About this program
BA Social Anthropology
What motivates so many people to migrate from their own societies to others? Why are some cultures so different from each other? Our course combines sociological and anthropological approaches to the study of society, exploring how humans understand their social worlds in different ways.
At Essex we investigate what connects people with each other, as well as what divides them. We consider every aspect of our daily lives, from how we relate to politicians, celebrities and friends, to how we define ourselves, our families, and others. You study topics including:
- Witchcraft, potlatch ceremonies in North America, and the aesthetics of Nomadic people
- Anthropological approaches to gender, ethnicity, race and kinship
- Sociology of migration, religion belief, and multinational corporations
- Birth, sex and death
You also receive training in sociological methods how to design a survey, conduct an interview, and use quantitative analysis from basic statistic to big data in order to ask the difficult questions, and can complete a supervised dissertation on a topic that inspires you.
Admission requirements
Clearing entry requirements
Specific entry requirements for this course in Clearing are not published here but for most of our degree courses you will need to hold a Level 3 qualification. If you are interested in applying and have already received your results, use our Clearing application form to apply for 2022 entry and find out if you are eligible. You will be asked to provide details of your qualifications and grades.
English language requirements
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, andspecified component grades are also required for applicants who require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications
If you are an international student requiring a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
Does this course require proof of English proficiency?
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Program content
Year 1
- Introduction to Social Anthropology
- Researching Social Life I
- Introduction to Crime, Law and Society
- Career Development and Making a Difference
Year 2
- The World in Question: The Social, Cultural, Political & Environmental Legacies of the Enlightenment
- Ethnographic Explorations of the City
- Ethnographic Research Methods
- Career Development and Making a Difference
Final Year
- American Society: Ethnic Encounters in the Making of the USA
- Dangerous Places: Intercultural Meetings In Film, Exploration and Anthropology
- Visual Cultures: the Social Meanings of Photography and Art
- Career Development and Making a Difference
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available, please visit the university website for more information.
Program delivery
BA Social Anthropology: 3 years
BA Social Anthropology (Including Year Abroad): 4 years
BA Social Anthropology (Including Placement Year): 4 years
- Teaching is arranged to allow a lot of freedom in how you organise your learning experience, with a focus on discussion and problem-solving
- Lab sessions to improve technical research skills
Tuition
- Home/UK fee: £9,250
- International fee: £17,700
Career paths
A good sociology course, especially one from a recognised centre of excellence like Essex, opens many doors.
Our students are in demand from a wide range of employers in a host of occupations, including local and central government, NGOs, social work, market research, project management, fundraising, auditing, marketing, case-work, youth and community work, voluntary sector management and lobbying.
Our recent graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of high-profile companies including:
- The Institute of Public Finance
- Guardian Professional
- United
- Synergy Healthcare Research
We also work with the University's Student Development Team to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.
About this institute
University of Essex
We are Essex: home to the ambitious and the inquisitive. We are proud to be top 39 in the Complete University Guide (2022), a past University of the Year (THE) and internationally recognised for Social Sciences. We're committed to two...
