Anthropology is the study of contemporary human cultural lives. This degree centres on anthropology’s ethnographic approach, which is employed to understand how people live their lives, on their own terms. Such an approach enables anthropologists to examine key global challenges and events, like climate change and xenophobia, as well as how government policies, technologies, and products and services are incorporated into people’s lives. Designed for those whose work or interest is in understanding people in specific contexts, this program equips students with the necessary ethnographic skills and opportunities to undertake analysis of human lives, and to make cross-cultural comparisons.  

Why study anthropology at the ANU?

The Master of Anthropology (Advanced) at the ANU is a highly sought-after program that places very strong emphasis on anthropological theory and methods with the intention of turning out graduates ready to work in applied research contexts in the public and corporate sectors, or to proceed to a PhD. The program provides students with central skills in anthropological and ethnographic theory and methods, which includes training in research and analysis, a broad suite of optional language training, field-schools, internship placements as well as a thesis option. We offer graduates comprehensive training in ethnographic methods and anthropological theory, followed by thematised progression in accordance with the student's interests and future intentions for work or study.

A Master of Anthropology will advance your career working in cultural institutions, the public service, non-government organisations, academia, or any professional area requiring an understanding of anthropology.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand when and how to apply ethnographic research techniques;
2. Select from a range of anthropological methods those most suitable to a particular research or policy problem;
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the history of anthropological theory and the different ethnographic methods associated with different periods;
4. Articulate and demonstrate the value of conducting ethnographic work in a given context;
5. Design ethnographically based programs of investigation ready for application in a given field or work or study.
6. Apply anthropological knowledge to cross-cultural work environments and problem solving.
7. Complete a major piece of research in the field of Anthropology