BASS Politics and Social Anthropology

One of the things that makes this course stand out is how hands-on the learning really is. You won’t just sit in lectures—you’ll constantly be applying ideas to real-world issues. Whether it’s using digital tools for social research, debating political challenges in small groups, or working directly with materials from the University’s world-class library collections, you’ll be building practical skills that employers value. Manchester also gives you access to specialist facilities, from data labs to archives, so you can really explore politics and anthropology in action.

And because the course combines two disciplines, you’ll practice switching between perspectives—understanding how politics shapes people’s lives and how cultures influence political decisions. That kind of training makes you flexible, creative, and ready for a range of careers. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll experience:

• Research methods training – You’ll gain hands-on skills in both qualitative and quantitative research, learning to use data analysis software (SPSS, Stata, R) and digital ethnography tools.

• Specialist data and IT labs – The School of Social Sciences provides dedicated computing labs with the latest software for survey analysis, statistics, and mapping social trends.

• The John Rylands Library & University Library – Home to one of the best collections in the UK, including political archives and anthropological texts you can use for projects and dissertations.

• Group projects & debates – Many course units involve collaborative work where you’ll debate, present, and problem-solve with your peers, reflecting real policy and research teamwork.

• Placement & study abroad options – You can apply to spend a year working in a professional setting or studying at a partner university overseas, giving you international and practical experience.

• Manchester Urban Institute & Sustainable Consumption Institute – You’ll be studying in a university that hosts world-leading research centres, opening doors to cutting-edge guest lectures and possible research collaborations.

• Fieldwork opportunities – Anthropology modules often include fieldwork elements, where you’ll practice observation and interviewing in real communities.

Turn your passion for people and politics into a career with real impact. Our graduates go on to roles in government, NGOs, journalism, consultancy, and global organisations like the UN.

• 94–95% in work or further study within 15 months

• Average salaries rising to £27k–£33k within five years

• Supported by Manchester’s Careers Service (available for 2 years after graduation)

• Top employers recruit here: Houses of Parliament, Foreign Office, Google, and United Nations.

• A Russell Group, world top-35 university, gives your degree global recognition.

Next step? Build your expertise with a Manchester master’s or PhD in Politics, Anthropology, or Development Studies—or go straight into a career where you can make change happen.