BSc Acoustics and Music Technology
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MSc Social Anthropology
Central Campus
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MSc Social Anthropology program at The University of Edinburgh offers students an in-depth exploration of human societies, cultures, and social structures. Through a combination of theoretical study and practical research, students gain a deep understanding of the diverse ways in which societies organize themselves, create meaning, and interact with one another. The program provides a comprehensive foundation in anthropological theory, research methods, and ethnographic analysis, preparing students for careers in academia, research, international development, social work, and more.
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Anthropological Theory: The program delves into the rich history of anthropological thought, introducing students to key theoretical frameworks and debates within the field. From classic works by pioneers such as Franz Boas and Bronisław Malinowski to contemporary perspectives on globalization, migration, and identity, students gain insight into the diverse approaches used to understand human societies and cultures.
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Research Methods: Students acquire practical skills in ethnographic research methods, including participant observation, interviews, and qualitative data analysis. They learn how to design and conduct anthropological fieldwork, critically engage with research ethics, and effectively communicate their findings through written reports, presentations, and multimedia formats.
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Cross-Cultural Understanding: The program emphasizes the importance of cross-cultural understanding and reflexivity in anthropological research. Through the study of diverse cultural contexts and comparative analysis, students develop a nuanced appreciation for the complexities of human diversity, social change, and power dynamics.
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Specialized Electives: Students have the opportunity to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career goals by choosing from a range of specialized elective courses. These courses cover a wide variety of topics, including gender and sexuality, medical anthropology, environmental anthropology, indigenous studies, and urban anthropology, allowing students to deepen their knowledge in areas of particular relevance to their research and professional aspirations.
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Practical Applications: The program encourages students to apply their anthropological knowledge and skills to real-world issues and challenges. Whether conducting fieldwork in local communities, collaborating with international organizations, or engaging in applied research projects, students gain hands-on experience that prepares them for careers in fields such as international development, social policy, advocacy, and cultural heritage preservation.
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.
The MSc Social Anthropology program at The University of Edinburgh opens up diverse and rewarding career opportunities for graduates, allowing them to apply their anthropological knowledge and skills to address pressing social issues, promote intercultural understanding, and contribute to positive social change in a variety of professional contexts.
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Academic Research: Graduates of the MSc Social Anthropology program are well-equipped to pursue further academic research at the doctoral level. Many go on to pursue PhDs in anthropology or related fields, conducting original research and contributing to scholarly debates within the discipline.
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International Development: With their deep understanding of cultural diversity, social dynamics, and power structures, graduates find rewarding careers in international development organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and humanitarian agencies. They may work on projects related to poverty alleviation, community development, human rights advocacy, and sustainable development in diverse global contexts.
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Social Policy and Advocacy: The analytical and critical thinking skills developed during the program enable graduates to engage with complex social issues and contribute to policy development, advocacy, and social justice initiatives. They may work for government agencies, think tanks, policy research institutes, or advocacy organizations, addressing issues such as migration, social inequality, healthcare access, and indigenous rights.
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Cultural Heritage Preservation: Graduates may pursue careers in cultural heritage preservation, museum curation, and cultural resource management. They may work for museums, heritage organizations, or government agencies involved in safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage sites, artifacts, and traditions.
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Consultancy and Applied Research: Many graduates find employment in consultancy firms, market research agencies, and research institutes, where they apply their anthropological knowledge and research skills to address business challenges, consumer behavior analysis, and market trends. They may work on projects related to consumer ethnography, product development, marketing strategies, and corporate social responsibility.
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Education and Training: Some graduates choose to pursue careers in education and training, working as lecturers, teachers, or educational consultants. They may teach anthropology or related subjects at universities, colleges, or secondary schools, or develop educational materials and programs for community organizations, museums, or cultural institutions.
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Media and Communications: With their expertise in cultural analysis and ethnographic research, graduates may work in media and communications roles, contributing to journalism, documentary filmmaking, digital media production, or cultural criticism. They may work for media organizations, publishing houses, film studios, or digital content agencies, producing content that explores social and cultural issues from anthropological perspectives.
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Community Development and Social Work: Graduates may pursue careers in community development, social work, or grassroots activism, working directly with communities to address social inequalities, promote social cohesion, and empower marginalized groups. They may work for local government agencies, community-based organizations, or international NGOs, facilitating participatory development projects, community organizing, and social support services.
