BA Social Anthropology and ...
SOAS University of London
Key Information
Campus location
London, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 - 4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 9,250 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* full-time fees per academic year: UK £9,250; Overseas £20,350
Introduction
Mode of Attendance: Full-time
Our BA Social Anthropology Degree explores what it is to be human in a complex and changing world. You will study the great variety of beliefs and practices that exist around the world, from remote communities to global cities. You will learn theoretical frameworks and question your own assumptions, helping you to think creatively about how to address global problems.
Bridging the humanities and social sciences, anthropology offers a unique approach grounded in real-world research allowing for a greater understanding of cultural differences, political dynamics, social conflict, and human creativity.
Studying at SOAS is unique as it draws from the regional expertise of our academics in Asian, African, and Middle Eastern languages and societies. If you are passionate about understanding human society and behaviour and want to learn to think critically about the world around you, then Anthropology at SOAS is for you.
May be combined with:
- Arabic+, (LT66 BA/SAA)
- Chinese+, (LT61 BA/SACH)
- Development Studies, (LL96 BA/SADVS)
- East Asian Studies
- Economics, (LL16 BA/SAEC)
- History, (LV61 BA/SAH)
- History of Art (V350 BA/HAR)
- International Relations (LL26S09 BA/IRSA)
- Japanese+, (LT62 BA/SAJ)
- Korean+, (LTPL BA/SAKO)
- Languages and Cultures
- Law, (LM61 BA/SALW)
- Linguistics, (LQ61 BA/LGSA)
- Music,(LW63 BA/SAMS)
- Politics, (LL62 BA/SAPOL)
+ 4-year degree with (compulsory) one year abroad
Why study Social Anthropology at SOAS
- We draw on the exceptional regional expertise of our academics in Asian, African, and Middle Eastern languages and politics, many of whom have joined us with practical working knowledge of their disciplines.
- You will be joining our thriving community of alumni and academics who have an impact on the world outside of academia.
- You will be able to flexibly structure your programme using our optional modules and/or optional modules from other departments, including the opportunity to learn a regional language.
- We are specialists in the delivery of languages. Your command of a second language at SOAS will set you apart from graduates of other universities.
This programme has a first-rate graduate employability record, with graduates having moved on to work for a range of organisations such as Deloitte, The New York Times and the British Council.
Gallery
Admissions
Curriculum
Structure
Students take 120 credits per year.
All students are expected to complete all compulsory modules.
In years one and two, students will take 60 credits in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology and 60 credits in their second subject.
In year three, students are entitled to select up to 30 credits of Open Option modules. These modules can be in anthropology or based in other departments within the School, either in another subject or a language option.
Year 1
Compulsory Module
- Introduction to Social Anthropology
and
- Social Theory
and
Second subject
All students take 60 credits according to the programme structure of the second subject.
Year 2
Compulsory Module
All students are expected to complete the following compulsory modules, totalling 30 credits.
- Theory in Anthropology
and
Guided options
Choose module(s) from Year 2 Option List below to a total of 30 credits
and
Second subject
All students take 60 credits according to the programme structure of the second subject
Year 3
Guided Option
Choose module(s) from Year 3 Option List below to a total of 30 credits
and
Open options
Choose a total of 30 further credits from the Year 3 Option List and/or any related Language or Non-Language Open Option modules
- Language Open Option Modules
- Non-Language Open Option Modules
Please note that final year students may not take introductory level modules, including languages
and
Second subject
All students take 60 credits according to the programme structure of the second subject
Option Modules (subject to availability)
- Year 2 Option List
- African and Asian Diasporas. Migration, Space, Identity (UG)
- Anthropology and Climate Change
- Anthropology and Film
- Anthropology of Globalisation
- Anthropology of Human Rights
- Anthropology of "Race", Gender and Desire
- Ethnography in Practice
- Ethnography of China
- Ethnography of East Africa
- Ethnography of Japan
- Ethnography of Near and Middle East
- Ethnography of South Asia
- Ethnography of West Africa
- Mind, Culture and Psychiatry
- New Religious Movements in Africa, Asia and the Middle East
- Year 3 Option List
- African and Asian Diasporas. Migration, Space, Identity (UG)
- Anthropology and Climate Change
- Anthropology and Film
- Anthropology of Globalisation
- Anthropology of Human Rights
- Contemporary Trends in the Study of Society
- Anthropology of "Race", Gender and Desire
- Ethnography of China
- Ethnography of East Africa
- Ethnography of Japan
- Ethnography of Near and Middle East
- Ethnography of South Asia
- Ethnography of West Africa
- Independent Study Project in Social Anthropology
- Mind, Culture and Psychiatry
- New Religious Movements in Africa, Asia and the Middle East
Important notice
The information on the programme page reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session.
Rankings
Our Anthropology Department is ranked 6 in the UK and 16 in the world in the 2019 QS World University Rankings.
Career Opportunities
Employment
A degree from the Department of Anthropology and Sociology at SOAS will develop your understanding of the world, other peoples’ ways of life and how society is organised.
Skills gained include:
- methods of social anthropological investigation,
- linguistic familiarity,
- the ability to think laterally and employ critical reasoning,
- analytical skills,
- problem-solving skills,
- the ability to formulate sound arguments,
- ability to interpret and explain complex information clearly,
- communication and presentation skills.
Choosing to study a combined degree programme will increase the breadth of your knowledge, and will develop additional skills.
Graduates go on to work in areas such as information and technology, government service, teaching or work in the media and tourism. Others are interested in specialising further through postgraduate studies.
Graduates have gone on to work for a range of organisations including a range of NGOs, charitable and voluntary sector organisations:
- Deloitte
- The New York Times
- British Council
- Social Mobility Foundation
- IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development)
- Action on Hearing Loss
- Hackney Migrant Centre
Types of roles that graduates have gone on to do include:
- Gender Violence Outreach Worker
- Film Editor
- Dance Therapist
- Web Developer
- Food Bank Organiser
- Project Officer
- Journalist
- School and College Relations Officer
- Junior Analyst
- Radio Production Assistant
English Language Requirements
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