COURSE OVERVIEW
- Explore what it means to be human by developing an understanding of the biological aspects of humanity and delving into a wide array of human societies, both past and present.
- Get up close and hands-on with a range of materials, from primate skeletons to religious relics, in our University’s cutting-edge departmental laboratory
- Become a sought-after employee by diverse industries, from medicine and museums to academia and advertising
- Develop intercultural understanding – a key asset in today’s job market
Anthropology delves into the bare bones of what it means to be human. It takes the whole world as its canvas and brings you into close contact with an eye-opening array of human behaviours from both the past and present.
Our Anthropology programme is a fascinating exploration of human societies, looking at present-day western and non-western groups, the biological aspects of humanity, and social development through time as seen in material culture.
This three-year course enables you to get to grips with questions commonly posed by anthropologists: How has evolution shaped us? What is culture? Do any universals of human behaviour exist?
Due to the broad nature of the topic, anthropologists are highly valued by employers in many industries for their cross-cultural communication skills and their ability to analyse human behaviour. As Margaret Mead, the great American anthropologist, once said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
The course strikes a balance between academic learning and hands-on application. You can tinker with extensive archaeological materials, from primate skeletons to religious relics, in our University’s cutting-edge departmental laboratory.
Our programme uses a wide range of assessment methods including fieldwork projects and work placements. You will build experience with anthropological fieldwork techniques and will be encouraged to develop your own fieldwork interests through the course.
Classes are taught by passionate and highly-respected leaders in the field who specialise in varied aspects of the anthropological study of humanity, from investigating the evidence for health and disease in ancient human populations to migration and transnationalism in contemporary European societies.
The degree consists of three strands which extend throughout the entire course: social anthropology, biological anthropology and archaeology/material culture.
In Year 1, you receive an introduction to social and biological anthropology as well as material culture. You will also take modules in world prehistory and primate and human evolution.
Year 2’s core modules focus on research methods, theory, the relationship between biology and society, art and visual culture. A wide range of possible optional modules are available to introduce you to key geographic regions or themes such as religion and ritual, conflict, the archaeology of death and burial, human bioarchaeology, or gender and sexualities.
The third and final year you will undertake a research dissertation or a work placement. Third year modules allow for more in-depth specialisation in social and biological anthropology, as well as optional topics such as the Archaeology of Medieval Religion and Belief, Intangible Heritage, or the study of different religious traditions.
As an anthropology student, you learn how to understand, interpret and respond to human behaviour. Alongside such specialist skills, you also develop valuable transferable skills highly prized by employers, including the ability to think critically, communicate your ideas and opinions clearly and work both independently and collaboratively.
Find out more about the Department for Archaeology, Anthropology and Geography.
Careers
Anthropology graduates work in a wide range of careers such as international development, Government, NGOs, Business (especially cross-cultural communication), museums, or health and tourism.
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment and further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, HESA.
Pre-approved for a Masters
If you study a Bachelor Honours degree with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.
ABOUT THIS COURSE
Suitable for applicants from:
UK, EU, World
Work placements
You have the option to undertake a work placement in Year 3 instead of a dissertation. You can also undertake a volunteering placement in Year 2.
Study abroad
Our BA (Hons) Anthropology course provides an opportunity for you to study abroad in the United States of America (USA) or Canada.
For more information see our Study Abroad section.
Learning and teaching
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc., you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course
Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 252 hours
Independent learning: 948 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 240 hours
Independent learning: 960 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 168 hours
Independent learning: 1032 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.
Teaching hours
All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
Year 1 (Level 4)*:
62% coursework
25% written exams
13% practical exams
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
75% coursework
25% written exams
0% practical exams
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
87% coursework
13% written exams
0% practical exams
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.
Feedback
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
2023 Entry: 104-120 UCAS tariff points
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
- A-Levels: BCC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)
- BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
- T Level: Merit in a T Level
In addition to the above, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:
- GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT.
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.
Course Enquiries and Applications
Telephone: +44 (0) 1962 827234
Send us a message
International Students
If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by emailing our International Recruitment Team at International@winchester.ac.uk or calling +44 (0)1962 827023
Visit us
Explore our campus and find out more about studying at Winchester by coming to one of our Open Days.
