BASS Social Anthropology and Philosophy

The BASS Social Anthropology and Philosophy program at the University of Manchester offers a unique combination of two diverse but complementary fields: anthropology and philosophy. This interdisciplinary program is designed for students who wish to explore both the cultural and social aspects of human existence alongside the theoretical foundations of human thought and inquiry. By combining the empirical study of human societies with the critical thinking and analytical skills of philosophy, students gain a deeper understanding of how humans relate to each other, the world around them, and the questions that shape human experience. This program equips graduates with skills in critical reasoning, cultural analysis, and philosophical inquiry, making them versatile professionals in various fields.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the BASS Social Anthropology and Philosophy program is structured to offer students a comprehensive education in both fields, starting with foundational courses in the first year. Students begin by studying the key principles of social anthropology, such as kinship, religion, economic systems, and political structures. At the same time, they are introduced to the core areas of philosophy, including logic, ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology. As the program progresses, students delve into more advanced topics such as the philosophy of mind, the anthropology of religion, and ethical theory. The curriculum also includes opportunities for students to engage in independent research, write essays, and participate in discussions that bridge both disciplines. By the end of the program, students will have gained an understanding of the major philosophical traditions and methodologies, alongside the cultural and social frameworks that shape human societies.

Research Focus: The BASS Social Anthropology and Philosophy program encourages students to pursue research in areas that blend both disciplines. At the University of Manchester, faculty members conduct research in areas such as the philosophy of culture, the ethics of social change, political philosophy, and the anthropology of ethics and morality. Students are encouraged to engage with contemporary debates on topics such as the nature of consciousness, the role of philosophy in understanding social behavior, and the ethical implications of social and cultural practices. Through their coursework and independent research projects, students have the opportunity to explore how philosophical theories can inform anthropological research and vice versa, developing a critical and nuanced understanding of human societies and the ideas that shape them.

Industry Engagement: The BASS Social Anthropology and Philosophy program at the University of Manchester is closely linked to industry and societal issues. While the program is heavily academic, students are also encouraged to engage with external organizations, participate in fieldwork, and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. The university has partnerships with a variety of organizations, including think tanks, cultural institutions, NGOs, and governmental bodies, allowing students to apply their learning in social research, policy-making, and cultural projects. Additionally, internships and placements provide students with valuable industry experience, helping them to understand how anthropological and philosophical theories are used to address real-world issues such as social justice, human rights, and global inequality. Industry engagement enhances students' employability by enabling them to connect their academic learning with practical applications.

Global Perspective: The BASS Social Anthropology and Philosophy program incorporates a global perspective by addressing global social issues through both philosophical and anthropological lenses. Students explore how different societies construct meaning, belief systems, and moral frameworks, drawing connections between local and global contexts. The program encourages students to engage with contemporary global challenges such as migration, environmental ethics, and human rights from an interdisciplinary viewpoint, examining how cultural practices, philosophical principles, and political ideologies intersect. The University of Manchester has a diverse student body, international faculty, and a wide range of global research collaborations, which enhances the global perspective of the program. Students also have the opportunity to participate in study abroad programs, which further enrich their understanding of the world from both an anthropological and philosophical standpoint.

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 Philosophy program at the University of Manchester are equipped with a wide range of transferable skills, including critical thinking, cultural analysis, and philosophical inquiry. This unique combination opens up numerous career opportunities across diverse sectors such as social research, public policy, international development, education, and business. The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows graduates to work in both traditional and emerging industries that require a deep understanding of human behavior, social structures, ethics, and the complexities of human thought.

Social Researcher: Graduates can pursue careers as social researchers, applying their anthropological and philosophical knowledge to study societal trends, human behavior, and cultural practices. These professionals often work for think tanks, market research companies, or government agencies, conducting studies that inform public policy or market strategies. Their expertise in both social analysis and ethical considerations allows them to approach research from a well-rounded perspective.

