BSc Acoustics and Music Technology
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MSc Medical Anthropology
Central Campus
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MSc Medical Anthropology program at The University of Edinburgh offers students a unique interdisciplinary approach to the study of health, illness, and healing practices from cultural, social, and biological perspectives. This program explores the intersection of anthropology, medicine, and global health, providing students with theoretical frameworks and methodological tools to critically analyze the cultural, social, and political dimensions of health and healthcare systems. Through a combination of core courses, elective modules, and research projects, students examine topics such as health inequalities, medical pluralism, reproductive health, mental health, and the impact of globalization on health practices and policies. They also engage with ethnographic methods, qualitative research techniques, and participatory approaches to understand health beliefs, practices, and experiences in diverse cultural contexts. Situated within a leading research institution, the MSc Medical Anthropology program provides students with access to renowned faculty, interdisciplinary research centers, and fieldwork opportunities, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating learning environment for aspiring medical anthropologists.
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Theoretical Foundations of Medical Anthropology: The program introduces students to key theoretical perspectives and concepts in medical anthropology, including cultural constructions of health and illness, medicalization, embodiment, and the social determinants of health. Students critically examine how cultural beliefs, social norms, and power dynamics shape health behaviors, healthcare practices, and health outcomes in different cultural contexts.
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Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Health and Healing: Students explore diverse health systems, healing traditions, and medical practices across cultures and societies. They analyze how cultural meanings and values influence health-seeking behaviors, illness experiences, and treatment strategies, as well as the negotiation of health-related decisions within families, communities, and healthcare settings.
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Health Inequalities and Social Justice: The program examines the social determinants of health and the structural factors that contribute to health disparities and inequities. Students explore issues such as access to healthcare, social exclusion, discrimination, and poverty, as well as the role of social movements, advocacy efforts, and policy interventions in promoting health equity and social justice.
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Ethnographic Research Methods: Students learn ethnographic research methods, including participant observation, interviews, and qualitative data analysis, to conduct original research on health-related topics. They develop practical skills in fieldwork, data collection, and ethical research practices, as well as critical thinking skills to interpret and analyze qualitative data within a cultural context.
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Global Health and Transnationalism: The program examines the globalization of health and the interconnectedness of health issues across borders and cultures. Students explore how processes of globalization, migration, and transnationalism shape health practices, healthcare systems, and health policies, as well as the emergence of global health challenges such as infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and environmental health risks.
Location
Central Campus
Score
IELTS: 7
Tuition Fee
£ 28800
Postgraduate entry requirements:
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Academic Qualifications: Prospective postgraduate applicants to the University of Edinburgh are typically required to have achieved a minimum academic qualification of approximately 60%, based on their previous academic achievements and qualifications.
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English Language Proficiency:
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IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum overall score of 7.0, with at least 6.0 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).
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TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 100 on the internet-based test (iBT), with at least 20 in each component (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing).
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PTE (Pearson Test of English): Minimum overall score of 70, with at least 59 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).
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Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
The University of Edinburgh offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. These scholarships aim to promote diversity, academic excellence, and global engagement.
Global Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh offers Global Scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate students. These scholarships provide financial assistance towards tuition fees and living expenses, enabling talented students from around the world to access quality education at Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships: International postgraduate students pursuing research-based programs (Ph.D., MSc by Research) can apply for Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships. These scholarships provide full or partial funding for tuition fees and living expenses during the research program.
School-specific Scholarships: Some academic schools and departments within the university offer scholarships targeting international students in specific disciplines or programs. These scholarships may be merit-based or need-based and vary in terms of eligibility criteria and funding amounts.
Commonwealth Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh participates in various Commonwealth scholarship schemes, providing opportunities for students from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK. These scholarships are funded by the UK government and other organizations.
External Funding Sources: International students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, such as government scholarships, private organizations, and international foundations, to support their studies at the University of Edinburgh.
It is important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application deadlines may change from year to year.
Graduates of the MSc Medical Anthropology program at The University of Edinburgh possess a unique interdisciplinary skill set that prepares them for diverse and impactful career opportunities in academia, healthcare, public health, international development, and beyond. With their deep understanding of cultural, social, and political factors influencing health and illness, graduates are equipped to address complex health challenges and contribute to positive social change.
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Researcher in Academic and Non-Academic Settings: Graduates may pursue careers as researchers in universities, research institutes, think tanks, or non-profit organizations, conducting qualitative research on health-related topics. They contribute to scholarly knowledge and public discourse on health issues, publishing research papers, reports, and policy briefs that inform healthcare practices, health policies, and public health interventions.
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Health Policy Analyst/Advocate: Graduates can work as health policy analysts or advocates for government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or advocacy groups, advocating for health equity, social justice, and human rights. They analyze health policies, assess their impact on marginalized populations, and advocate for policies that address health disparities, promote community health, and protect vulnerable populations.
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Healthcare Consultant/Cultural Liaison: Graduates with expertise in medical anthropology can work as healthcare consultants or cultural liaisons for healthcare organizations, hospitals, or community health programs. They provide insights into cultural beliefs, health practices, and patient experiences, helping healthcare providers deliver culturally competent care, improve patient-provider communication, and address cultural barriers to healthcare access and utilization.
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Public Health Specialist/Program Coordinator: Graduates may pursue careers in public health organizations, government health departments, or international agencies, working as public health specialists or program coordinators. They design, implement, and evaluate public health programs and interventions that address social determinants of health, promote health equity, and empower communities to improve health outcomes.
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Global Health Researcher/Practitioner: Graduates interested in global health can work as researchers or practitioners in international development organizations, humanitarian agencies, or global health initiatives. They collaborate with local communities, governments, and NGOs to address health challenges such as infectious diseases, maternal and child health, nutrition, and access to healthcare in low-resource settings.
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Health Educator/Community Organizer: Graduates can work as health educators or community organizers, designing and implementing health education programs, workshops, and community outreach initiatives. They engage with diverse communities to raise awareness about health issues, promote preventive health behaviors, and empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being.
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Academic Educator/Teaching Assistant: Graduates may pursue careers in academia as educators or teaching assistants, teaching courses on medical anthropology, global health, or qualitative research methods. They mentor students, facilitate discussions, and inspire the next generation of scholars and practitioners to critically engage with health issues from a socio-cultural perspective.
