MA (Hons) Social Anthropology in Edinburgh United Kingdom | The University of Edinburgh

Social anthropology explores human behavior and belief systems across diverse global societies, which differ significantly in their cultural, social, and political structures.
Examining these differences while uncovering shared human foundations lies at the core of this discipline.
Social anthropology maintains strong connections with sociology, human geography, development studies, history, archaeology, and philosophy.
The program offers comprehensive coursework in the first two years, allowing for specialization in years three and four.
Students undertake a four-month independent research project leading to their dissertation, with fieldwork options available both domestically and internationally.
Year 1- The introductory year covers Social Anthropology 1A and 1B, along with Fundamentals: Studying Anthropology and Anthropological Practice, plus two to four elective courses. Year 2- Curriculum includes Social Anthropology 2: Key Concepts, Ethnography: Theory & Practice, Fundamentals: Ethnographic Theory, and Fundamentals: Reading & Writing Anthropology, alongside two to four optional courses from various disciplines. Year 3- Core studies encompass Anthropological Theory, Kinship: Structure & Process, Ritual & Religion, and Consumption, Exchange & Technology, with two electives like Happiness: Cross-cultural Perspectives or Urban Anthropology. Students may conduct summer research between Years 3 and 4, with guidance from dissertation supervisors for UK or international projects. Year 4- Features the required Culture & Power course, honors dissertation completion using research data, and continued elective options.