MA Medical Anthropology and Mental Health
London
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
This program provides students with an in-depth understanding of how cultural, social, and political factors influence health and mental health practices worldwide. Emphasizing perspectives from the Global South, the course challenges conventional Western-centric approaches to health and encourages students to explore alternative frameworks for understanding well-being and suffering.
Curriculum: The curriculum combines core modules in medical anthropology and mental health with a range of elective courses that allow students to tailor their studies to specific interests. Students engage with topics such as the anthropology of global health, mental health and psychosocial well-being, and the impact of social inequalities on health outcomes. The program culminates in a dissertation project, enabling students to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice.
Research Focus: SOAS is home to the Centre for Anthropology and Mental Health Research in Action (CAMHRA), a hub for innovative research on mental health from anthropological perspectives. CAMHRA fosters collaborative research projects, public engagement, and policy dialogues, providing students with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge studies that address pressing global health challenges.
Industry Engagement: The program encourages practical engagement with health-related organizations and initiatives. Students have opportunities to interact with professionals from NGOs, healthcare institutions, and community organizations, gaining insights into the application of anthropological knowledge in real-world settings. Workshops, seminars, and networking events further enhance students' professional development and industry connections.
Global Perspective: Situated in London, SOAS offers a multicultural academic environment that reflects its global focus. The program attracts students from diverse backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration. This global perspective is integral to the program's approach, as it emphasizes the importance of understanding health and mental health within various cultural and geopolitical contexts.
Location
London
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 25320
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
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 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 65.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
SOAS University of London offers a variety of scholarships to support international students pursuing postgraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence and provide financial assistance to students from diverse backgrounds.
SOAS International Scholarships: SOAS University of London offers a range of scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships aim to support students from various regions and backgrounds who are looking to study at the institution. Scholarships vary by program and are awarded based on merit or financial need.
Postgraduate Scholarships: SOAS provides several postgraduate scholarships for international students, including the prestigious SOAS Postgraduate Scholarships. These are awarded based on academic merit and cover partial or full tuition fees. Some specific awards are dedicated to students from particular regions, such as Africa, Asia, or the Middle East, to encourage diverse participation in postgraduate programs.
Regional Scholarships: SOAS University of London provides scholarships for students from specific regions, including the Commonwealth, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These scholarships are aimed at increasing access to higher education for students from regions with traditionally lower rates of study abroad participation. Some of the notable scholarships include the SOAS Africa Scholarship and the SOAS South Asia Scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Certain scholarships are tailored to international students from specific countries. For example, SOAS offers scholarships for students from countries like India, China, Nigeria, and others. These scholarships typically cover a portion of tuition fees and may also include additional benefits like travel allowances or accommodation assistance.
External Funding Opportunities: In addition to the internal scholarships offered by SOAS, international students are encouraged to explore external funding sources. The UK government, private organizations, and international agencies often provide scholarships and grants for students pursuing studies in the UK. SOAS offers guidance and resources to help students find external funding options and apply for them.
SOAS Excellence Awards: The SOAS Excellence Awards are designed to support exceptionally talented international students. These awards are often given to those students who have demonstrated outstanding academic potential in their field of study. The Excellence Awards provide significant financial assistance and are available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Graduates of the MA Medical Anthropology and Mental Health program at SOAS University of London are uniquely positioned to pursue diverse and impactful careers at the intersection of health, culture, and society. The program's interdisciplinary approach equips students with critical analytical skills and a deep understanding of global health challenges, particularly within the contexts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Global Health and Development: Alumni often engage with international organizations, NGOs, and public health agencies, contributing to the design and implementation of culturally sensitive health interventions and policies. Their anthropological insights are invaluable in addressing health disparities and promoting equitable healthcare practices.
Mental Health Advocacy and Services: Graduates play pivotal roles in mental health sectors, working as consultants, program coordinators, or policy advisors. Their expertise aids in developing community-based mental health programs that respect and integrate local cultural practices.
Academic and Research Careers: The program lays a strong foundation for those pursuing doctoral studies or academic positions. Research opportunities at SOAS, particularly through the Centre for Anthropology and Mental Health Research in Action (CAMHRA), enable students to contribute to scholarly discourse on mental health and medical anthropology.
Healthcare Communication and Consultancy: Some alumni transition into roles focusing on health communication, leveraging their understanding of cultural narratives to enhance public health messaging and campaigns. For instance, a graduate has successfully applied her MA training in a global health communications consultancy role.
Policy and Humanitarian Work: Equipped with a nuanced understanding of the socio-cultural determinants of health, graduates influence health policies and humanitarian efforts, ensuring they are contextually appropriate and effective.
