Anthropology

The Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of human societies, cultures, and evolutionary histories. This programme is designed for students with a keen interest in understanding the diversity of human life across time and space, encompassing biological, archaeological, linguistic, and social perspectives. Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of topics, including human evolution, ancient civilizations, contemporary social structures, language development, and cultural practices. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and empirical research, preparing graduates to pursue careers in academia, archaeology, heritage management, policy making, or related fields. Students benefit from the university’s world-class faculty, extensive resources, and a collaborative learning environment that encourages intellectual curiosity and original research. The programme combines both theoretical coursework and practical fieldwork, giving students hands-on experience in archaeological excavation, laboratory analysis, and ethnographic methods. As part of the degree, students also have the opportunity to develop a specialisation in areas such as biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology, or archaeological science. The course typically spans three years for full-time students, with options for part-time study or additional research opportunities. Graduates of the programme leave equipped with a broad understanding of human diversity, sophisticated research skills, and the ability to critically analyse complex anthropological issues. The Oxford Anthropology programme is renowned for fostering a global perspective, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to ethical research practices, making it an ideal choice for students passionate about exploring what it means to be human across different contexts and historical periods.

You may be admitted to the course either with Probationer Research Student (PRS) status or, in the case of applicants holding an Oxford MPhil degree in anthropology, with full DPhil student status. Generally, you would only be admitted to the DPhil programme if you had successfully completed at least one taught degree in anthropology at the required level, whether in Oxford or elsewhere.

Exceptions may be made in the fields of cognitive and evolutionary anthropology, or for applicants with a distinction in a taught-course degree that includes some anthropology, but in a closely related discipline other than in anthropology. In the latter case, you would be expected to undertake some coursework in anthropology in the first year of the DPhil course. If you wish to undertake the DPhil with a focus on medical anthropology, you would usually be expected to have previously completed a taught master's degree in medical anthropology.

If you are admitted as full DPhil student, in principle you are ready to embark on the programme of research as approved by your DPhil supervisor. However, in some cases, your supervisor may determine that you should complete a further programme of methodological training or other preparatory work necessary for your proposed programme of research.

If you are admitted with PRS status, you will have to apply to transfer to full DPhil student status by the end of the first year. Once you attain the status of a full DPhil student in anthropology, you are immediately eligible to embark on fieldwork or other research. Such research typically lasts from 12 to 18 months and is then followed by a period of similar length to write up the thesis on which examination for the doctorate is based.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in at least one taught course degree in any discipline. At least one such degree should normally be in cultural or social anthropology. Distinction-level students in a closely related discipline may be considered for direct entry as Probationer Research Students on the condition that they undertake some coursework in social or cultural anthropology in their first year.

The final degree result should be 67%, or equivalent; for applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

Applicants for the DPhil in Anthropology will normally be required to have, or obtain, a taught-course qualification in social or cultural anthropology before embarking on doctoral research. Exceptions apply.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Research proposal:Two to four pages
• Written work: Two essays of 2,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation: Three overall, all of which must be academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

The University of Oxford offers a range of financing options for students pursuing the Anthropology program. Funding opportunities are available through university-specific scholarships, bursaries, grants, and external funding sources. Prospective students are encouraged to explore various financial aid programs early in their application process to maximize their chances of receiving support. Scholarships such as the Oxford University Clarendon Fund provide full or partial funding for outstanding students based on academic excellence. Additionally, departmental scholarships and prizes may be available to Anthropology students, offering financial assistance based on merit or need. Outside funding options include government-sponsored loans, national bursaries, and private scholarships granted by external organizations and foundations. The university’s student finance office provides comprehensive guidance on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines for these awards. International students should investigate specific funding opportunities for non-UK residents, which may include international scholarships or grants tailored to students from different countries. The university also offers work-study programs and part-time employment opportunities within campus facilities, allowing students to supplement their income while studying. Tuition fees vary depending on the course components and whether students are charged as UK, EU, or international students. Detailed fee information is published annually on the university’s official website. For those requiring additional financial support, the university provides advice on educational loans and financial planning. Students are encouraged to apply early and to consult with the university’s financial aid office to ensure they access all available funding sources. Overall, the University of Oxford is committed to supporting students financially throughout their academic journey, with a range of scholarships and resources designed to reduce the financial burden and promote access to world-class anthropological education.

The University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and rigorous undergraduate program in Anthropology through its renowned subject department. The Anthropology program at Oxford is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of human societies, cultures, and biological aspects across different historical periods and geographical locations. The course combines both social and biological anthropology, allowing students to explore the diversity of human life through a multidisciplinary approach.

Students begin their studies by acquiring a solid foundation in the core concepts of anthropology, including human evolution, archaeological methods, ethnography, linguistic diversity, and socio-cultural analysis. As they progress, students have the opportunity to specialize in particular areas of interest such as medical anthropology, economic systems, political structures, or ancient civilizations. The curriculum integrates lectures, seminars, supervised research projects, and fieldwork, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills vital for anthropological inquiry.

The program emphasizes research, enabling students to develop and execute their own research projects under supervision, often involving participation in archaeological digs or ethnographic fieldwork. The tutorial system at Oxford ensures customized guidance and support, fostering independent scholarship and deep engagement with anthropological literature and methods. Students are encouraged to question assumptions, explore interdisciplinary perspectives, and develop a nuanced understanding of human diversity.

Graduates from Oxford’s Anthropology program are well-equipped for careers in academia, archaeology, research, NGOs, policymaking, and cultural consultancy. The program’s rigorous academic environment, combined with the university’s extensive resources, expert faculty, and access to global research networks, offers a unique educational experience. The program typically spans three years for an undergraduate degree, with options for joint-honours degrees that combine Anthropology with other disciplines such as Archaeology or Human Sciences.

Overall, studying Anthropology at Oxford provides students with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and global outlook necessary to understand complex human issues, contribute to academic research, and make informed decisions in various professional fields related to human society, culture, and biology.