Anthropology is the study of humans: what unites us as a species and how and why individuals and groups vary both biologically and culturally across space and time. Our course - just one of a handful at UK universities to offer complementary units covering both social anthropology alongside the core focus of biological anthropology - provides a firm foundation for understanding how societies work through comprehensive study of the dual biological/social nature of humans and societies, past and present.

The course is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of human biological and cultural diversity. Anthropological theory and fieldwork, cultural ecology, human-environment interaction, human evolution and material culture and technology are all key areas of study, and in addition you will undertake hands-on practical and laboratory work, all delivered by leading practitioners in their fields. Along the way, you will also gain a unique combination of highly transferable analytical, communication and presentation skills that are highly valued by a range of prospective employers.

After a broad, foundational first year, in your second and third years you will be able to select from a portfolio of subject options from biological and social anthropology and allied disciplines, allowing you to create a course of study built around your own interests, passions, and career aspirations. You’ll also have the opportunity to complete a five- or 30-week placement outside university. This will give you the chance to apply skills developed throughout your degree as well as build a network of professional contacts and a strong CV, enhancing your career prospects after graduation.

This course received a 92% overall satisfaction rating from our final year students in the latest National Student Survey (NSS) with 100% of them agreeing that our staff are good at explaining things.

Our BSc (Hons) Anthropology course started in 2015. It gives you a fantastic overview of the subject area and you will have varied career options when you graduate. Our degree covers social and biological anthropology, which means you can work in various disciplines once you graduate, including archaeology, forensic science, cultural ecology, human environment interaction and human evolution to name just a few.

Within six months of completing their course, 90% of our students who study anthropology courses are working or studying.