Materials Anthropology and Design

Materials Anthropology and Design offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the cultural, social, and material aspects of human-made objects and their significance in societies. This programme combines principles from anthropology, materials science, and design to provide students with comprehensive knowledge of how materials are selected, manipulated, and understood within different cultural contexts. Students will explore the history and theory of material culture, acquiring skills to analyze objects both historically and in contemporary settings. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through practical workshops, object analysis, and design projects, enabling students to develop a deep understanding of materials' properties and their influence on cultural expression. Throughout the course, students will examine themes such as sustainability, innovation, and the cultural significance of materials, preparing them for careers in museums, heritage management, design, conservation, and research. The programme encourages critical thinking about materiality, and students will engage with various methods including ethnography, visual analysis, and experimental design. Interdisciplinary teamwork and research are essential components, fostering collaborations across different fields. Graduates will be equipped with analytical skills, creative thinking, and practical expertise to interpret and apply knowledge of materials and cultural practices in diverse professional contexts. The programme is designed for students passionate about exploring the intersection of culture, society, and materiality, offering a unique perspective that bridges the arts, sciences, and design disciplines. This dynamic course prepares students not only to understand the significance of materials in shaping human experiences but also to contribute innovative ideas to contemporary debates about sustainability and design.

Students will study anthropological and material culture theory, apply social science and ethnographic methodologies to the problems of design, explore the technical, aesthetic and symbolic properties of materials, and examine how these interact with production technologies and consumption choices. They will develop understanding of how working with materials, crafts, and design helps us to rethink, understand, and critique socio-cultural issues in ways beyond other disciplines, and in cutting-edge anthropological ways.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of one core module (45 credits), three optional modules (45 credits), a departmental seminar series and a research dissertation (90 credits).

Core modules

• Materials, Anthropology and Design

Optional modules

• Anthropology of the Built Environment
• Anthropology of Art and Design
• Mass Consumption and Design
• Anthropology of Cultural Heritage and Museum Anthropology
• Social Construction of Landscape
• Ethnographic Film
• Archaeobotanical Analysis in Practice
• Archaeometallurgy 1: Mining and Extractive Technology
• Archaeometallurgy 2: Metallic Artefacts
• Archaeological Glass and Glazes
• Interpreting Pottery
• Lithic Analysis
• Archaelogical Ceramics and Plaster
• Issues in Conservation: Understanding Objects

Dissertation/report

All MA students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 15,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, and tutorials. Several courses entail practical instruction, including visits to product design companies and trade fairs; archaeological field sites; Kew Botanical Archive and the British Museum. Assessment is through unseen examination, long essays, research methodology project and the dissertation.

Normally a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The Materials Anthropology and Design program at University College London offers a comprehensive overview of the financial aspects related to studying this innovative interdisciplinary degree. Funding options for prospective students include a range of scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid packages designed to support both domestic and international students. UCL provides several merit-based scholarships that can significantly offset tuition fees, including scholarships specifically aimed at students pursuing materials-related degrees. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore external funding opportunities such as government grants, private scholarships, and industry sponsorships that are available through various organizations and charitable foundations.

Tuition fees for the program vary depending on the student’s residency status. UK and EU students benefit from the standard domestic fee structure, while international students are charged a higher rate reflective of the global nature of the program. It is important for applicants to consult the UCL website for the most current fee information, as these figures are subject to annual updates. Moreover, students should consider additional costs associated with living expenses in London, including accommodation, transportation, study materials, and personal expenditures.

UCL provides guidance and resources to assist students in applying for loans and financial aid, including internal student loans and access to external loan schemes where applicable. The university also encourages students to engage with career services early to explore part-time work opportunities, internships, and industry collaborations that can provide supplementary income during their studies. For international students, visa regulations may impose restrictions or facilitate access to work opportunities, which can be vital in managing overall study costs.

Furthermore, the program emphasizes the importance of financial planning and budgeting prior to commencing studies. Prospective students are advised to prepare detailed budgets covering all expected expenses to ensure they can sustain themselves throughout the duration of the program. UCL also offers various workshops and seminars on financial literacy, helping students develop skills to manage their finances effectively during their academic journey.

In summary, financing your studies in Materials Anthropology and Design at UCL involves a combination of scholarships, external funding, student loans, and personal finance planning. The university actively supports students in securing financial assistance and provides resources to navigate the complex landscape of higher education funding. By exploring the available options early and engaging with university support services, students can make informed decisions and alleviate potential financial concerns, enabling them to focus on their academic and professional development within this dynamic program.

Materials Anthropology and Design at University College London offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the relationship between materials, culture, and design. The program explores how materials influence human societies and how cultural practices shape material production and usage. Students engage with a broad spectrum of topics, including ethnography of material use, the history and social significance of materials, sustainable design practices, and innovative material applications. The curriculum combines anthropology, archaeology, and design disciplines, providing students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Courses cover areas such as the anthropology of crafts, the cultural significance of materials like ceramics, textiles, and metals, and contemporary issues in sustainable and ethical design. Students may participate in hands-on workshops, fieldwork, and research projects to develop a deep understanding of material properties and cultural contexts. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in cultural heritage, museum curation, cultural consultancy, sustainable design, and material innovation industries. Collaboration with museums, industry partners, and research institutions is integral to the program, offering students opportunities for real-world experience and networking. The program emphasizes critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and creative problem-solving, equipping students to address challenges related to material use and cultural representation in a globalized world. The degree typically combines coursework with a research dissertation, allowing students to pursue specialized interests within the field. Graduates of the program are expected to possess a nuanced understanding of the social life of materials and to be capable of applying their knowledge in diverse professional settings.