Anthropology

This programme looks at the biological, cultural, social and material culture aspects of human beings as well as their evolution. It will help you gain a broad set of skills including: critical reasoning; the ability to search, sift and analyse various materials; collaborative group work; and oral and written communication.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

In the first year, you take compulsory modules covering the three branches of the programme; biological anthropology, social anthropology and material culture. Biological anthropology focuses on contemporary human-environment interactions and human evolution. Social anthropology explores social and cultural differences and their determinants, from indigenous groups to modern western economies. Material culture studies human, social and environmental relationships through the evidence of people's construction of their material world. Your first year also includes a three-day field trip to discover ethnographic research and participant observation in ritual, landscape, and techniques.

Your second year includes both compulsory and optional modules. In the third year, you select five optional modules from a wide range alongside a dissertation.

Your learning

Our teaching comprises lectures, tutorials, seminars and laboratory classes. Small-group tutorials, normally meeting weekly, are an important element of many modules. Ongoing feedback is given to help you improve your written work.

Fieldwork

Your first year also includes a three-day field trip, paid for by the department, to discover ethnographic research and participant observation in ritual, landscape, and techniques.

Assessment

Your modules may be assessed by written coursework, by examination or a mixture of both. Examinations are normally unseen and their formats vary according to the module. Some combine short answers with essay questions, others rely solely on longer essay answers.

A levels

Grades

AAA-AAB

Subjects

No specific subjects. One science subject is preferable but not required.

GCSEs

English Language and Mathematics at grade C, plus Science or Biology at grade B. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

36-38

Subjects

A total of 17-18 points in three higher level subjects, with no score below 5. One science subject is preferable but not required.

Accepted equivalent qualification(s) for Russia

Successful completion of one year of a Bachelor Degree or Specialist Diploma at a Russian university recognised by UCL, with an average of 4.5/5.

Study must contain subjects relevant to the programme of study at UCL.

The University College London offers a variety of funding options to support students enrolled in the Anthropology undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Prospective students are encouraged to explore a range of scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid opportunities available through the university. These funding sources aim to assist students from diverse backgrounds in managing the costs associated with their studies. UCL provides several internal scholarships specifically for anthropology students, including merit-based awards and need-based bursaries. Additionally, students can apply for government-funded loans such as the UK Student Loans, which cover tuition fees and living expenses for eligible UK and EU students. International students are advised to seek external funding options, including scholarships offered by their home countries, international organizations, and private foundations. UCL also offers information and advice on part-time work opportunities and external funding sources to help students finance their education. The university’s financial aid office provides comprehensive guidance on application procedures, eligibility criteria, and deadlines to ensure students can access the support they need. Overall, UCL is committed to making anthropology education accessible and affordable, providing a range of financial assistance programs designed to reduce economic barriers and facilitate academic success.

The Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology at University College London (UCL) offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to understanding human behavior, societies, and cultures. This program explores the biological, archaeological, and social aspects of humanity, providing students with a broad perspective on what it means to be human. The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and detailed knowledge of diverse cultural practices and social systems across different periods and regions of the world. Students have the opportunity to study topics such as human evolution, traditional societies, urbanism, ethnicity, identity, technology, and the impacts of globalization on contemporary cultures. The program combines theoretical frameworks with practical research methods, including ethnography, archaeology, and biological anthropology techniques.

UCL’s anthropology program emphasizes fieldwork, encouraging students to engage directly with communities and archaeological sites whenever possible. The program offers a variety of modules that address issues of current relevance such as human rights, cultural heritage, and environmental sustainability. Students also benefit from UCL’s location in London, providing access to a wealth of museums, cultural institutions, and opportunities for internships and collaborative projects with research organizations. The program is suitable for students interested in pursuing careers in academia, international development, cultural resource management, public policy, or museum work. Graduates of UCL’s anthropology program are equipped with a critical understanding of human diversity and the skills necessary to analyze complex social phenomena. The program typically lasts three years for full-time students and offers opportunities for combined or joint degrees with other disciplines.