Anthropology at University of Aberdeen

Anthropology at Aberdeen is a wide and fascinating exploration of humankind and what it means to ‘be human’. You will study the differences in human cultures and societies and how they have developed across the world. The programme has a special focus on the northern polar countries and their links to north east Scotland. Our programme is a brilliant foundation for many careers and scores 100% satisfaction with students.

Anthropologists explore the biological and social features that make us human to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and ethnic differences in our beliefs and perspectives. At Aberdeen, we explore this subject in a wide social, political and economic context.

You will gain a unique insight into the behaviour, beliefs and attitudes of societies all over the world, finding connections between aspects of life such as family, economics, politics and religion and themes including ethnicity and nationalism.

You will be inspired by teachers and researchers who are international leaders in their fields and you will take advantage of Aberdeen being an international research centre for studying the northern Arctic peoples from Russian and the Nordic and Baltic countries, as well as people from Iceland, Greenland, Canada and Alaska.

The skills you will develop in critical thinking and analysis will give you a deep knowledge and understanding of human behaviour, which can be applied in business and many other fields. Many of our graduates now work in research, teaching, media, politics, or in business or public sector organisations in a host of roles with international and cultural contexts.

You will enjoy a special, warm welcome at the University of Aberdeen and benefit from excellent teaching, the international impact of our research and a global experience, all within our friendly and vibrant international community. You will love our beautiful campus and great facilities for learning, sports and leisure and our many opportunities to develop extra skills, broaden your horizons and gain the competitive advantage in the career path you choose.

What You'll Study

Anthropology is a diverse field of study that will provide you with unique insights into the differences in human behaviour from a cross-cultural perspective. You'll learn about the beliefs and attitudes of societies all over the world and will study themes such as ethnicity and nationalism, anthropological approaches to religion, colonialism, society, nature and morality. This programme is taught through a selection of compulsory and optional courses adding up to 120 credits each year.

Learning Methods

• INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS
• LECTURES
• RESEARCH
• TUTORIALS

Why Study Anthropology?

• Anthropology at Aberdeen is ranked 4th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2020
• You will gain a deep knowledge and understanding of human behaviour, which can be applied in business and many other fields.
• The University approaches the study of anthropology from an international perspective, meaning you will have unique insights into the infrastructure of companies from other countries and cultures.
• The social, political and economic context in which you will study anthropology at Aberdeen will provide you with a cross-cultural understanding of how current affairs are perceived by international businesses.
• The critical thinking and analysis skills that you develop will enable you to work with a diverse range of people in a variety of international and cultural contexts.
• At Aberdeen, our teaching is research-led, so you will have unique insights into the subject based on research carried out by staff and postgraduate students.
• A particular strength of our Anthropology programme at Aberdeen is our focus on the study of the circumpolar North. Our core staff also specialise in the study of regions as diverse as Canada, the Central Asian Republics, Iceland and Scandinavia, Siberia, Scotland and the UK, South America, Tibet and the Himalayas.
• You will benefit from the University's close links with other programmes such as Sociology, Politics, International Relations and Archaeology.
• As an Anthropology student, you will have access to the University’s extensive anthropological and ethnographic museum collections.

Career opportunities

• Charity Fundraiser
• Curriculum Developer
• Employment Support Worker
• Graduate Trainee Relocation Adviser
• Junior Lecturer
• Marketing Officer
• Publicity Officer
• Recruitment Consultant
• Youth Worker