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UCL Anthropology

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FAQs for HEB MSc

Find below some frequently asked questions for the Human Evolution and Behaviour MSc.

 

How many students attend the course?

We aim for yearly cohorts of 12–15 students with various academic backgrounds and nationalities. Since the inception of the programme in 1996, we have successfully maintained a high ratio of teachers/supervisors to students. Student numbers may be higher or lower during certain years.

How international is the student body?

UCL Anthropology is a diverse department as part of a global university. About half of each cohort consists of non-UK students, from nations such as Argentina, Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Greece, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain or USA. UCL is one of the most internationalised university in the world - with students from 150 nations and staff from at least 100 nations.

Can I take the course part-time?

Yes. Each year, 2–3 students are part-time students. Typically, in the first year, part-time students enrol in two mandatory modules, the statistics module, and one optional module. In the second year, students complete the remaining optional modules and work towards their dissertation.

Should I discuss my intention to apply with the programme tutor?

This is not normally necessary. However, if your academic background is non-biological, then you might want to get some feedback from the programme tutor before you send in your application.

I do not have a biological background. Can I still apply?

Applications with a background in a non-relevant discipline will be passed on to the programme tutor for consideration. We explicitly welcome applicants from a variety of backgrounds as long as they have a strong interest and sufficient understanding of evolutionary theory. Normally, such applicants have taken modules/classes in the wider field of evolutionary anthropology. Most years, we welcome one or two students with a degree qualification in, for example, economics, philosophy, medicine or psychology.

Which first degrees are deemed to be in a non-relevant field?

We are unable to consider applicants without any science background at degree-level (i.e., you must have taken science-based modules/classes as part of your university degree). We do not consider science qualifications in secondary/high-schools.

My first degree is of 2:2 standard – can I still apply?

Applicants with a first degree below 2:2 will not be accepted. However, we will consider applicants with a 2:2 degree in a relevant discipline with additional relevant work experience, e.g., in the Museum sector, Veterinary Sciences, Animal Management, Archaeological Consulting or other science-related fields.

Once enrolled, can I take more than the prescribed number of modules?

No, you cannot take more than the prescribed number of modules. While individual tutors may allow students to audit their modules, this is to the tutor’s discretion. As a full-time programme, our experience tells us that most students will not have the capacity to audit additional modules.

Can I take modules from outside the programme diet?

No, you are limited to the modules listed in the programme structure. You cannot enrol on any other module.

Are there scholarships for this programme?

There are no quota scholarships for this programme. It is therefore unlikely that applicants will succeed in having their fees paid via a scholarship. However, numerous non-UK countries have scholarship programmes that allow their citizens to study in the UK.

How do I identify a suitable topic for my dissertation?

Students should carry out an original research project for their dissertation. High quality student projects will often get published in respected scientific journals or edited volumes. You should think about your research project throughout term 1, and contact a potential supervisor by the beginning of term 2. Students can come up with their own project idea, or they can select a project suggested by staff members in term 1. Your dissertation supervisor is usually a member of staff who teaches on the programme. Dissertation supervisors will advise you on the suitability of the project, and provide guidance on how to manage and carry out your independent research. During term 2, you will further develop your research idea and formalise a research plan. In late March, all students deliver a formal presentation of their project plans. Research work will typically start by early April, or sometimes earlier if students plan to carry out primary data collection and require ethical approval. Part-time students have more flexibility with respect to this timeframe, given their 2-year schedule.

I might want to do fieldwork for my project; is there funding for this?

The department often offers competitive bursaries of a few hundred pounds to facilitate fieldwork, but this is not guaranteed. The bulk of the costs is normally borne by the students. As an example, the total costs for a three-month stint of fieldwork in Asia, Africa or South America between April and June will typically be under £2,000, including travel costs.

What are my chances of doing a PhD afterwards?

With our research-focused programme, our MSc is a perfect lead-in to a doctorate degree. Many of our graduates successfully enrol onto a funded PhD programme – although this may not happen immediately after the degree is conferred. Some of our alumni have become well-known academics.

What non-academic career options are opened up by this degree?

There is no “standard career” for somebody with an MSc in anthropology, and the career opportunities are diverse. Graduates from this course, for example, now work in the media (TV, radio, publishing), NGOs (community development, nature conservation), government organisations (national statistics, health programmes), zoos and museums (curators, research coordinators), set up their own businesses (consultancies), or embarked on a career in education.

How does the timetable look like?

The exemplary timetable below is close to the actual one. However, it is not possible to predict the exact schedule until a new session starts. While most courses will be taught by the listed academics, changes to the timetabling might be necessitated by staff changes, sabbaticals or buy-outs when grants have been obtained. Moreover, to enable maximal free choice, the timetabling aims to avoid overlap between modules – although some clashes are unavoidable, given the considerable number of options.