Public Policy Analyst: With a solid grounding in both anthropology and philosophy, graduates are well-prepared for careers as policy analysts. They can work in government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or advocacy groups, using their critical thinking skills to evaluate and develop policies that address issues such as social justice, human rights, environmental sustainability, and inequality. Their ability to understand the philosophical underpinnings of social systems allows them to propose ethical and practical policy solutions.

Cultural Consultant: Graduates can work as cultural consultants, offering advice to businesses, governments, or organizations seeking to navigate cross-cultural challenges. In this role, they provide insights into cultural norms, social behaviors, and ethical considerations, helping organizations design culturally sensitive marketing campaigns, improve communication strategies, and ensure that their operations align with local values and customs.

Ethicist or Ethics Consultant: Graduates with a background in both philosophy and social anthropology can work as ethicists, providing guidance on ethical issues in various industries. They may advise corporations, healthcare organizations, or governmental bodies on moral dilemmas related to topics such as artificial intelligence, human rights, or corporate responsibility. Their philosophical expertise allows them to offer well-reasoned, ethical perspectives on complex issues.

Human Rights Advocate: With a strong foundation in social anthropology and philosophy, graduates are well-positioned to work in human rights advocacy. These professionals work for international organizations, NGOs, or government agencies to promote and protect human rights globally. They use their knowledge of cultural practices, ethical theory, and social structures to address violations and advocate for justice and equality.

Academic and Researcher: Graduates of the BASS Social Anthropology and Philosophy program who are interested in further academic study can pursue postgraduate education (Master’s or PhD) and become scholars in their fields. They may work as university lecturers, conducting research and teaching courses in anthropology, philosophy, or interdisciplinary studies. This path offers opportunities for those passionate about advancing knowledge and contributing to the academic community.

International Development Specialist: Graduates can pursue careers in international development, working with NGOs, international organizations, or government agencies to address global issues such as poverty, education, and healthcare. Their ability to understand cultural contexts and apply philosophical reasoning makes them ideal candidates for roles that require addressing the complexities of development in different regions of the world.

Journalist or Writer: The ability to analyze complex social issues and express ideas clearly makes graduates of the BASS Social Anthropology and Philosophy program excellent candidates for careers in journalism or writing. Whether covering global social issues, ethical dilemmas, or cultural trends, graduates can write for newspapers, magazines, websites, or broadcast outlets, engaging readers with insightful commentary and analysis.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Consultant: Graduates with an interest in business ethics can work as CSR consultants, helping companies develop and implement ethical business practices. By applying their philosophical understanding of ethics and their anthropological knowledge of cultural impacts, they guide organizations in creating sustainable, socially responsible practices that align with societal values and expectations.

Healthcare and Medical Ethicist: Graduates can work in healthcare settings as medical ethicists, advising healthcare providers, hospitals, and bioethics boards on ethical dilemmas related to patient care, medical research, and healthcare policies. Their expertise in both social anthropology and philosophy enables them to navigate complex ethical issues in medical practice, ensuring that patient rights and societal norms are respected.

Museum Curator or Cultural Heritage Manager: Graduates with an interest in history and culture can work as museum curators or cultural heritage managers. In these roles, they manage collections, design exhibitions, and provide educational content about cultural artifacts, history, and traditions. Their understanding of anthropology allows them to interpret and present cultural materials in ways that are both informative and respectful of cultural values.

Nonprofit Sector Roles: Graduates of the BASS Social Anthropology and Philosophy program are well-suited for roles in the nonprofit sector, particularly in organizations focused on social justice, education, or community development. They may work in areas such as project management, fundraising, advocacy, or program evaluation, using their interdisciplinary knowledge to improve social outcomes and address systemic issues.

Political Analyst or Advisor: Graduates can work as political analysts, advising political parties, government bodies, or think tanks on policy development and social issues. Their background in social anthropology helps them understand the cultural context of political decisions, while their philosophical training allows them to analyze the ethical dimensions of political actions and policies.

Data Analyst in Social Sciences: Graduates interested in quantitative research and data analysis can pursue careers as data analysts, working with social data to uncover patterns, trends, and insights. By applying both anthropological methods and analytical tools, graduates can work in academic research, market research firms, or government agencies to inform policy decisions or business strategies.