BA Anthropology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BA Anthropology at the University of Exeter explores how people create cultures, communities and social identities across different societies around the world. The programme is designed for students who want to understand human behaviour, social relationships and global challenges through the study of culture, beliefs, politics and everyday life, while developing strong research and analytical skills.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
The first year introduces students to the foundations of anthropology and the different ways anthropologists study human societies and cultures. Through modules such as Introduction to Social Anthropology, Traditions of Anthropological Inquiry, and Imagining Social Worlds, students explore key anthropological concepts, research approaches and different perspectives on social life.

Year 2:
In the second year, students build deeper knowledge of contemporary anthropological issues while strengthening their research and analytical abilities. Modules such as Current Debates in Anthropology and Knowing the Social World allow students to explore topics including migration, identity, religion, politics, health, technology and the relationship between individuals and society.

Year 3:
The final year allows students to specialise in areas of personal interest and undertake advanced anthropological research. Students complete an Anthropology Dissertation and can choose from specialist topics such as Anthropology of the State, Anthropology of Forced Migration, Anthropology of Islam, Animals and Society, Science, Technology and Society, and Environments and Societies.

Year 4 (Optional Study Abroad or Employment Experience):
Students can choose a four-year pathway that includes either Study Abroad or Employment Experience. The Study Abroad option provides an opportunity to gain international experience at a partner university, while the Employment Experience route allows students to develop professional skills through a workplace placement before completing their degree.

Focus Areas: Social Anthropology, Culture and Identity, Religion and Belief Systems, Migration, Communities, Global Issues, Human Relationships, Social Research Methods, Politics and Society, Health and Wellbeing.

Learning Outcomes: Students develop the ability to understand different cultures and societies, analyse social and cultural patterns, apply research methods, evaluate global issues, conduct independent investigations and communicate complex ideas clearly.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The BA Anthropology is not associated with a specific professional accreditation body but provides students with valuable transferable skills including research, critical thinking, communication, cultural awareness, teamwork and problem-solving. These skills prepare graduates for careers in areas such as social research, education, public policy, international development, business and community organisations.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Exeter offers research-led teaching through academics involved in contemporary anthropological research and global debates. Students benefit from a flexible curriculum, specialist knowledge and opportunities to develop skills that are highly valued across a wide range of graduate careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the BA Anthropology at the University of Exeter gain practical experience by exploring human societies and cultures through research activities, group projects, fieldwork-based learning and independent investigations. The programme combines academic knowledge with practical research skills, helping students understand how anthropologists study communities, identities and social issues through observation, analysis and interpretation. Students benefit from research-led teaching, expert academic support and opportunities to develop valuable skills in social research methods that can be applied in a variety of professional settings.

The programme provides practical learning opportunities through research activities, collaborative projects and specialist academic resources:

Develop fieldwork skills through fieldwork-based inquiry, where students learn how anthropologists collect, analyse and interpret information about people, communities and cultures.
Gain practical experience through group activities, projects, presentations, seminars and tutorials, allowing students to develop teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.
Complete research-based assignments, including essays, projects and a final-year Anthropology Dissertation, helping students strengthen independent research and critical analysis abilities.
Learn from academics involved in contemporary anthropological research, with teaching connected to current issues related to culture, society, identity, migration, religion and global challenges.
Explore different social settings and communities through anthropological research themes, developing an understanding of how societies function and change.
Use university library resources, digital academic materials and research databases to support coursework, independent study and dissertation research.
Develop skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods, learning how social information is collected, evaluated and interpreted.
Receive academic guidance from experienced tutors and researchers who support students throughout their studies and research projects.
Benefit from optional modules and Future Skills Pathways, allowing students to broaden their knowledge and develop additional academic and professional skills.
Gain international or workplace experience through the four-year pathway options, including Study Abroad and Employment Experience, helping students build global awareness and professional confidence.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A BA Anthropology degree from the University of Exeter prepares graduates for a wide range of careers by developing a deep understanding of human societies, cultures and social behaviour, along with strong research, communication and analytical skills. The programme helps students learn how to analyse evidence, understand different communities and approach complex social issues, creating opportunities across areas such as business, education, heritage, government, media and research. Typical career paths include Museum Assistant, Management Consultant, Intelligence Analyst, Teacher, Marketing Assistant, Social Researcher and Community Development Officer.

The programme supports career development through dedicated employability services, practical skill development and opportunities to gain professional experience:

Access support from the University of Exeter’s Career Zone, which provides careers advice, employability guidance, skills workshops, employer events and personalised support to help students prepare for graduate careers.
Take part in initiatives such as the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award, which help students build workplace skills through workshops, volunteering opportunities, leadership activities and career development experiences.
Develop valuable skills in research, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, data interpretation and presenting ideas effectively, which are highly valued by employers across different industries.
Benefit from strong graduate outcomes, with 92% of Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology graduates being employed or in further study 15 months after graduation according to the HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2022/23.
Explore career opportunities across sectors including business and management, education, heritage and culture, marketing, publishing, journalism, technology, government and public services.
Gain insight into possible employer pathways, with Exeter graduates progressing into organisations such as KPMG, Deloitte, the Civil Service, National Trust, Natural History Museum, PwC and Thomson Reuters Foundation.
Build long-term career value through transferable skills such as cultural awareness, independent research, understanding human behaviour and the ability to work with diverse communities.
Gain additional international or professional experience through the four-year pathway options, including Study Abroad and Employment Experience, allowing students to develop global perspectives or workplace skills before graduation.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BA Anthropology, graduates can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes to specialise further or expand their career opportunities. Possible progression routes include MA Visual Anthropology, MA International Relations, MA Museum Studies, MSc Digital Innovation and Analytics, MA Applied Human Rights and Postgraduate Diploma in Law, depending on individual interests and career goals.