MSc Accounting
The MSc Accounting at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, is a specialized po...
BASS Social Anthropology and Data Analytics
Manchester, England
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The BASS Social Anthropology and Data Analytics program at the University of Manchester merges two powerful disciplines—social anthropology and data analytics—providing students with an interdisciplinary skill set to understand human societies and analyze data in a meaningful way. This unique combination equips graduates with the ability to use quantitative and qualitative research methods to study and interpret complex social phenomena. Students gain a deep understanding of the cultural, social, and economic contexts of human behavior, while developing strong technical skills in data analysis, statistical methods, and computational tools.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BASS Social Anthropology and Data Analytics program is carefully designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge in both fields. In the first year, students take foundational courses in anthropology, learning about human societies, cultural practices, and social structures, alongside introductory courses in data science, statistics, and computing. As the program progresses, students engage in more specialized modules, including anthropological research methods, data visualization, machine learning, and data analytics techniques. The latter stages of the program allow students to integrate both disciplines through projects and case studies that combine social research with data analysis, preparing them for roles in both academic and applied settings. The curriculum is designed to ensure that students gain expertise in both qualitative and quantitative methods, making them well-rounded professionals.
Research Focus: The BASS Social Anthropology and Data Analytics program emphasizes research that bridges cultural studies with modern data science techniques. Faculty members at the University of Manchester are engaged in interdisciplinary research, exploring topics like digital anthropology, social media analytics, the intersection of culture and technology, and the role of big data in understanding global social trends. Students are encouraged to undertake independent research projects that combine anthropological theories with data-driven approaches. This integration allows students to explore how data analytics can provide insights into social behaviors, cultural patterns, and global issues. The research focus also includes exploring the ethical implications of data collection, privacy concerns, and the responsible use of data in understanding human societies.
Industry Engagement: The BASS Social Anthropology and Data Analytics program at the University of Manchester has strong connections with industry partners, ensuring that students gain practical experience and exposure to real-world applications of both anthropology and data analytics. Students benefit from internships, placements, and collaborations with organizations that operate in sectors such as technology, social research, public policy, and international development. These industry engagements help students apply their academic learning in professional settings, gaining valuable experience in the use of data analytics tools to address social issues, analyze human behavior, and create data-driven solutions. The program’s links with industry also facilitate networking opportunities and career development support, which significantly enhances students' employability after graduation.
Global Perspective: The BASS Social Anthropology and Data Analytics program adopts a global perspective on social issues, encouraging students to explore how cultural practices, social behaviors, and technological trends vary across the world. With the rise of digital technology and big data, the program focuses on understanding global data flows, social media interactions, and the impact of data analytics in different cultural contexts. Students learn how to apply data analytics techniques to global issues such as migration, urbanization, health disparities, and climate change, using both qualitative and quantitative methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of these complex issues. The global perspective is further enhanced by the university’s diverse student body, international partnerships, and opportunities for study abroad or fieldwork, giving students exposure to different cultures and social systems.
Location
Manchester, England
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 26500
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 90.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 70.
- Some 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.
Undergraduate Scholarships: The university also offers various undergraduate scholarships for international students applying to programs such as law, business, engineering, and the humanities. These scholarships are based on academic achievement and help ease the burden of tuition fees. Some specific subject areas may have unique scholarships based on the department's needs and goals.
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.
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 BASS Social Anthropology and Data Analytics program at the University of Manchester are equipped with a unique blend of cultural insight and technical skills, preparing them for a variety of careers that bridge social research, data science, and applied analytics. With expertise in both anthropology and data analytics, graduates can pursue diverse career paths across a wide range of industries, such as social research, technology, public policy, international development, and business analytics.
Social Data Analyst: Graduates can work as social data analysts, where they use data analytics tools to interpret social data, identify trends, and make informed decisions based on social behavior. This role is valuable in sectors such as marketing, social media, healthcare, and government, where understanding human behavior through data is key to shaping effective strategies.
Anthropologist with Data Expertise: Combining anthropological expertise with data analytics, graduates can pursue careers as anthropologists who specialize in digital anthropology or cultural data analysis. These professionals use data-driven methods to study cultural phenomena, social patterns, and human interactions in the digital age, helping organizations and researchers understand societal shifts.
Public Policy Analyst: Graduates of the BASS Social Anthropology and Data Analytics program are well-suited for careers as policy analysts. In this role, they analyze social data to evaluate the impact of existing policies and recommend new policies that address issues such as crime, inequality, and public health. Their understanding of social structures and data analytics allows them to create evidence-based, data-informed recommendations for governments and NGOs.
Market Research Analyst: With strong data analysis skills and an understanding of human behavior, graduates can work as market research analysts. In this role, they analyze consumer behavior, market trends, and customer preferences to help businesses make data-driven decisions. Their anthropological background helps them understand cultural factors that influence purchasing behavior and market dynamics.
Digital Sociologist: As digital sociologists, graduates apply data analytics and social research methods to understand the effects of digital technologies and social media on society. This role focuses on the intersection of technology, social behavior, and culture, examining issues such as online communities, digital activism, and the impact of algorithms on social life.
Data Scientist: For graduates with a strong aptitude for statistics, machine learning, and computational analysis, a career as a data scientist is an excellent option. By applying their data analytics knowledge, graduates can work with large datasets to uncover insights, develop predictive models, and inform decision-making processes in industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology.
Global Development Consultant: Graduates can also pursue careers as consultants in global development, working with international organizations, NGOs, or government agencies to analyze social data and design programs that address global challenges such as poverty, migration, and climate change. Their understanding of cultural contexts combined with data analytics makes them ideal for these roles.
Urban Planner and Data Analyst: In this role, graduates analyze urban trends, demographic data, and social patterns to assist in the development of smart cities, public infrastructure, and urban policies. They work with city planners and policymakers to use data-driven approaches for improving urban living conditions, reducing crime, and addressing community needs.
Ethnographic Data Specialist: Graduates with a particular interest in ethnography can work as ethnographic data specialists, applying data science techniques to analyze ethnographic data gathered through fieldwork. They may work in academia, research institutes, or consultancy firms, analyzing cultural and social patterns in different communities or populations.
Social Media Analyst: A career as a social media analyst allows graduates to analyze online behavior, track social media trends, and assess public sentiment. Their combined expertise in data analytics and social anthropology enables them to understand how cultural shifts and social behaviors manifest in online spaces, providing valuable insights for businesses, governments, and NGOs.
Security Analyst with a Focus on Social Networks: Graduates with an interest in cybersecurity and data analytics may pursue careers as security analysts specializing in social networks. In this role, they analyze data from social media platforms to detect fraud, monitor security risks, and investigate cyber threats, all while considering the social dynamics that influence online behaviors.
Healthcare Data Analyst: Graduates with an interest in healthcare can work as data analysts in the medical field, applying data analytics to improve healthcare outcomes, patient care, and operational efficiency. By studying trends in social behaviors and healthcare data, they can help healthcare providers make data-driven decisions that improve service delivery and public health.
Academia and Research: For those interested in further study and contributing to academic knowledge, graduates can pursue postgraduate programs (Master’s or PhD) in areas like social science, data science, or anthropology. This path may lead to a career in research, teaching, or consulting within universities, research institutions, or think tanks.
Humanitarian Data Analyst: Graduates can also work with international development organizations and humanitarian agencies as data analysts, focusing on issues like disaster response, refugee migration, and global inequality. Using both qualitative and quantitative data, they can assess humanitarian needs and inform strategies that drive effective relief efforts.
