Venues

Central Campus

Content

Social anthropology is the study of human conduct and thought. Societies around the world vary enormously socially, culturally and politically. The study of these variations, and the common humanity that underlies them, is at the heart of social anthropology.

Politics studies the theory and practice of how societies are governed.

Year 1:
The first year provides you with a broad introduction to the subject. You will study Social Anthropology 1A - The Life Course and 1B - Anthropology Matters and will choose two to four optional courses.

Year 2:
You will study Social Anthropology 2 and Ethnography, as well as other core courses appropriate to your degree programme. You will also choose an additional three courses, either related to your degree or from another academic area.

Year 3:
You will study four core courses: Anthropology Theory, Kinship, Ritual and Religion and Consumption, Exchange and Technology. You will also choose two courses from a range including Magic, Science and Healing, Museums and Anthropology and The Anthropology of Happiness. You will also have the opportunity to conduct your own research in the summer break between third and fourth years. Your dissertation supervisor will help you to plan and develop your research project which can take place in the UK or overseas.

Year 4:
In your fourth year you will study the core courses Belief, Thought and Language and Culture and Power. You will also use your research findings to complete an honours dissertation, and continue to choose optional courses.

Entry Requirements

2026 entry requirements

Standard entry:
4 Highers at ABBB (first sitting) or 4 or 5 Highers at AABB/ABBBB (two sittings) plus English at National 5.

Widening access entry:
4 Highers at ABBB (two sittings) plus English at National 5. Highers at BBB must be achieved in one sitting.