Anthropology



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What is Anthropology?

Anthropology is the study of how human beings live in the world. It is most commonly taught in the UK in one of two strands:


Social anthropology

Studies the forms and variations of human collective life.

It asks how people get along together, in relations of family and kinship, community and society, how they fashion their ideas of who they and others are, and how they find meaning in a world that often seems hard to fathom. How do they come to know, imagine, remember, learn, converse and associate in such different ways? By what means, and on what principles, do they build institutions, administer justice, exercise power, commit acts of violence, relate to the environment, nationalism, conflicts, worship the gods, care for the sick and confront their mortality?

To study these questions, social anthropologists work with or alongside people from around the world, in all walks of life, sharing in their experiences and perspectives, learning to perceive things as they do. By comparing these experiences and perspectives, they hope to learn lessons that will help us all to navigate an uncertain future. 


Biological anthropology

Explores the evolution and biological variation of humans, their hominin ancestors and non-human primates. 

Biological anthropology explores how humans have evolved over the last 7 million years to become the species we are today, rich in biological and cultural diversity. This exploration can involve excavating cave sites in remote parts of the world, or analysing DNA in laboratories.

The human story is complex and biological anthropology brings together a wide range of data to investigate what makes us human: data from fossils, archaeology, ancient DNA, evolutionary biology, human genetics, comparative anatomy and physiology, primate behaviour, human behavioural ecology, human biology and cognition. From these sources we build a picture of our evolutionary journey and an understanding of our modern diversity that can help us face the challenges of the present.


Both branches of anthropology explore how human biology impacts our cultural and social behaviours.

These aren't the only two ways to study anthropology however – you can also find courses in forensic anthropology, cognitive anthropology, and more. 

Taken from ucas.com

Anthropology degree information

A degree in anthropology covers the cultural and biological diversity of humans. The broad discipline you will gain from studying both science and the humanities could lead to a variety of careers. 


Entry requirements to study anthropology courses can vary, due to the fact that students aren't often expected to have studied it prior to applying. Interested applicants should check specific requirements of any course or provider they may wish to apply to. 

Some universities can also offer a foundation year, which could be beneficial if you don't meet their usual entry requirements.

Check out www.ucas.com to look at specific entry requirements. 


Why should you study Anthropology?

If your favourite subjects were both in the humanities and the sciences, and you find yourself asking the bigger questions about how and why humans are the way they are, then anthropology could be just the subject you're looking for. 

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What can you do with your degree?

Employers

Some graduates become anthropologists, as academics or researchers. 

Other career areas can include social policy, teaching, development/ overseas agencies and work for non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Many graduates go onto careers within civil service, charities, universities, international organisations, museums, voluntary organisatons, United Nations and cental government bodies. 

Anthropology graduates also pursue roles in:


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