MSc Accounting
The MSc Accounting at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, is a specialized po...
MA Social Anthropology
Manchester, England
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The MA Social Anthropology program at the University of Manchester is designed to offer students a comprehensive understanding of human societies, cultures, and behaviors from a social science perspective. This program provides in-depth training in anthropological theory, ethnographic methods, and practical research skills, enabling students to analyze the cultural, social, and economic dynamics that shape the world. With a global focus, the program prepares students to address contemporary issues such as migration, identity, social inequalities, and sustainability, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills essential for careers in academia, research, NGOs, policy-making, and international development.
Curriculum: The MA Social Anthropology curriculum at the University of Manchester is structured to ensure a strong foundation in anthropological theory, research methods, and global socio-cultural phenomena. Students engage in core modules that cover areas such as social theory, ethnographic research, and contemporary issues in social anthropology. The program also offers a variety of elective modules that allow students to specialize in specific areas of anthropology, including political economy, environmental anthropology, kinship, and the anthropology of development. In addition to coursework, students complete a dissertation, where they conduct original research on a topic of their choosing, applying the skills and knowledge gained throughout the program.
Research Focus: The MA Social Anthropology program at the University of Manchester emphasizes research excellence, with a focus on exploring a wide range of social and cultural issues from both theoretical and practical perspectives. The program’s research areas include global migration, environmental anthropology, medical anthropology, the study of ethnicity and identity, and the anthropology of politics and development. Students are encouraged to critically engage with contemporary anthropological debates and conduct fieldwork-based research that contributes to the understanding of social transformations, cultural diversity, and human behavior across different societies. The program also provides access to the university's extensive resources, including research centers that specialize in social anthropology and related disciplines.
Industry Engagement: The University of Manchester fosters strong links with industry partners, ensuring that MA Social Anthropology graduates are well-prepared for diverse career paths. Through collaborative projects, internships, and placements, students gain hands-on experience in applying their anthropological knowledge to real-world situations. The program also offers opportunities for students to work with NGOs, international development organizations, governmental agencies, and research institutions, allowing them to develop practical skills and networks that are invaluable for a successful career in anthropology and social sciences. Additionally, the university’s career services support students in finding work experience and career opportunities within the field.
Global Perspective: The MA Social Anthropology program has a strong global perspective, recognizing that anthropology plays a critical role in understanding the complexities of global social change, cultural exchange, and political dynamics. The program’s curriculum is designed to provide students with insights into diverse societies, ranging from urban to rural contexts, and from developed to developing regions. Students explore comparative issues such as globalization, human rights, social movements, and transnationalism, gaining the skills necessary to critically engage with global challenges. The university’s international research community and its partnerships with universities and research institutions around the world also provide students with a global outlook and access to cross-cultural perspectives.
Location
Manchester, England
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 30000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application fee: £60
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Manchester offers a range of scholarships to support international students in funding their education and making their academic journey more accessible. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, support students from diverse backgrounds, and help ease the financial challenges of studying abroad.
Global Futures Scholarship: The Global Futures Scholarship is a prestigious award for international students who demonstrate academic excellence and potential. This scholarship offers a £5,000 contribution towards tuition fees, providing financial assistance for undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship is open to students from specific countries and disciplines, so it is essential to check eligibility criteria and deadlines.
Manchester Master’s Bursary: The Manchester Master’s Bursary is a financial aid program aimed at helping postgraduate students who come from lower-income backgrounds. This bursary offers support for UK, EU, and international students who wish to pursue a master’s degree at the university. The bursary can cover a significant portion of tuition fees and is awarded based on financial need.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Many departments at the University of Manchester offer subject-specific scholarships for students enrolling in their programs. For example, students applying for programs in engineering, business, life sciences, and the arts may be eligible for additional funding based on academic performance and their future potential. These scholarships are often offered to high-achieving students who demonstrate exceptional skills and dedication to their field of study.
Chevening Scholarships: The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded award provided by the UK government, open to outstanding international students from over 160 countries. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses, and other related costs. The University of Manchester is a proud participant in this global program and welcomes applications from students wishing to pursue a master's degree in a variety of disciplines.
Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers fully funded scholarships for international students from Commonwealth countries. These scholarships support students pursuing postgraduate studies in fields such as engineering, health sciences, and education. They cover the full cost of tuition fees, travel, and living expenses during the duration of the program.
Regional Scholarships: The university also offers regional scholarships for students from specific countries or regions, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. These scholarships are designed to make studying at the University of Manchester more accessible to students from these regions and offer both partial and full financial support depending on the scholarship type.
