work in a wide range of areas, including:
International development and NGOs
Charities, advocacy, and social justice work
Community development and public services
Social research and policy organisations
Museums, heritage, and cultural institutions
Media, journalism, and communications
Education and youth work
Global business and intercultural roles
Work Experiences & Placements
Many programmes offer placements or opportunities such as:
NGOs and international development organisations
Museums, archives, or cultural institutions
Community and youth organisations
Social research and policy groups
Human rights and advocacy organisations
Media, communications, or arts-based projects
Anthropology graduates often engage with diverse communities through fieldwork or voluntary experience.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent. Most universities accept a broad range of subjects. Sociology, Psychology, History, Geography, English, or Biology are beneficial.
Personal Statement Tips
Show interest in culture, people, global issues, or social justice.
Mention travel, volunteering, reading, or experiences that sparked your curiosity.
Reflect on cultural differences or social questions you find fascinating.
Highlight curiosity, communication skills, empathy, and analytical thinking.
What to do Next
Compare BA vs BSc routes depending on preferred approaches.
Attend open days or sample lectures.
Explore introductory anthropology texts or documentaries.
Volunteer with community or cultural organisations.
Wider Reading
Anthropology: A Very Short Introduction – Thomas Hylland Eriksen: A clear and accessible overview.
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down – Anne Fadiman: A powerful story about culture and healthcare.
Sapiens – Yuval Noah Harari: A broad exploration of human societies and development.
Watching the English – Kate Fox: A humorous anthropological look at everyday behaviour.