BSc Social Anthropology

The BSc Social Anthropology at SOAS University of London offers students an in-depth understanding of human societies, cultures, and their development across time and space. This programme is designed to equip students with the analytical skills necessary to explore the complexities of social life, human behavior, and cultural diversity in a globalized world. Throughout the course, students will examine key themes such as kinship and family, religion and beliefs, politics and power, economic systems, globalization, and identity. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with ethnographic research methods, enabling students to critically analyze social phenomena and conduct independent fieldwork.

Students benefit from SOAS's distinctive focus on Asian, African, Middle Eastern, and Latin American societies, providing an immersive learning experience that emphasizes the diversity of human cultures. The programme incorporates a range of modules that cover both classic anthropological theories and contemporary issues, preparing graduates for careers in academia, development, policy analysis, journalism, NGOs, and international organizations. The interdisciplinary approach of the course fosters critical thinking, intercultural awareness, and research competencies, making our graduates highly employable in various sectors.

Lectures and seminars are delivered by experienced faculty members, many of whom are renowned researchers in their fields. The programme encourages active participation, group projects, and ethnographic fieldwork, often involving collaborations with community partners locally and internationally. Students also have access to a wealth of resources, including extensive library collections, specialized databases, and study abroad opportunities. The BSc Social Anthropology at SOAS aims to produce socially conscious graduates who can analyze and influence social change in diverse contexts. Graduates leave with a comprehensive understanding of human societies and the skills to engage thoughtfully with global issues.

The BA in Social Anthropology at SOAS University of London offers students a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of human societies, cultures, and social processes across the globe. The programme is designed to explore the diversity of human life through the study of cultural practices, social structures, belief systems, and political organizations. Students will examine how societies function and how individuals and groups adapt to changing contexts, fostering critical insight into issues such as identity, power, globalization, and social change.

Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of anthropological theories and methodologies, enabling them to analyze complex social phenomena and conduct independent research. The core modules include topics such as kinship and family, religion, ethnicity and ethnicity, politics and conflict, economic systems, and migration. These modules provide students with both theoretical frameworks and practical skills to interpret and understand social phenomena from an anthropological perspective.

Fieldwork skills are an essential component of the programme, with opportunities for students to participate in ethnographic research projects, including potentially overseas fieldwork. This experiential learning enhances students’ ability to gather qualitative data, conduct interviews, and analyze social interactions in diverse contexts. Additionally, the programme emphasizes critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and ethical considerations in research.

Students also have options to specialize in particular regions or themes, such as African, Asian, or Middle Eastern societies, or to focus on specific topics like development, urban anthropology, or diaspora studies. The programme encourages interdisciplinary learning, integrating insights from history, politics, economics, and sociology to enrich students’ understanding of social processes.

Graduates of the Social Anthropology programme acquire transferable skills highly valued in various sectors, including international development, NGOs, policy analysis, journalism, education, and cultural consultancy. The flexible curriculum allows students to tailor their studies to their interests and career aspirations, preparing them for postgraduate study or roles that require a nuanced understanding of human societies and social issues.

Overall, the BA in Social Anthropology at SOAS provides a vibrant academic environment for students passionate about understanding human diversity, social justice, and global interconnectedness. With its strong emphasis on field-based learning, critical analysis, and regional expertise, the programme equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to contemporary social challenges worldwide.

To complete the Bachelor of Arts in Social Anthropology at SOAS University of London, students are required to undertake a combination of core modules, optional modules, and a dissertation. The core modules typically focus on fundamental aspects of social anthropology, including theories and methods used in the field, as well as key topics such as kinship, religion, politics, and economic systems across diverse cultures. Students also engage with historical and contemporary issues affecting societies worldwide.

Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to develop practical research skills, including ethnographic fieldwork and qualitative data analysis. These skills are usually reinforced through seminars, workshops, and group projects. The program emphasizes Critical thinking, analytical skills, and understanding ethnographic nuances, preparing students for careers in academia, research, policy analysis, or work in NGOs.

The optional modules offered allow students to specialize in particular regions such as Africa, Asia, the Middle East, or Latin America, or to focus on thematic areas like globalization, human rights, or visual anthropology. Students select from a range of modules to tailor their degree according to personal interests and career goals.

Dissertation requirements generally involve independent research under supervision, culminating in a substantial written project of approximately 10,000 to 12,000 words. The dissertation offers students the opportunity to apply their acquired skills and knowledge to a specific research question related to social anthropology.

Students must also meet assessment criteria, including written examinations, essays, presentations, and participation in seminars. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to participate in fieldwork opportunities and attend guest lectures, conferences, and workshops organized by the department.

Overall, the Social Anthropology program at SOAS combines rigorous academic training with practical research experience, fostering a comprehensive understanding of human societies, cultural diversity, and social change across the globe. It is designed to produce graduates with critical insights, analytical competence, and applied skills suitable for diverse professional paths.

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 Social Anthropology undergraduate program at SOAS University of London offers various financing options to support students throughout their studies. Students can access a range of scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid schemes designed to assist with tuition fees and living expenses. The university provides merit-based scholarships for outstanding applicants, including the SOAS Undergraduate Scholarships, which are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, and commitment to social engagement. There are also country-specific bursaries for students from developing countries, as well as dedicated funding opportunities for students with financial need.

Additionally, students enrolled in the program may be eligible for government loans and grants, depending on their nationality and residency status. The UK students can apply for Student Loans provided by the Student Loans Company, which cover tuition fees and provide maintenance loans to help with living costs. International students are encouraged to seek external funding sources, such as scholarships offered by their home governments or international organizations.

Part-time work opportunities are available on campus or within the local community, enabling students to earn supplementary income while pursuing their studies. SOAS also offers dedicated advice and support services to help students identify and apply for suitable funding options. International students should consider options like external scholarships, sponsorships, and educational grants available from their governments or private foundations.

In summary, the financing of a Social Anthropology degree at SOAS is supported through a comprehensive mix of scholarships, bursaries, government loans, external funding, and part-time employment opportunities. The university's financial support services are committed to assisting students in managing the costs associated with their studies, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access to quality education at SOAS.

Social Anthropology at SOAS University of London offers an in-depth exploration of human societies, cultures, and social structures across the globe. The program emphasizes understanding the diversity of human experience, examining issues such as kinship, religion, politics, economics, migration, identity, and development. Students are encouraged to develop critical analytical skills through ethnographic research, fieldwork, and engagement with contemporary global challenges. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, enabling students to apply anthropological perspectives in various professional contexts including NGOs, international agencies, research institutions, and cultural organizations.

At SOAS, renowned for its focus on Asian, African, and Middle Eastern studies, the Social Anthropology program often includes regional specializations, allowing students to gain expertise in specific geographic areas. Courses are designed to foster a comparative understanding of societies, with an emphasis on ethnography and qualitative research methods. The program also encourages students to consider contemporary issues such as globalization, migration, social justice, and human rights through an anthropological lens.

Students benefit from access to a diverse academic community and numerous opportunities for fieldwork, often facilitated by SOAS’s extensive network and resources. The program aims to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of cultural diversity and social change, preparing graduates for careers in academia, policy analysis, community development, advocacy, and beyond. The interdisciplinary approach combines insights from sociology, history, politics, and development studies, reflecting SOAS’s broader commitment to understanding the complexities of the modern world through a global perspective. With a flexible structure, the course allows students to tailor their studies to their interests and ambitions while providing rigorous training in anthropological theory and methodology.