Anthropology with a Year Abroad

Discover the diverse and dynamic field of Anthropology at University College London, a leading institution renowned for its innovative approach to understanding human societies, cultures, and biological evolution. This undergraduate program offers a comprehensive exploration of what it means to be human, integrating cultural anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, and linguistics to provide students with a holistic perspective on human life throughout history and across the globe. With a particular emphasis on global perspectives and interdisciplinary research, students are encouraged to critically analyze societal structures, cultural practices, and biological adaptations that have shaped human populations over millennia.

The program is designed to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, including ethnographic research, archaeological excavation, and data analysis. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories and archaeological sites, facilitating hands-on learning experiences that complement classroom instruction. The curriculum covers a wide array of topics such as the evolution of humans, kinship and social organization, language development, material culture, and contemporary issues like globalization, identity, and migration. This broad-based yet specialized training prepares graduates for careers in academic research, cultural resource management, museums, international development, and policy advising.

A distinctive feature of the program is the Year Abroad, which offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in diverse cultural settings worldwide. This international experience enhances linguistic skills, cultural awareness, and ethnographic research capabilities, enabling students to gain firsthand insights into different societies and challenges. Throughout the year abroad, students engage in supervised research projects, internships, or language immersion programs, fostering global competence and intercultural communication skills critical for careers in anthropology and related fields.

The Anthropology with Year Abroad program at UCL is taught by world-leading researchers and practitioners committed to fostering critical thinking and encouraging innovative approaches to understanding human diversity. Small class sizes and personalized mentorship ensure that students receive tailored academic support tailored to their interests. The program also emphasizes ethical considerations and reflexivity in research, preparing graduates to conduct responsible and impactful anthropological work.

By choosing this program, students will join a vibrant academic community dedicated to exploring the complexities of human life from multiple perspectives. They will graduate with a deep understanding of human cultures and biological origins, equipped with the analytical, research, and intercultural skills necessary to make meaningful contributions in academia, government, NGOs, and beyond. Whether you aspire to uncover the past, understand present-day societies, or shape future policies, the Anthropology with Year Abroad program at UCL provides a rigorous, enriching, and globally oriented education that can open doors to a wide array of exciting career opportunities in the social sciences and beyond.

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.

Your third year will be spent abroad, where you study anthropology at a foreign university.

In the final year, you return to UCL where you will select five optional modules from a wide range alongside the individual-studies dissertation which constitutes just over a third of your final-year studies.

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 (UCL) offers a comprehensive financing options framework for students enrolled in the Anthropology with Year Abroad program. Prospective students are encouraged to explore a variety of funding avenues to support their studies, including government-backed loans, scholarships, bursaries, and external sponsorships. UK students may qualify for student loans provided by the UK government, which typically cover tuition fees and maintenance costs, with eligibility criteria depending on residency status and background. International students often seek scholarships specifically targeted at non-UK students; UCL provides several merit-based and need-based scholarships, such as the UCL Global Scholarships, which aim to attract talented students worldwide. Additionally, students can apply for external grants and sponsorships from cultural and anthropological organizations, foundations, and national governments that support international study exchange programs.

UCL also offers financial aid packages for students demonstrating significant financial need, including bursaries and hardship funds, which are intended to mitigate unforeseen financial difficulties during the course of study. Private funding from family or personal savings remains a common source of support, and students are advised to plan their finances carefully, taking into account tuition fees, accommodation costs in London, insurance, books, and living expenses. The Year Abroad component may involve additional expenses such as travel, accommodation in the host country, and insurance coverage, for which students are advised to budget accordingly.

The university's financial support information is regularly updated and students are encouraged to consult UCL’s official financial aid webpage and contact the UCL Student Funding Office for personalized advice. It is recommended that students begin exploring funding options early in their application process to ensure adequate preparation for the financial commitments of their studies. International students are particularly encouraged to investigate scholarship deadlines and application requirements well in advance of the academic year.

Overall, students enrolled in the Anthropology with Year Abroad program at UCL can access a range of funding sources designed to facilitate their academic pursuits, promote inclusivity, and ensure that financial barriers do not hinder access to world-class education. With diligent planning and timely application, students can leverage these resources to support their educational and cross-cultural experiences abroad, culminating in a valuable and enriching university journey.

The BSc Anthropology with Year Abroad at University College London offers students a comprehensive exploration of human societies, cultures, and biological aspects of humanity. This programme combines core anthropological theories and methods with opportunities to study abroad, providing a global perspective on human diversity and social dynamics. Throughout the course, students engage with a diverse curriculum that covers areas such as prehistoric and contemporary anthropology, ethnography, archaeology, and biological anthropology, including human evolution and adaptation.

A distinctive feature of this programme is the Year Abroad component, which allows students to spend a full academic year at a partner university overseas. This international placement enriches students’ understanding of cultural differences and global issues, enabling them to develop intercultural communication skills and adapt to new academic environments. The Year Abroad not only enhances personal and professional growth but also offers valuable experience for future careers in fields like academia, research, development, or international organizations.

The programme is structured to include lectures, seminars, practical fieldwork, and small-group tutorials designed to foster critical thinking and independent research skills. Students have access to UCL’s extensive resources, including laboratories, libraries, and research facilities. The department is known for its dynamic research community, which provides students with opportunities to participate in ongoing projects across a wide range of anthropological topics.

Graduates of this programme are equipped with a broad set of skills, including ethnographic research, data analysis, critical thinking, and cross-cultural communication. These skills are highly valued across numerous sectors, including academia, governmental agencies, NGOs, museums, and private sectors involved in consulting, market research, or cultural heritage.

Admission requirements typically include a strong academic background in relevant subjects, with competitive scores in science and humanities disciplines. The programme encourages applicants with curiosity about different cultures and societies, as well as those interested in scientific approaches to understanding human behavior.

Overall, the BSc Anthropology with Year Abroad at UCL provides a rigorous and culturally immersive education, preparing students to understand and analyze the complexities of human life from multiple perspectives. It aims to foster global citizens who are knowledgeable, adaptable, and capable of contributing meaningfully to global discussions about human diversity, development, and sustainability.