Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology

Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding human behavior, cognition, and evolution. This program brings together insights from anthropology, psychology, biology, and archaeology to explore the complexities of what it means to be human. Students will examine the evolutionary origins of human cognition, social structures, and cultural practices, fostering an understanding of how biological and cultural factors interact to shape human diversity. The curriculum is designed to provide both theoretical foundations and practical research skills, enabling students to analyze ethnographic data, conduct fieldwork, and critically evaluate current debates in the field. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and hands-on research opportunities, students will investigate topics such as language development, cooperative behavior, cultural evolution, and the biological basis of social behavior. The program also emphasizes the importance of integrating archaeological findings with contemporary anthropological research to develop a holistic perspective on human origins. Engaging with primary research articles and participating in discussions with leading experts in the field, students are encouraged to develop their analytical and critical thinking skills. The faculty comprises world-renowned scholars whose diverse expertise ensures a rich learning environment. Graduates of this program are equipped to pursue careers in academia, research institutions, museums, or cultural consultancy, where they can contribute to our understanding of human evolution, behavior, and cultural diversity. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories, extensive library resources, and vibrant research community, students will gain the tools needed to conduct original research and contribute to advancing knowledge in cognitive and evolutionary anthropology. The program is ideal for students interested in interdisciplinary research and those seeking to explore the biological, psychological, and cultural dimensions of human life.

Homo sapiens possess remarkable capacities for language, culture, and religion. We are distinguished by our communication, beliefs, rituals, and performance, as well as our intelligence. What are the evolutionary foundations for these characteristics? Are they really as unique to us as we might believe? What is it about our evolution and our resulting cognitive equipment that makes us human?

The MSc in Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology explores human thought, behaviour, and culture from the perspectives of the evolutionary and cognitive sciences. During your first term, you will follow a course on the investigation of biological evolution and cognition and a course on quantitative methods (including statistics and research design).

In your second term you will take a course on the evolution of human behaviour, including biological, cognitive, psychological and comparative perspectives, as well as the mind and culture course, which examines how human conceptual structures inform and constrain cultural expression. You will be assessed by coursework and three three-hour written examinations in the third term.

The MSc concludes with a 15,000-word research dissertation to be completed over the summer months, which is submitted and examined at the end of August. The degree constitutes a programme of study in its own right, as well as serving as a research training degree for those wishing to go on to doctoral research.

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 any cognate discipline. Under the UK system, applicants should have a minimum of 65% in at least one prior degree.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

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
• Statement of purpose/personal statement:Around two 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 Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology program at the University of Oxford offers a range of funding opportunities to support students throughout their studies. Prospective students are encouraged to explore various sources of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and bursaries, some of which are specifically designated for graduate students in anthropology. The university provides several competitive funding options, such as departmental scholarships, open funding competitions, and external bursaries from charitable organizations and research councils. Additionally, students may be eligible to apply for a Clarendon Fund scholarship, which offers full or partial funding for graduate study and is awarded on the basis of academic excellence and potential. It is advisable for applicants to thoroughly research the funding options available through the university’s graduate funding database, which consolidates information on funding sources, eligibility criteria, and application procedures. Furthermore, students enrolled in the program are often encouraged to seek external funding from national bodies like the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) or private foundations that support research in anthropology and related fields. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance and assistance to help students identify suitable funding opportunities and navigate the application process. For those undertaking research components of the programme, there may be additional funding available for research expenses, fieldwork, or conference attendance. It is important to note that funding availability can vary annually and is highly competitive; therefore, early application and preparing a strong personal statement and research proposal are essential. The university also recognizes the importance of supporting international students with scholarships tailored for overseas applicants, which can significantly ease the financial burden associated with studying abroad. While specific figures and deadlines regarding funding for this particular programme are not publicly detailed, the university’s overarching commitment to supporting its students ensures that qualified applicants have access to financial aid tailored to their academic and research needs.

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology at the University of Oxford is a comprehensive postgraduate programme that offers an in-depth exploration of the biological, cultural, and linguistic aspects of human evolution and cognition. This programme combines interdisciplinary approaches drawn from anthropology, psychology, linguistics, archaeology, and evolutionary biology to provide students with a nuanced understanding of how humans have evolved over time, both physically and culturally.

Students engaged in this course will have the opportunity to study topics such as the evolutionary origins of human cognition, language development, cultural evolution, and the biological underpinnings of social behavior. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and analytical skills through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and research projects. The programme encourages a comparative perspective, involving the study of both ancient and modern human populations, as well as non-human primates, to shed light on the evolutionary processes that have shaped human behavior and society.

Research is a core component, with students expected to undertake original research leading to a thesis that contributes to the field of cognitive and evolutionary anthropology. Faculty members involved in this programme are leading experts in their respective fields, offering supervision and mentorship based on the latest scientific findings. The university's facilities support advanced research, including access to laboratories, archives, and datasets relevant to evolutionary anthropology.

The programme is structured to prepare students for careers in academia, research institutions, museums, cultural organizations, and policymakers interested in human evolution and cognition. It also serves as a solid foundation for further doctoral studies. Students benefit from Oxford's vibrant academic community, which provides numerous seminars, conferences, and networking opportunities involving scholars from around the world.

Applicants typically hold a strong undergraduate degree in anthropology, biology, psychology, linguistics, archaeology, or related disciplines. The selection process emphasizes academic excellence, a demonstrated interest in the subject, and the potential for research. The course duration is usually one year for full-time students, with options for part-time study.

Admission to the programme is highly competitive, reflecting Oxford's reputation as a leading institution in the field of anthropology. Successful applicants will join a diverse community of scholars committed to advancing knowledge about the human condition through scientific and interdisciplinary research.

Overall, the MPhil in Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology at Oxford offers an exceptional opportunity for students passionate about understanding human origins, evolution, and cognition, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to academic and applied sciences related to human evolutionary studies.