Anthropology and Politics, MA

At Aberdeen, studying Anthropology and Politics is all about learning by doing. You won’t just sit in lecture halls — you’ll actively apply ideas to real-world contexts, work on live projects with external organisations, and build the kind of practical skills employers value most. From ethnographic fieldwork to policy analysis, the program is designed to give you hands-on experience that connects directly to careers in government, NGOs, media, and beyond. Alongside world-class teaching, you’ll have access to modern research facilities, powerful digital tools, and the impressive Sir Duncan Rice Library, one of the best academic libraries in the UK.

Here’s how you’ll put your learning into practice during the degree:

• Real-world consultancy projects: In your third year, you’ll work with external organisations through the Employer-Led Interdisciplinary Project (ED3537). You’ll tackle real challenges — such as designing community engagement initiatives or analysing policy issues — and present professional recommendations as part of a collaborative team.

• Paid internships for real experience: Through the university’s ABDN Internships programme, you can gain paid work experience during your studies, either part-time in term time or full-time over the summer. Many students work with government departments, NGOs, cultural institutions, and local businesses — building professional skills before graduation.

• Ethnographic and research skills training: Modules like Anthropological Research Methods and Project Design (AT3538) teach you how to design and conduct fieldwork, collect and analyse qualitative data, and carry out your own independent research project — a key strength that sets Aberdeen graduates apart.

• Collaborative projects and debates: Many courses include group work, case studies, and political simulations, where you’ll learn to debate, negotiate, and build evidence-based arguments — skills that are vital in policy, diplomacy, and advocacy careers.

• Study abroad opportunities: You can broaden your horizons through the Study Abroad and International Exchange program, experiencing new cultures and political systems firsthand and strengthening your global perspective.

• Mentoring and volunteering: The School of Social Science offers mentoring schemes, volunteering placements, and work-based projects that help you build networks, gain leadership experience, and enhance your career profile.

A degree in Anthropology and Politics from Aberdeen opens doors to a wide range of exciting and impactful careers. With your deep understanding of culture, society, power, and governance, you’ll be well-prepared to work in roles that shape communities, influence policy, and address global challenges. Many graduates go on to work as Policy Analysts, International Development Officers, Cultural Project Managers, or Research Consultants, contributing to meaningful change in both the public and private sectors.

Here’s how the University of Aberdeen helps you get there:

• Personalised careers support: You’ll have access to the university’s dedicated Careers and Employability Service, which offers one-to-one career coaching, CV and interview support, workshops, and employer networking events. You’ll also use MyCareerHub — an exclusive platform where internships and graduate roles are posted throughout the year.

• Real work experience during your degree: The university’s ABDN Internships programme offers paid placements during term time or over the summer, allowing you to build your CV and gain valuable experience before you graduate.

• Employer-led projects built into your studies: In your third year, you’ll take part in the Employer-Led Interdisciplinary Project (ED3537), working directly with real organisations on live challenges. It’s a hands-on experience that strengthens your professional skills and industry connections.

• Impressive graduate outcomes: Aberdeen consistently produces career-ready graduates — 96.6% of graduates are in employment or further study within six months of finishing their degree. In 2021–22 alone, more than 7,600 graduate jobs and internships were advertised to students through the Careers Service.

• Recognised for employability: The university is ranked 3rd in the UK for Work Experience (RateMyPlacement 2024), showing the strength of its industry links and the opportunities available to students.

• A respected and versatile degree: This joint degree is highly valued across many sectors, from government and NGOs to cultural institutions, consultancy, media, and research. It provides the flexibility to work in roles that span policy, heritage, communication, community engagement, and international development.

• Graduate destinations: Alumni have gone on to careers in public policy, museum and heritage management, community development, journalism, cultural consultancy, and international organisations, demonstrating the diverse opportunities available with this degree.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your undergraduate degree, you’ll have excellent options for further study. Many graduates continue with master’s or doctoral degrees in areas such as Cultural Anthropology, Political Science, Public Policy, International Development, Human Rights, Heritage Studies, or Global Studies. These advanced qualifications open pathways into academia, specialist research, senior roles in NGOs, and leadership positions in international organisations.