Course Overview

Social Anthropology gives you the tools you need to understand and analyse the contemporary world, in all its variety. Through cross-cultural comparison and in-depth study of particular societies and communities, you will learn to question taken-for-granted assumptions and to think differently about some of the biggest questions of our time.

Your degree will equip you with a grounding in social and cultural theory and provide opportunities for you to put your knowledge into practice through your own research projects. This practical focus begins from the first year, when you will apply an anthropological lens to the dynamic city of Birmingham, the UK's most ethnically-diverse city; it continues with more systematic and applied research methods training in your second year, and culminates in individual dissertation project in your final year.

From Africa to Oceania, Europe to Asia and the Americas, anthropology teaching in the department is truly international. Our staff is all committed to long-term, on-the-ground, research on matters of global importance and enjoy sharing their latest research with students through specialist optional modules and project supervision.

General Eligibility

• Three GCE A levels (including International A Levels)

• The International Baccalaureate Diploma

• SQA Highers and Advanced Highers (many programmes will accept Highers without additional Advanced Highers)

• The Cambridge Pre-U (minimum three separate subjects)

• A mix of A levels and Cambridge Pre-U subjects (minimum three in total)

• The Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Level

• The European Baccalaureate

• Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (the grade required will be the same as from an A level and must be combined with 2 A levels.)

Part Time Work Details

20 Hours of Work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• In order to undertake a programme of study here at the University, you will need to demonstrate that you have a suitable level of English proficiency.

  You can demonstrate your level of English with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or alternative qualifications. The sections below will tell you what grades you need in these qualifications for the subject area you want to study.

  English tests/qualifications normally need to have been taken within two years of the start date of your programme.

  For those joining us for 2022, we will accept the following additional tests as evidence of English language proficiency:

  • TOEFL Home Edition

  • IELTs Online

  • PTE Academic Online