Social Anthropology

The BA in Social Anthropology at the University of Cambridge offers students a comprehensive exploration of human societies, their cultures, and the social structures that shape everyday life across the globe. This programme provides an in-depth understanding of human behavior, social practices, and cultural beliefs through a multidisciplinary approach that combines ethnography, history, linguistics, and political economy. Students will critically examine topics such as kinship, religion, language, politics, economics, and identity, fostering a nuanced appreciation of the diversity and complexity of human societies. The course is designed to develop analytical and research skills, enabling students to undertake ethnographic fieldwork, interpret social data, and engage with theoretical frameworks that have influenced social anthropology as a discipline. Throughout the programme, students will have opportunities to study a wide range of regions and cultures, including those in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Americas, and Europe, either through coursework or fieldwork placements. The curriculum combines lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practical research projects, encouraging active participation and critical thinking. The programme's structure emphasizes both theoretical understanding and empirical research, culminating in a dissertation that allows students to demonstrate their ability to conduct independent research. Graduates from the BA in Social Anthropology are well-equipped for careers in academia, research, policy analysis, international development, NGOs, human rights organizations, journalism, and many other fields that require a deep understanding of social dynamics and cultural differences. The university's vibrant academic community and extensive resources, including libraries and research centers, provide an ideal environment for students to pursue their interests in social anthropology and prepare for future professional endeavors.

The PhD course consists in the first place of nine months training in research issues and methods culminating in the preparation of a research proposal. This training can either be undertaken through the nine-month (three-term) Pre-Fieldwork Course or through the one-year MRes in Social Anthropology. If you are doing the Pre-Fieldwork Course, you can expect to leave for field research at the end of your third term (June-July). If you are doing the MRes course, you can expect to leave for fieldwork in your fourth term (October-December).

The taught element of this course consists of these compulsory streams:

• The Pre-fieldwork seminar;
• The Ethnographic Methods Course, Parts I (Michaelmas) and II (Lent);
• Statistics for Social Anthropologists (workshop in Michaelmas term).

You are also strongly encouraged to attend other optional elements:

• The ‘Experiences from the Field’ seminar, run by writing-up students recently returned from the field;
• Ad hoc sessions in transferable skills or anthropological method, such as journal publication, technologies of research and data management, film-making and research with children; 
•  Senior Research Seminar, scheduled for Fridays during term time. 

Students then usually undertake 12-18 months of ethnographic fieldwork. 

On return to Cambridge, students devote the remainder of their research time to writing their PhD dissertation in close consultation with their supervisor.

Upon return from fieldwork, writing-up students are expected to attend the following seminars during term-time:

• The PhD Writing-up seminar; 
• The Senior Research seminar;
• The Senior Research Seminar analysis session.

Thesis

A PhD dissertation must not exceed 80,000 words, and will normally be near that length. The word limit includes appendices but excludes footnotes, references and bibliography. Footnotes should not exceed 20% of the dissertation. Discursive footnotes are generally discouraged, and under no circumstances should footnotes be used to include material that would normally be in the main text, and thus to circumvent the word limits. Statistical tables should be counted as 150 words per table. Only under exceptional circumstances, and after prior application, will the Degree Committee allow a student to exceed these limits. Applications should be made in good time before the date on which a candidate proposes to submit the dissertation, made to the Graduate Committee. A candidate must submit, with the dissertation, a statement signed by her or himself attesting to the length of the dissertation. Any dissertation that exceeds the limit will be referred back to candidate for revision before being forwarded to the examiners.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.5
• TOEFL Internet Score 110
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Research Proposal. This is a vital document and it is not sufficient to simply fill in the proposal box (12A) on the application form. Applicants should head the document with their name and the title of their intended project. Proposals are usually a minimum of 1,000 words in length (excluding references) and should give a clear idea of the viability and importance of the research area. It should take note of relevant academic literature, and some thought should be given to the methodology by suggesting appropriate research methods.
• Sample of Work. 3,000 - 5,000 words. Applicants may submit a longer piece of work, but must highlight the section to be considered.
• CV/Resumé
• Personal Reference

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

• Global Education
• Gates Cambridge Scholarships
• William Wyse Bursary
• ESRC Studentships
• AHRC Studentships

Social Anthropology at the University of Cambridge offers an in-depth exploration of the diversity of human societies, cultures, and social structures worldwide. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of social practices, belief systems, kinship, political organization, economy, and religion across different regions and communities. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks and ethnographic research, students develop critical thinking skills and analytical abilities to interpret complex social phenomena.

The course curriculum includes foundational topics such as the history of social anthropology, fieldwork methods, and theoretical approaches from classical to contemporary perspectives. Students engage with case studies from Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and other regions, enabling them to appreciate cultural diversity and the universality of social processes. Emphasis is placed on ethical considerations in research and the importance of participant observation, interviews, and data analysis.

Students have access to extensive resources, including well-equipped laboratories and libraries, which support their academic development. The program encourages active participation in seminars, workshops, and dissertation projects, often involving original ethnographic research under the supervision of expert faculty members. These projects allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, fostering their skills as independent researchers.

The course fosters an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from linguistics, history, archaeology, and sociology, to enrich students’ understanding of human societies. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in academia, research, policy-making, NGOs, and international organizations, where cultural awareness and social analysis are vital.

The program duration typically spans three years for a BA degree, with options to pursue further specialization via postgraduate studies. Cambridge’s vibrant academic environment, combined with its global network of alumni and research partnerships, offers students ample opportunities for professional development and engagement in contemporary social issues. Students also benefit from Cambridge’s rich heritage of academic excellence, renowned faculty, and access to a dynamic intellectual community dedicated to understanding human societies in their full complexity.