Year 1 (Level 4)
Modules Credits
| Introduction to Social Anthropology | 15 | |
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This module forms an introduction to the principles and methods upon which the study of social, or cultural, anthropology is based. No prior knowledge of the subject is assumed or expected. The philosophical distinctiveness of the subject in relation to other disciplines is outlined, and the location within anthropology of social anthropology is examined. This leads on to an assessment of the different approaches to social anthropology (e.g. ethnography, historical anthropology, material culture studies) and how they differ. These thematic lectures are buttressed by the use of sessions looking at case studies of the different approaches, especially ethnographies. These are located within comparative and critical anthropological traditions. Parallel study skills sessions alongside this lecture series allow you to develop quickly the key skills needed in an HE environment. |
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| Introduction to Biological Anthropology | 15 | |
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This module forms an introduction to the principles and methods upon which biological anthropology is based. A background in science is not assumed or required. The module provides an overview of human adaptation to different environmental and other stresses, covering human nutritional requirements, epidemiology and the evolution of infectious diseases relevant to the study of human ecology. We will also explore primates and primate behaviour, elementary genetics, human reproduction and sexuality, demography, human growth and development, and changing perceptions of race and its validity as a concept. Students will develop skills in synthesising information from a range of sources and learn to critically evaluate various hypotheses about human behaviour and culture. |
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| The History of Anthropology | 15 | |
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This module is a linking introductory survey covering both the major figures who have shaped the discipline of anthropology (both social and biological) and the main theoretical approaches in relation to key areas within social and biological anthropology. It spans the period from the early modern roots of anthropology until the present day. We will critically examine the schools of thought that have dominated the discipline at different times and examine a selection of ethnographies and other major works that represent them. Thus we will briefly consider developments within a historical framework of major schools of thought within anthropology – evolution, diffusionism, functionalism, structuralism, postmodernism, socio-biology, evolutionary psychology – in Britain and beyond, and examine the relationship between social anthropology and biological anthropology (in areas such as sexuality, race and medicine) from an historical perspective up to the present day. |
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| Introduction to Primate and Human Evolution | 15 | |
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The module provides an introduction to the biological evidence for primate and human evolution, as well as to the ways in which this evidence has been analysed and interpreted. The anatomy of various primate and hominid species is considered from the perspective of reconstructing both primate and human evolutionary history and the evolution of primate and human behaviour. We will examine key fossil discoveries with reference to reconstructions of the environment and the archaeological record. We will thereby produce a synthesis of primate and evolution and human origins, which covers the period from the Eocene to Homo sapiens, and considers fossil evidence from the African Rift Valley to Europe and Asia and species from Adapidae to Homo, providing anatomical and evolutionary background to the emergence of a tool-using hominid species. |
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| Themes in Social Anthropology | 15 | |
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This module will introduce students to several key themes within social anthropology, which have been the subject of debate for decades. In each case the boundaries of the debate will be established and the key readings (especially ethnographies) considered, and the relationship of these debates to other disciplines. They will then be considered in a group discussion. Themes will be drawn from a broad list of possible topics. These include: kinship; gender, material culture and technology, globalisation, landscape and environment, ‘anthropology at home’, belief, magic and ritual, culture, or politics. The emphasis will be on contestation and recent ethnography. |
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| World Prehistory | 15 | |
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This module provides an introduction to the development of humans from hominid origins to the development of written forms of communication. Therefore, although the module has a single chronological starting point (c 7.5 my BP), it has a variable end point depending upon the part of the world under discussion. The module addresses the main stages of human evolution and development, starting with the separation from the Honinidae (the human family) from the Pongidae (the apes), the transition from Australopithecines to Homo and eventually to modern humans, and covering the origins and development of crucial human processes such as technology, social systems, art, farming and urbanisation. The significance of the independent invention of key developments (such as agriculture) in different parts of the world will be stressed. By these means, the student will gain a greater awareness of the main sequences of human development on a world scale, be able to better appreciate the 'time lines' of the prehistoric periods and will understand how the prehistory of the British Isles is a connected sub-set of that of both continental Europe and the world as a whole. |
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| Introduction to Material Culture | 15 | |
