Socio-Cultural Anthropology

About

This course is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in a subject other than anthropology who would like to prepare for research in socio-cultural anthropology or for a career requiring expertise in anthropology.

High profile social anthropologist researchers at Durham, with experience of conducting fieldwork all around the world, introduce students to both classical and contemporary writing and research in the discipline. There is equal emphasis on theoretical and methodological questions, and plenty of opportunity to apply this new knowledge to issues of pressing social concern.

The programme is delivered through a mixture of interactive lectures, seminars, student-led seminars, practical sessions and workshops, in addition to one-to-one dissertation supervision. Typically, lectures deliver key information on progressively more advanced themes and topics. Seminars provide an opportunity to reflect in more depth upon material delivered in lectures and gathered from independent study outside the programme’s formal contact hours. Student-led seminars give students an opportunity to engage with academic issues at the cutting-edge of research in Anthropology, in a learning environment focused on discussion and debate of current issues.

We place an emphasis on independent learning. This is supported by the University’s virtual learning environment, extensive library collections and informal contact with tutors and research staff. We consider the development of independent learning and research skills to be one of the key elements of our postgraduate taught curriculum and one which helps our students cultivate initiative, originality and critical thinking.

Students take required taught modules worth a total of 60 credits, and four optional modules, also totalling 60 credits. Full-time students have on average 6-8 hours of formal teaching and learning contact per week. Outside timetabled contact hours, students are also expected to devote significant amounts of time to reading, discussing and preparing for classes, assignments and project work. Following the May assessment period, students undertake their 60 credit dissertation. This crucial piece of work is a significant piece of independent research that constitutes a synthesis of theory, method and practice in anthropology and is supported by an individual supervisor and the dissertation coordinator.

Throughout the programme, all students meet regularly with their degree tutor, who provides academic support and guidance. Furthermore, all members of teaching staff have weekly office hours when they are available to meet with students on a ‘drop-in’ basis. In term time, the department also has an extensive programme of departmental and research group seminars which postgraduate students are encouraged and expected to attend. The undergraduate Anthropology Society also organises its own visiting lecturer programme. We ensure that we advertise any other relevant seminars and lectures in Durham, Newcastle and further afield, and encourage students to attend relevant conferences.

Before the academic year starts, we provide information on preparation for the course. On arrival we have induction sessions and social events, headed by the Director of Postgraduate Studies and attended by both academic and administrative staff. Students also attend an “Introduction to Research Groups in Anthropology”.

Content

The full-time course consists of two terms of teaching, during which students are introduced to the range of research questions and methods, and a dissertation, involving the design, development and implementation of an independent research project. Students work closely with academic staff, and have the opportunity to become involved in active research projects.

Compulsory modules

• Dissertation
• Key Issues in Sociocultural Theory
• Fieldwork and Interpretation
• Interrogating Ethnography.

Previous optional modules have included:

• Academic and Professional Skills in Anthropology
• Anthropology and Development
• Art in Ecological Perspective
• Body, Politics and Experience
• Computational Methods for Social Sciences
• Cultural Evolution
• Religion, Contention and Public Controversy
• Society, Energy, Environment and Resilience
• Statistical Analysis in Anthropology
• Thinking Anthropologically.
• Advanced Anthropology of Mental Health and Illness
• Science, Culture and Ethics: Advanced Perspectives
• Foreign language option.

Subject requirements, level and grade

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• A minimum 2:1 Honours degree from a UK institution (or the overseas equivalent) in a relevant subject. Please email us on anth.postgrad-studies@durham.ac.uk for advice on relevant topics.

• References play an important part in the admissions process.

Preferred Tests:

a. IELTS: 6.5 (no component under 6.0)

b. TOEFL iBT (internet based test): 92 (no component under 23)

c. Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): Grade C

d. Cambridge Advanced (CAE): Grade A

e. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English at Grade C or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

f. Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language at Grade B or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

g. GCSE English Language at grade C or above

h. Pearson Test of English (overall score 62 (with no score less than 56 in each component))

Alternative accepted tests when those listed in a.-h. above are unavailable to the applicant (if the applicant requires a Tier 4 visa to study, advice on the suitability of these alternatives must be sought from the Student Recruitment and Admissions Office):

i. Certificate of Attainment (Edexcel)

j. GCE A-levels (AQA, CIE, Edexcel, CCEA, OCR, WJEC) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

k. International Baccalaureate with a minimum of grade 5 in Standard Level English or a minimum of grade 5 if taken at Higher Level.

l. NEAB (JMB) Test in English (Overseas)

m. Singapore Integrated Programme (SIPCAL) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

n. Singapore Polytechnic Diploma and Advanced Diplomas at GPA 3.0 or above

o. WAEC and NECO Grade B3 or above from Nigeria and Ghana

The Socio-Cultural Anthropology program at Durham University offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees for UK and International students vary and are subject to annual updates, with detailed information available on the university’s official website. Generally, UK students can access government-backed funding, including tuition fee loans and maintenance loans, which help cover living expenses and study costs. International students are typically responsible for paying higher fees, but some scholarships and bursaries are available to assist with these costs. Durham University provides a variety of scholarships specifically for anthropology students, including merit-based awards, subject-specific scholarships, and financial aid programs aimed at supporting students from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, there are external funding sources such as government scholarships, research council grants, and privately funded scholarships from organizations and foundations interested in promoting cultural studies and social sciences. Students are encouraged to explore funding opportunities early in their application process and consult the university’s financial aid office for personalized advice. Payment plans may also be available, allowing students to spread tuition fees over the duration of their studies. Some students may also consider part-time work opportunities on or near campus to supplement their income, although they should ensure that working commitments do not interfere with their academic progress. International students are advised to allocate funds for visa requirements, health insurance, and travel costs in addition to tuition fees. Durham University’s financial support services offer advice and guidance to help students identify suitable funding avenues and manage their finances effectively during their time at university.

Socio-Cultural Anthropology at Durham University offers students an in-depth exploration of human societies, cultures, and social practices. This program emphasizes understanding the diversity of human life through qualitative research methods, ethnographic fieldwork, and critical analysis of social phenomena. Students engage with topics such as kinship, religion, identity, globalization, migration, and human rights, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how cultural and social processes shape individuals and communities.

The course structure typically includes modules on theories of social and cultural anthropology, methodological approaches, and specialized areas of interest. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills and ethnographic research capabilities, often culminating in a dissertation based on primary research. The program fosters an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from sociology, history, and politics to enrich students’ understanding of socio-cultural issues.

Durham University is renowned for its strong research community and supportive academic environment, facilitating access to expert faculty members and opportunities for fieldwork both locally and internationally. The program is designed for students interested in careers in research, policy, development, or NGO work, providing both academic rigor and practical skills.

Students benefit from Durham’s vibrant campus life, diverse student body, and extensive resources, including libraries, research centers, and extracurricular activities related to social sciences and anthropology. The program prepares graduates to analyze complex social issues critically, communicate effectively across cultures, and contribute to societal change through informed, ethical research and practice.

The duration of the program is typically three years for an undergraduate degree, with options for joint honors or extended study. It offers pathways for postgraduate study, including master's and doctoral research, for students wishing to deepen their expertise in socio-cultural anthropology. Overall, Durham’s Socio-Cultural Anthropology program aims to produce culturally competent and socially aware graduates capable of making meaningful contributions in a globalized world.