Graduates of the MA Social Anthropology program at the University of Manchester possess a unique skill set that prepares them for diverse careers in both the public and private sectors. The program’s focus on global social issues, cultural analysis, and research methods equips students with the tools needed to engage with complex societal problems and contribute to social change.
Cultural Anthropologist: Graduates can work as cultural anthropologists, conducting research on the customs, beliefs, and practices of different societies. They may work for academic institutions, research organizations, or governmental agencies, conducting ethnographic studies to explore issues such as identity, power, and cultural change in various communities.
Social Researcher: Social researchers apply anthropological methods to study social behavior, attitudes, and structures. Graduates can work for market research firms, think tanks, or social policy research organizations, gathering data, conducting fieldwork, and analyzing trends that inform policies related to social development, health, or education.
International Development Specialist: With a strong understanding of global social and economic systems, graduates can pursue careers in international development, working with NGOs, governmental organizations, or international bodies like the United Nations. In this role, they focus on projects related to poverty alleviation, sustainable development, gender equality, and human rights.
Policy Analyst: Graduates can work as policy analysts, advising governments or advocacy groups on policies related to social issues such as immigration, social inequality, healthcare, and human rights. They use their research skills to assess the impact of policies and suggest evidence-based solutions to complex societal problems.
Humanitarian Aid Worker: Graduates passionate about social change can work with humanitarian organizations, providing aid to communities affected by natural disasters, conflict, or poverty. As humanitarian aid workers, they help implement relief programs, coordinate resources, and support vulnerable populations in crisis situations.
Ethnographic Consultant: Ethnographic consultants use their expertise in cultural anthropology to help organizations better understand diverse cultural practices and social behaviors. Graduates can work with corporations, marketing agencies, and NGOs to design products, services, and policies that are culturally sensitive and aligned with the needs of different communities.
Nonprofit Program Manager: Graduates can take on managerial roles within nonprofit organizations, overseeing programs that address social justice, environmental sustainability, and community development. As program managers, they are responsible for coordinating resources, monitoring progress, and ensuring the effective implementation of social change initiatives.
Museum Curator/Exhibit Designer: For those with an interest in cultural heritage, graduates can work as curators or exhibit designers at museums or cultural institutions. They research and curate exhibits that explore anthropological themes, helping to educate the public about different cultures and societies through immersive and informative displays.
Public Policy and Advocacy Specialist: Graduates can work in public policy and advocacy, using their understanding of social systems and cultural dynamics to influence policy decisions. They may work with advocacy groups, government agencies, or international organizations to push for legislative changes that promote social justice and equality.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager: Graduates with an interest in business can pursue roles as CSR managers, where they oversee corporate social responsibility programs. These programs focus on ensuring that businesses operate ethically and sustainably, addressing issues like labor rights, environmental sustainability, and community development.
Social Work and Counseling: Graduates of the MA Social Anthropology program with a focus on community care or social work can pursue careers in social work or counseling. In these roles, they help individuals and families cope with social and economic challenges, providing support services and advocating for marginalized populations.
Education and Academia: Graduates interested in continuing their academic journey can pursue PhD programs in anthropology or related fields, eventually becoming university professors or researchers. In academia, they engage in teaching, publishing research, and mentoring the next generation of anthropologists.
Environmental Anthropology Specialist: Graduates with a focus on environmental anthropology can work as specialists in organizations that focus on sustainability, climate change, or conservation. They may conduct research on how human societies interact with their environments and work to develop solutions that promote ecological sustainability.
Global Health Researcher: Graduates interested in health issues can work as global health researchers, studying how social, cultural, and economic factors influence health outcomes. They may collaborate with international health organizations or research institutes to develop health policies or interventions tailored to specific cultural contexts.
Media and Journalism: Graduates with strong communication skills can pursue careers in media and journalism, reporting on social, cultural, and political issues. They can work for news outlets, documentaries, or digital platforms, producing content that highlights social justice issues, cultural diversity, and global trends.
Social Entrepreneur: Graduates interested in innovative social change can become social entrepreneurs, creating businesses or initiatives that address pressing societal challenges. These ventures often focus on social, environmental, or ethical issues, blending business acumen with a passion for creating positive impact.
Conflict Resolution and Mediation Specialist: Graduates can work in conflict resolution and mediation, helping to resolve disputes in communities, organizations, or even international contexts. They use their knowledge of social structures, power dynamics, and cultural differences to mediate conflicts and facilitate dialogue between opposing groups.
