BA in Anthropology
Belfast, United Kingdom
DURATION
3 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 20,800 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland: £4,750 | England, Scotland or Wales: £9,250 I EU Other and International: £20,800
Key Summary
Introduction
Anthropology is the study of human diversity around the world. In studying anthropology, you will learn how different societies live together and think about such topics as family, religion, art, politics and economics and gain skills increasingly in demand in a globalized and automated world.
The BA in Anthropology at Queen’s will allow you to examine some of the deepest and most pressing questions about human beings. Issues addressed in our modules include:
- Does globalization mean the end of cultural differences?
- Can a post-conflict society heal?
- How do ritual traditions, musical performances, and art shape cultural identities?
- How do some people become willing to die for a group?
Through classroom modules, optional placements, performance ensembles, and your own anthropological fieldwork, you will also gain valuable skills in critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, researching, interviewing, writing, and presenting.
Anthropology highlights
Student Experience
Anthropology combines an understanding of cultural diversity through human behavior and expression, with a hands-on method of study that focuses on lived experience.
Queen's offers the only anthropology course in the UK that combines the study of expressivity (through art and music) with thematic strands on conflict, religion, cognition and applied anthropology.
Anthropology at Queen’s offers the opportunity to learn about human and cultural diversity through field research funded by the university. There is a focus on creativity, performance, religion, the study of conflict, and applied anthropology, that sets Queen's apart from other UK universities.
Global Opportunities
As part of their dissertation study in years 2 and 3, students have carried out ethnographic field research around the world, including on orphanages in Kenya, AIDS in southern Africa, education in Ghana, dance in India, NGOs in Guatemala, music in China, marriage in Japan, backpacking in Europe, and whale-watching in Hawaii.
Students have the opportunity to use practice-based research skills during eight weeks of ethnographic fieldwork in areas of their specialization, which can entail working with organisations around the globe.
Internationally Renowned Experts
Anthropology at Queen’s is internationally renowned in the following areas: Ethnomusicology and performance; Conflict and borders; Religion; Cognition and culture; Migration and diasporas; Irish studies; Material culture and art; Human-animal relations and The cross-cultural study of emotions.
Student Experience
In the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021 Queen’s was ranked:
- Teaching Quality – 2nd in the UK for Anthropology
- Student Experience - 5th in the UK for Anthropology
- Research Ranking - 3rd in the UK for Anthropology
Further Study Opportunities
A further study is also an option (eg MA Anthropology, MA Conflict Transformation, and Social Justice); see the School website for details.
Career Development
In the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023, Anthropology was ranked 10th in the UK for graduate prospects.
Student Experience
In the Complete University Guide 2023, Anthropology was ranked 5th in the UK for student satisfaction.
Gallery
Admissions
Curriculum
Year 1
Core Modules
- Us And them: Why do we have ingroups and outgroups?
- A World on the Move: Historical and Anthropological Approaches to Globalization
- Being Human: Culture and Society
Year 2
Core Modules
- Key Debates in Anthropology
- Skills in the Field: Ethnographic methods
Year 3
Core Modules
- Anthropology Dissertation
Rankings
In the Guardian University Guide 2020, Anthropology was ranked 9th in the UK for Course satisfaction.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Studying for an Anthropology degree at Queen‘s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are increasingly valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Through classroom modules, optional placements and your own anthropological fieldwork, you will gain valuable skills in critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, researching, interviewing, writing, and presenting.
Employment after the Course
Our graduates have followed careers in a wide variety of areas.
Career pathways typically lead to employment in:
- User Experience
- Consultancy
- Civil Service
- Development, NGO work, International Policy, Public Sector
- Journalism, Human Rights, Conflict Resolution, Community Work
- Arts Administration, Creative Industries, Media, Performance, Heritage, Museums, Tourism
- Market Research
- Public and Private Sector related to Religious Negotiation, Multiculturalism/Diversity.
- Teaching in schools
- Academic Teaching and Research
- Human Rights, Conflict Resolution, Community Work, Journalism
Employment Links
Internships will match dissertation students with organisations and institutions relevant to their career paths by building on local and international staff networks and professional connections.
Current placement partners include
- Operation Wallacea works with teams of ecologists, scientists and academics on a variety of bio-geographical projects around the globe.
- Belfast Migration Centre offers students of the module ‘Migration, Displacement and Diasporas’ internship opportunities in their ‘Belonging Project’.
Professional Opportunities
International Travel
As part of undergraduate training, students have the opportunity to use practice-based research skills during eight weeks of ethnographic fieldwork in areas of their specialisation, which can entail working with organisations around the globe.