Anthropology — Social and Cultural

Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology — Social and Cultural at the University of Calgary offers students an in-depth exploration of human societies, cultures, and social structures across the globe. This program provides a comprehensive understanding of the diverse ways in which human beings organize their communities, develop cultural practices, and adapt to changing environments. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students examine topics such as kinship systems, religion, language, migration, social inequality, and global interconnectedness. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical research methods, equipping graduates with the skills necessary to analyze cultural phenomena and contribute to solutions for social issues. Emphasizing both local and international perspectives, the program encourages critical thinking, cultural awareness, and ethical research practices. Students have opportunities to engage in fieldwork, internships, and collaborative projects that enhance their learning experience and prepare them for careers in academia, government, non-profit organizations, or the private sector. The programme is designed to foster a deep appreciation of human diversity and a commitment to understanding and respecting different cultural viewpoints. Faculty members are renowned for their research in social and cultural anthropology, providing mentorship and support to help students succeed in their academic and professional pursuits. The Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology — Social and Cultural at the University of Calgary is an ideal choice for students passionate about exploring human societies and making a meaningful impact in a globalized world.

The Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology — Social and Cultural at the University of Calgary offers students an in-depth exploration of human societies, cultures, and social institutions across the globe. This multidisciplinary program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse ways in which humans organize their communities, express their identities, and adapt to changing environments. Throughout the program, students will engage with key anthropological concepts such as cultural diversity, social structures, kinship systems, belief systems, rituals, language, and power dynamics. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with empirical research methods, enabling students to critically analyze social and cultural phenomena both historically and in contemporary contexts.

Students in this program will have opportunities to study topics like globalization, migration, ethnicity, gender roles, and political organization, gaining insights into how these factors influence human behavior and societal development. Practical components such as ethnographic fieldwork, data analysis, and research design are integral parts of the coursework, preparing graduates for careers in research, community development, policy analysis, and international organizations. In addition to coursework, students may participate in internships, community projects, or study abroad programs, fostering interdisciplinary skills and global awareness.

The program emphasizes critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and ethical research practices, equipping students to contribute meaningfully to addressing social issues and promoting intercultural understanding. By the end of the program, graduates will be able to apply anthropological perspectives to analyze contemporary social challenges, communicate effectively across cultures, and pursue further studies or careers in fields such as education, social work, government, non-profit organizations, and academia. The degree cultivates analytical skills, cultural competence, and a nuanced appreciation of human diversity, preparing students for diverse paths within a globalized society.

Program requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology — Social and Cultural at the University of Calgary include completing a total of 120 units, which typically spread over four years of full-time study. Students must fulfill university-wide general education requirements, which include courses in writing, quantitative reasoning, literacy in arts and humanities, and scientific literacy. For the core anthropology components, students are required to complete foundational courses such as Introduction to Anthropology, which covers the basic concepts and scope of the discipline, and courses in social and cultural anthropology that explore human cultures, social structures, and ethnographic methods.

Elective courses allow students to specialize in various areas, including visual anthropology, medical anthropology, or applied anthropology, which develop practical skills and cultural insights. To develop research skills, students undertake methods courses that introduce qualitative and quantitative research techniques, as well as ethnographic fieldwork. Many programs necessitate the completion of a capstone project or senior thesis, where students conduct independent research under faculty supervision to synthesize their learning.

In addition to coursework, students are encouraged to participate in internships, volunteer opportunities, or study abroad programs to gain hands-on experience and cultural competence. Language study may also be recommended or required, depending on the student's interests and career goals, particularly if specializing in regions requiring additional linguistic skills. Students must also meet the university's residency requirements, earning a certain number of credits through courses offered by the university to ensure comprehensive engagement with the academic community.

Graduation requirements include maintaining a minimum GPA specified by the program, fulfilling all required coursework, and completing any stipulated fieldwork or practical components. Students are advised to work with academic advisors to plan their course sequences effectively, ensuring prerequisites are satisfied and that they meet all individual program milestones. Overall, successful completion of the program prepares graduates for careers in cultural resource management, community development, international aid organizations, or further graduate study in anthropology or related fields.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The University of Calgary offers various financing options to support students enrolled in the Anthropology — Social and Cultural undergraduate program. Tuition fees for this program are established annually and can vary depending on the student's residency status. Canadian residents benefit from lower tuition rates compared to international students. For Canadian students, the average undergraduate tuition fee for arts programs, including Anthropology — Social and Cultural, typically ranges from approximately CAD 6,000 to CAD 8,000 per year. International students can expect to pay higher fees, often ranging from CAD 20,000 to CAD 25,000 annually. Besides tuition, students should consider additional costs such as textbooks, supplies, residence fees, health insurance, and personal expenses.

The University of Calgary provides several financial aid options to help students manage these costs. Scholarships and bursaries are available for undergraduate students, including those specifically targeted to students in arts and social sciences. Students can apply for entrance scholarships upon admission, and many departmental scholarships are awarded based on academic merit or financial need. Bursaries are awarded based on demonstrated financial need, and students can apply through the university’s financial aid office.

Additionally, students are encouraged to explore government financial assistance programs, such as Canada Student Loans and Grants, which provide income-based support for eligible students. The university also offers work-study programs allowing students to work part-time on or near campus, gaining valuable experience while earning money to offset their education costs. Private funding sources, including bank loans and external scholarships from community organizations, are also viable options.

International students may have access to specific scholarship opportunities offered by the university and external organizations. They are advised to contact the International Student Services office for detailed information on financial aid programs available to them.

Students are encouraged to plan their finances early and seek advice from the university's financial aid advisors to identify the most suitable funding options for their circumstances. Applying for multiple sources of financial support can significantly reduce the financial burden of completing an undergraduate degree in Anthropology — Social and Cultural at the University of Calgary. The university remains committed to providing accessible education through its comprehensive financial support systems, ensuring that talented students can pursue their academic interests without undue financial hardship.

The Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology — Social and Cultural at the University of Calgary provides students with a comprehensive understanding of human societies, cultures, and social structures. This program explores the diverse ways in which human beings organize their communities, develop beliefs, and interact within and across cultural boundaries. Through a blend of theoretical frameworks and empirical research, students examine topics such as kinship, religion, language, politics, and economic systems from a cross-cultural perspective. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and ethnographic methods, equipping graduates with skills applicable in various careers including international development, community work, cultural resource management, and academia. The program encourages students to pursue independent research projects, participate in field schools, and engage with local and global communities to gain practical experience. Interdisciplinary courses foster an understanding of how social and cultural factors influence individual identities and societal change. The faculty comprises experts in areas such as linguistic anthropology, medical anthropology, and archaeological studies, providing a rich academic environment. Students also benefit from opportunities for internships, study abroad programs, and engagement in university research initiatives. Graduates of the program are prepared to address complex social issues, promote cultural understanding, and contribute to policy development in multicultural contexts. The program typically takes four years to complete for a bachelor's degree and culminates in a comprehensive capstone project or thesis, demonstrating the student's ability to apply ethnographic and analytical skills. With a focus on social justice and cultural diversity, the Anthropology — Social and Cultural program aims to produce informed global citizens capable of navigating and influencing a rapidly changing world.