Anthropology

Anthropology at The Chinese University of Hong Kong is a comprehensive and dynamic program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of human societies, cultures, and biological diversity. This interdisciplinary degree offers a broad and integrative approach, combining cultural anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, and linguistic anthropology to equip students with diverse perspectives and analytical skills necessary for understanding the complex nature of humans and their environments. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical fieldwork experiences, enabling students to critically analyze cultural phenomena, conduct ethnographic research, and engage with contemporary issues affecting communities locally and globally. Our program is uniquely positioned within a vibrant academic environment, benefiting from the university’s strong emphasis on research and international collaboration. Students have opportunities to participate in fieldwork projects in Hong Kong, Asia, and beyond, fostering hands-on learning and cultural sensitivity. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, cultural preservation, international development, public policy, and cultural consultancy, among others, or for further postgraduate studies. Faculty members are distinguished scholars and researchers who are actively involved in pioneering research across various fields of anthropology. The program also encourages students to develop critical thinking, intercultural competence, and research skills that are highly valued in today’s globalized world. With a focus on both local and global contexts, the Anthropology program at CUHK aims to produce well-rounded graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to society’s understanding of human diversity and commonality.

• Seminars in Hong Kong Studies
• Seminars in the Anthropology of China I
• Seminars in the Anthropology of China II
• Seminars in Anthropological Theory 
• Seminars in Research Methods
• Directed Studies
• Seminars in Field Research I
• Seminars in Field Research II
• Thesis in Progress

Requirements

• A completed application form under web of Graduate School
• Students are eligible for admission into the M.Phil. programme if they have (1) a B.A. in anthropology and a solid academic record, or (2) a B.A. or M.A. in other subjects with a solid academic record, and practical background in anthropology, such as extensive work experience in other cultures.
• Complete undergraduate or postgraduate transcripts with official signature/stamp chop and sealed with official envelope (note: non-CUHK applicants, photocopies will not be accepted, CUHK applicants, photocopies issued by CUHK will be accepted)
• Two letters of recommendation (Send to division by deadline)
• Proof of proficiency in English (for students who have graduated from a university that does not use English as a medium of instruction). The department prefers the TOEFL exam (550 or above, or 213 or above for the computer-based test; 79 or above for the Internet-based test), or IELTS (band 6.5 or above). If relevant for research, some evidence of Chinese proficiency is also required for non-native speakers
• Receipt of application fee (Applicable if paid by Bank draft/ Cheque, no need if paid by Credit Card)
• Copies of certificates and a copy of applicant’s HKID card or other identity document
• A two-to-three page statement of purpose, describing why the applicant wants to study anthropology at CUHK and what research project the applicant proposes to carry out (FAQ)
• A sample of the applicant’s writing, preferably a research paper

Scholarships

• Full-time graduate students are eligible for financial aid from the department -- the department offers a number of postgraduate studentships of approximately HK$15,600 per month for 24 months (with effect from 1 August 2016). Funds from research projects are also used to assist students, on a case-by-case basis; and students are also eligible for special grants for the writing of Master's and Doctoral theses.

The Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology at The Chinese University of Hong Kong offers students a comprehensive overview of the human species, focusing on cultural, social, biological, and archaeological aspects of human life. The programme aims to develop students' understanding of human diversity, cultural practices, social structures, and evolutionary processes. It combines theoretical frameworks with practical skills, including ethnographic research, data analysis, and fieldwork methods, to prepare students for careers in academia, research institutions, cultural heritage management, and international development. The curriculum covers core anthropological theories and methodologies, providing a balanced education that emphasizes critical thinking and cross-cultural understanding. Students have the opportunity to specialise in various subfields such as cultural anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, and linguistic anthropology, allowing for a tailored academic experience aligned with their interests and career ambitions.

The programme is designed for students to gain both broad perspectives and specialized knowledge of human societies and their histories. Undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in research projects, internships, and fieldwork activities to acquire practical skills and real-world experience. The faculty members are renowned scholars with expertise across multiple anthropological disciplines, fostering an engaging learning environment that promotes academic inquiry and innovative research. The university’s location in Hong Kong provides a unique context for studying East Asian cultures, globalization, and urban anthropology, making the programme particularly relevant for understanding contemporary issues in a rapidly changing world.

Furthermore, the programme emphasizes intercultural communication skills, ethical research practices, and interdisciplinary approaches, preparing graduates to address complex social issues. Students are also encouraged to participate in exchange programmes and international seminars to broaden their academic horizons. Graduates of the programme often pursue careers in cultural and heritage management, international NGOs, consultancy, education, and further postgraduate studies. The Chinese University of Hong Kong's anthropology programme thus combines academic rigor with practical application, fostering well-rounded graduates equipped to contribute to understanding and solving global societal challenges.