Social Anthropology

Our Social Anthropology group forms an international centre of excellence for postgraduate training, recognised as one of the premier research departments in the UK.

Applied research includes policy-related work on asylum seekers, non-governmental organisations, sustainable development and participatory rights. Our regional expertise is not confined to Scotland and the UK but includes Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and North and South America.

The PhD programme combines work on your thesis project, usually based on long-term fieldwork, with systematic training in anthropological and social research skills. Research training is also available in the form of our MSc by Research.

The Graduate School provides a suite of ESRC-recognised research training courses for social science students across the University. We are developing an exciting package of flexible web-based training courses in line with the increased emphasis on ongoing training throughout the course of doctoral studies.

Particular research strengths include:

• law and justice
• politics, governance and the state
• nationalism and citizenship
• war, violence and displacement
• medicine and health
• science and technology studies
• history and theory of anthropology
• development and environment
• kinship and relatedness
• death and the limits of the body
• material culture, identity and memory
• contemporary hunter-gatherers
• linguistic anthropology
• urban anthropology
• anthropology of landscape

• A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent, and a UK masters degree with an overall mark of 65% or its international equivalent.
• IELTS: total 7.0 (at least 6.0 in each module)
• TOEFL-iBT: total 100 (at least 20 in each module)
• PTE(A): total 67 (at least 56 in each of the "Communicative Skills" sections)
• CAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 169 in each module)
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with a pass in all four components

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

Scholarships

• ESRC 1+3 or +3 Studentships
• Research scholarships for international students
• Principal's Career Development PhD Scholarships

The Social Anthropology program at The University of Edinburgh offers a comprehensive and in-depth study of human societies, cultures, and social structures. The program is designed to provide students with a critical understanding of social phenomena, cultural diversity, and the ways in which societies organize themselves and interact. Throughout the course, students explore a wide range of topics including kinship, religion, politics, economy, identity, and globalization, using ethnographic research methods and theoretical approaches rooted in anthropology. The program emphasizes both fieldwork experience and academic rigour, encouraging students to develop analytical skills and a nuanced understanding of human behaviour and social change.

Students have access to world-class resources, including extensive ethnographic collections, libraries, and laboratories that enhance their learning experience. The curriculum combines core modules with optional courses, allowing students to focus on specific areas such as medical anthropology, development, or tourism. The professional skills component prepares students for careers in academia, research, policy-making, NGOs, or international development. The program is taught by renowned academics who are actively engaged in research around the world, providing students with insights into contemporary issues and the latest developments in social anthropology.

The university also offers opportunities for students to participate in fieldwork projects, attend seminars and conferences, and engage with local communities. The program encourages critical thinking, ethical research practices, and cross-cultural understanding. Graduates of the program have gone on to work in academia, government agencies, international organizations, and private sector businesses, applying their anthropological knowledge to real-world problems.

The program is typically four years in duration for an undergraduate degree, with options for specialization and postgraduate study. The university’s strong emphasis on research and global perspectives makes it a leading choice for students interested in understanding the complexities of human societies. Overall, the Social Anthropology program at The University of Edinburgh combines academic excellence, practical experience, and cultural engagement to prepare students for diverse careers and lifelong learning.