MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
MA Social Anthropology
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA in Social Anthropology at the University of Sussex is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of social and cultural anthropology. The program emphasizes the study of cultural diversity, the analysis of social practices, and the role of power and inequality in shaping human societies. Through both theoretical frameworks and ethnographic research methods, students explore a wide range of topics including kinship, religion, globalization, economics, and the environment. The course encourages critical thinking about the role of anthropology in addressing contemporary social issues, such as migration, climate change, and global health. By the end of the program, students will have gained the skills necessary to analyze social patterns and behaviors, conduct ethnographic fieldwork, and contribute to debates on contemporary social issues.
Curriculum: The MA Social Anthropology curriculum at Sussex is carefully designed to blend core anthropology modules with specialized electives, offering both a comprehensive foundation in social anthropology and the flexibility to explore specific areas of interest. Core modules typically cover subjects such as Theories of Social Anthropology, Ethnographic Methods, and Anthropology of Globalization. These courses provide students with a deep understanding of key anthropological theories, as well as the tools needed for conducting fieldwork and analyzing cultural practices. In addition to core modules, students have the opportunity to select electives based on their research interests, which may include topics like Political Economy, Environmental Anthropology, Medical Anthropology, and Urban Anthropology. The program culminates in a dissertation, allowing students to conduct original research on a topic of their choice, further honing their skills as independent researchers.
Research Focus: The MA Social Anthropology program at the University of Sussex is research-intensive and encourages students to engage with both contemporary and historical anthropological debates. The university has a strong research focus on critical anthropology, with faculty expertise in areas such as political anthropology, the anthropology of development, globalization, and visual anthropology. Faculty members are engaged in cutting-edge research on topics like migration, the impact of climate change on indigenous populations, global health inequalities, and the politics of identity. Students are encouraged to develop their own research ideas and contribute to these areas of academic inquiry. The program’s research focus fosters critical engagement with key social issues, encouraging students to address pressing challenges like social inequality, environmental sustainability, and human rights through an anthropological lens.
Industry Engagement: The MA Social Anthropology program at the University of Sussex places a strong emphasis on bridging academic learning with practical industry experience. The university maintains strong links with a wide range of industries, including international NGOs, governmental organizations, research institutes, and cultural institutions. Students are encouraged to participate in internships and fieldwork opportunities, which help them gain hands-on experience and build professional networks. These opportunities provide invaluable insights into how anthropological research can inform policy-making, development projects, and social initiatives. The university’s focus on real-world applications ensures that students are well-prepared for careers in areas such as international development, public health, human rights advocacy, and social research.
Global Perspective: The MA Social Anthropology at Sussex offers students a truly global perspective on anthropology. The program explores the interconnectedness of cultures and societies, examining how global processes such as migration, trade, and technology affect local practices and identities. Students have the opportunity to engage with case studies from across the world, including regions in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. The university’s diverse student body and faculty, with expertise in global and cross-cultural studies, contribute to a rich learning environment where students can gain insights into global issues from a variety of perspectives. The program also prepares students to work in international settings, equipping them with the cultural awareness and analytical skills needed to navigate complex global challenges, such as climate change, health crises, and global inequality.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 21500
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 65% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students can benefit from the Sussex Graduate Scholarship, which provides a discount on tuition fees for eligible students with strong academic records.This scholarship is available for a variety of postgraduate programs and is aimed at supporting students who wish to advance their studies in the UK.
Chevening Scholarships: The University of Sussex is a partner in the Chevening Scholarship program, which is the UK government’s global scholarship program.Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals from around the world who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: The University of Sussex is involved in several Erasmus Mundus programs, offering scholarships for international students from EU and non-EU countries.These scholarships support students pursuing joint Master’s degrees across European universities.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
Graduates of the MA in Social Anthropology from the University of Sussex are equipped with advanced research, analytical, and communication skills, making them highly competitive in various industries. Whether they choose to pursue careers in academia, social research, international development, or NGOs, they are prepared to contribute to the understanding of complex social dynamics and influence positive change.
Social Researcher: One of the most common career paths for graduates is social research, where they work in research agencies, think tanks, government bodies, or universities. Social researchers collect and analyze data on social trends, behaviors, and issues, providing valuable insights that inform public policy, social programs, and business strategies. Graduates can focus on various topics such as poverty, migration, gender, race, and urbanization, contributing to projects that aim to address global challenges.
International Development Specialist: Many graduates choose to work in international development, either for governmental agencies, international organizations, or NGOs. As international development specialists, they contribute to projects that address issues like poverty alleviation, education, public health, and environmental sustainability. They use their understanding of social structures and cultural contexts to design programs that promote social equity and improve living conditions in developing regions.
NGO and Humanitarian Work: The MA Social Anthropology program prepares graduates to work with NGOs and humanitarian organizations that focus on human rights, social justice, and global inequality. Roles may include project management, advocacy, and research, helping to design, implement, and evaluate programs that provide support to marginalized communities. Graduates can work in various sectors, such as refugee assistance, gender equality, or environmental protection, making a direct impact on global social issues.
Cultural Heritage and Museum Roles: Graduates with an interest in cultural heritage and museums can pursue careers in curating, archiving, and museum management. These roles involve preserving and interpreting cultural artifacts, running exhibitions, and engaging the public in cultural education. Anthropologists' deep understanding of cultures and traditions is particularly valuable in creating informative and engaging experiences that promote cultural awareness and understanding.
Policy Analyst: Graduates of the MA Social Anthropology program can also work as policy analysts, helping government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy groups develop policies that address social, economic, and environmental issues. They can work on policies related to migration, health care, education, and environmental sustainability, using their analytical skills to assess the impact of policies and propose data-driven solutions to pressing social challenges.
Community Development Specialist: Graduates can work in community development, helping local communities improve their social and economic conditions. These roles involve working with communities to assess their needs, design programs, and help secure funding for projects that promote well-being and community empowerment. Community development specialists also work with government agencies and NGOs to design policies that benefit communities and promote social equity.
Academic Career: For graduates interested in academia, the MA Social Anthropology program offers an excellent foundation for pursuing further research and a PhD in anthropology or related disciplines. Graduates can enter academia as researchers or lecturers, contributing to the development of new knowledge in the field. They may teach at universities or publish their research in academic journals, addressing contemporary social issues and shaping the future of the discipline.
Environmental Anthropology Expert: Environmental issues are central to modern anthropology, and many graduates choose to specialize in environmental anthropology, studying the relationship between human societies and the natural environment. This could involve working in sectors like climate change research, conservation, and environmental justice, contributing to sustainable practices and advocating for the protection of vulnerable ecosystems and communities.
Humanitarian Aid Worker: Graduates may choose to work in the field of humanitarian aid, focusing on emergency relief and post-crisis recovery. These roles involve working in conflict zones, natural disaster areas, or regions affected by health crises. Humanitarian aid workers provide essential services such as food distribution, medical aid, shelter, and educational support, helping communities recover and rebuild after disasters.
Cultural Consultant: Graduates with a deep understanding of cultural practices and social norms can pursue careers as cultural consultants, advising businesses, international organizations, and government bodies on cultural sensitivity and social issues. Cultural consultants help ensure that projects and programs are culturally appropriate and sensitive to the values and practices of local communities, especially when working in cross-cultural or international contexts.
Public Sector and Civil Service: Graduates can enter the public sector or civil service, where they can work on government initiatives related to social welfare, immigration, public health, or urban planning. Their expertise in understanding cultural diversity and social structures makes them valuable assets in formulating policies and services that meet the needs of diverse populations.
