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Anthropology MRes

London, Bloomsbury

The Anthropology MRes offers students a thorough grounding in a wide range of biological or social science methodologies and methods, an advanced knowledge of contemporary questions in anthropology, and training in statistical and professional skills. The programme prepares graduates for doctoral research or employment as social science researchers.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
UK tuition fees (2023/24)
£5,860
Overseas tuition fees (2023/24)
£26,200
Duration
1 calendar year
Programme starts
September 2023
Applications accepted
All applicants: 17 Oct 2022 – 30 Jun 2023
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

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Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applicants may be referred to a taught Master's in Anthropology if the application does not demonstrate sufficient disciplinary knowledge to support their proposed project. Applicants must contact their proposed supervisors prior to applying to secure support for their application.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level. International Preparation Courses

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

Students develop advanced knowledge and understanding of topics in one of the sub-disciplines of anthropology (biological, social, medical or material culture). They are prepared for advanced level research through a general training in social science research methods and specialised research training in broad-based anthropological research methods and techniques.

Who this course is for

This research-based Master's degree is suitable for those students entering postgraduate study with a strong background in the discipline, gained either through an undergraduate degree, or through a well-regarded conversion Master's programme.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

UCL Anthropology ranks fourth in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022, making it the top ranked institution in London, and third in the UK and Europe for the subject.

The department was the first in the UK to integrate biological, social, medical and material culture into a broad-based conception of the discipline. It is one of the largest anthropology departments in the UK in terms of both staff and research student numbers, offering an exceptional breadth of expertise.

Students are encouraged to take full advantage of the wider anthropological community in London and the department's strong links with European universities and international institutions.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

The MRes enhances the profile of students who already have a strong background in anthropology by training them in professional skills, statistics and various other social science methods. Exposure to positivist social science methodologies makes graduates attractive candidates for positions in NGOs or work in applied social science. Emphasis on research design and data collection through field research prepares graduates to be independent researchers. The general social science orientation of the degree qualifies students to apply for research positions on grants in various disciplines, and it opens the way to doctoral study in anthropology and other social science subjects.

Employability

With the completion of the MRes, we expect students to be highly competent professionals who will either continue to MPhil/PhD level or who will be well equipped to apply their knowledge of social science methodologies and methods and their specific anthropological expertise in a range of settings.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, small group presentations and discussion, tutorials, laboratory and practical work, independent directed reading, interactive teamwork, video, and film and web-based courses.

Assessment is through coursework, unseen and take-home examination, laboratory books, posters and the dissertation.

Modules

During the MRes you will take a number of modules grouped under four headings:

1.  Ethnographic Area Directed Reading.

This component of the programme will provide you with an introduction to independent research under the guidance of your supervisor. You will develop advanced knowledge of the context and literature related to your proposed research topic and have an opportunity to demonstrate independence and initiative in selecting and defining a research project.

2. Research Methods and Transferable Skills

This component will provide you with training in Social Science Research Methods, Anthropological Research and skills in the development of Research Design and Presentation, while participating in a Weekly Departmental Seminar in Anthropology plus selected specialist seminar and language training where it is appropriate.

3. Theoretical, Conceptual and Regional Analysis

This component of the programme consists of two optional modules drawn from the Anthropology MRes Optional Modules. Together these elements constitute extensive preparation for research in the specific sub-field of anthropology in which you intend to specialise, an in-depth knowledge of a particular area or set of topics, and a further flexible element to complement or expand your existing knowledge. In addition, these elements combine teaching by a range of staff members to promote collegial cooperation amongst research students and staff across the Department, together with close direction by your supervisor or programme tutor on a one-to-one basis in the element of Directed Reading.

4. The Dissertation

The major element of this component of the programme is the dissertation itself under the supervision of your dedicated supervisor

Compulsory modules





Optional modules











Anthropology of Development













Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MRes in Anthropology.

Fieldwork

Students usually conduct fieldwork over the summer after the end of the third term. The research carried out will inform the final dissertation.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2023/24) £5,860
Tuition fees (2023/24) £26,200

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

The cost of field research is normally covered by the student.

In recent years our students have received fieldwork funding from the department’s Turing Scheme and the Anna Sturm Law Travel Prize.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

Students may be eligible to apply for ESRC awards.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Aziz Foundation Scholarships in Social and Historical Sciences

Value: Full tuition fees (1yr)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 29 June 2023
Value: Tuition fees plus £15,000 stipend ()
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • why you want to study Anthropology at graduate level
  • why you want to study Anthropology at UCL
  • what particularly attracts you to this programme
  • how your personal, academic and professional background meets the demands of a challenging academic environment
  • where you would like to go professionally with your degree

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Applicants must contact their proposed supervisors prior to applying to secure support for their application and research project.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2023-2024

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Anthropology
Anthropology

anthro-masters@ucl.ac.uk

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