Medical Anthropology

The MSc in Medical Anthropology at the University of Kent offers an in-depth exploration of health, medicine, and healthcare systems through an anthropological lens. This innovative programme is designed for students interested in understanding how cultural, social, political, and economic factors influence health behaviors, medical practices, and health outcomes across diverse communities worldwide. Throughout the course, students will examine topics such as the social determinants of health, traditional and alternative medicine, public health policies, global health challenges, and the impact of globalization on health practices. The programme combines rigorous academic research with practical insights, enabling students to critically analyze contemporary health issues and develop culturally sensitive solutions. Delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, the curriculum encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating concepts from anthropology, sociology, public health, and medical sciences. Students will engage with case studies, participate in discussions, and, where possible, undertake fieldwork to gain firsthand understanding of health practices in different settings. The MSc in Medical Anthropology prepares graduates for careers in public health, healthcare policy, international development, research, and related fields. It also provides a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue doctoral research in anthropology or related disciplines. With a flexible learning structure, including options for part-time and full-time study, students can tailor their educational experience to their professional and personal commitments. Located within a vibrant academic community, the programme benefits from the university’s extensive resources, collaborative projects, and connections to global health initiatives. By the end of the programme, students will have acquired critical analytical skills, a comprehensive understanding of medical anthropology, and the ability to contribute thoughtfully to debates and policies surrounding health and medicine in diverse social contexts.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 1

Possible modules may include:

SE301 - Social Anthropology

SE302 - Foundations of Biological Anthropology

SE307 - Thinkers and Theories: An Introduction to theHistory and Development of

SE308 - Skills for Anthropology and Conservation

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

SE567 - Methodology in Anthropological Science

SE575 - Medicinal Plants: Home Remedy, Pharmaceutical, Illicit Drug

SE549 - The Anthropology of Health, Illness and Medicine

SE581 - Biological Anthropology: The Human Animal

SE582 - Comparative Perspectives in Primate Biology

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

SE533 - Project in Anthropological Science

SE585 - From the Raw to the Cooked: The Anthropology of Eating

SE593 - Evolution of Human Diversity

SE594 - Anthropology and Development

SE589 - Advanced Social Anthropology II

SE569 - Palaeopathology

SE542 - Human Ecology

SE550 - The Anthropology of Gender

SE554 - Visual Anthropology Theory

SE565 - Sex Evolution and Human Nature

SE566 - Human Osteology

SE555 - Project in Visual Anthropology

SE556 - Social Sciences in the Classroom

SE551 - Anthropology and Language

SE552 - Culture and Cognition

SE547 - South East Asian Societies

SE541 - The Evolution of Hominin Behaviour

SE573 - Ethnicity and Nationalism

SE579 - The Anthropology of Amazonia

SE580 - Primate Behaviour and Ecology

SE591 - Southern Mediterranean Societies: Mashriq andMaghreb

SE592 - The Ethnography of Central Asian Societies

SE595 - Social Computing

SE601 - European Societies

SE752 - Anthropology of Creativity

SE584 - The Anthropology of Business

DI503 - Evolutionary Genetics and Conservation

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

• A level: ABB including a science subject (biology preferred) or Psychology grade B.

• GCSE: Mathematics grade C

• Access to HE Diploma: The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.

• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma): The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.

• International Baccalaureate: 34 overall or 16 at HL including Mathematics 4 at HL or SL (Mathematics Studies 5 at SL) plus Biology/Geography/Environmental Science/Chemistry 5 at HL or 6 at SL

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

Medical Anthropology at the University of Kent explores the complex relationships between culture, health, and illness. The program examines how social, economic, political, and environmental factors influence health practices and perceptions across different societies. Students will engage with contemporary issues such as global health disparities, infectious diseases, mental health, healthcare systems, and the cultural meanings attached to disease and healing. The curriculum combines anthropological theories with empirical research methods, enabling students to critically analyze health-related phenomena within diverse cultural contexts. Throughout the course, students will have opportunities to participate in fieldwork, internships, and collaborative projects that deepen their understanding of real-world health issues. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in public health, healthcare policy, international development, non-governmental organizations, and academic research. The University of Kent's strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, combined with its vibrant academic community, provides an ideal environment for students interested in the social dimensions of health. Additionally, the program leverages the university’s research centers and partnerships with health organizations to offer students practical insights and networking opportunities. Graduates will gain not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills in ethnographic research, data analysis, and effective communication, equipping them to address global health challenges. The course structure typically includes lectures, seminars, group projects, and research assignments, culminating in a dissertation project. The program is suitable for those passionate about understanding and improving health outcomes worldwide and who seek a nuanced, culturally informed perspective on medicine and healthcare practices. By the end of the program, students will be well-equipped to contribute to health-related fields with a comprehensive, anthropologically grounded understanding of human health.