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Archaeologists deal with things. These things (material culture or artefacts) are a way of understanding the lives of the humans who made them. This course presents you with a detailed background to the main categories of material culture that you might encounter on any archaeological sites; these items include: stone tools, pottery, coins, metalwork etc. You will learn about the technology behind these artefacts, and crucially how things that we make do not just have a simple function, but also encode important symbolic information as well. By the end of this course you will look afresh at the way humans make and give meaning to even the most mundane and everyday items. |
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| Anthropological Questions | 15 | |
Year 2 (Level 5)
Modules Credits
| Biology and Society | 15 | |
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This module develops a number of themes within biological anthropology. These include the argument that human behaviour evolves as a response to different ecological circumstances. Topics will include behavioural ecology and landscape (as applied to both animal and human behaviour) and evolutionary psychology. Specific consideration is given to mate choice, life history evolution and kinship in humans, and the study of human cognition in cultural and cross-cultural contexts. We will also cover approaches to the human body: in the past, the body was often perceived as a biological fact with straightforward strengths and limitations, but for modern anthropology, bodies are far more complex. Similarly, we critically examine the construction of ‘race’, its modern critiques and its continuing use in public discourse. |
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| Anthropology of Art and Visual Culture | 15 | |
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The module explores representation, art and visual culture in anthropology and the importance of its role in western and non-western cultures, especially art produced by small-scale societies. The forms of visual culture and art and, in particular, the representation of the human body, are examined in relation to evidence such as pottery, sculpture, painting, photography and film. The anthropology of art considers art to be a social process, and therefore not only analyses the artistic artefacts themselves and the aesthetic values attributed to them, but also their production processes, and the wider social and historical contexts within which this occurs. The module focuses on issues of representation, collection, and museum practice, and critically discusses various anthropological theories of art and visual culture. The module also investigates the possibility of cross-cultural aesthetics, the anthropology of art in museums, and provides an anthropological overview of the contemporary art world. Specific objects and examples of visual culture are examined closely and their interpretation linked to larger questions relating to gender, embodiment, technology and representation. |
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| Using Theory and Method in Anthropology | 15 | |
| Thinking Through Theory | 15 | |
| Year 2 Optional Modules | ||
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Optional Credits
| Biology and Society | 15 | |
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This module develops a number of themes within biological anthropology. These include the argument that human behaviour evolves as a response to different ecological circumstances. Topics will include behavioural ecology and landscape (as applied to both animal and human behaviour) and evolutionary psychology. Specific consideration is given to mate choice, life history evolution and kinship in humans, and the study of human cognition in cultural and cross-cultural contexts. We will also cover approaches to the human body: in the past, the body was often perceived as a biological fact with straightforward strengths and limitations, but for modern anthropology, bodies are far more complex. Similarly, we critically examine the construction of ‘race’, its modern critiques and its continuing use in public discourse. |
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| Anthropology of Art and Visual Culture | 15 | |
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The module explores representation, art and visual culture in anthropology and the importance of its role in western and non-western cultures, especially art produced by small-scale societies. The forms of visual culture and art and, in particular, the representation of the human body, are examined in relation to evidence such as pottery, sculpture, painting, photography and film. The anthropology of art considers art to be a social process, and therefore not only analyses the artistic artefacts themselves and the aesthetic values attributed to them, but also their production processes, and the wider social and historical contexts within which this occurs. The module focuses on issues of representation, collection, and museum practice, and critically discusses various anthropological theories of art and visual culture. The module also investigates the possibility of cross-cultural aesthetics, the anthropology of art in museums, and provides an anthropological overview of the contemporary art world. Specific objects and examples of visual culture are examined closely and their interpretation linked to larger questions relating to gender, embodiment, technology and representation. |
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| Using Theory and Method in Anthropology | 15 | |
| Thinking Through Theory | 15 | |
| Year 2 Optional Modules | ||
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Year 3 (Level 6)
Modules Credits
| Extended Independent Study in Anthropology* | 30 | |
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*Students will choose either the Extended Independent Study in Anthropology module or the Placement (Extended Independent Study) module. |
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| Placement (Extended Independent Study)* | 30 | |
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*Students will choose either the Extended Independent Study in Anthropology module or the Placement (Extended Independent Study) module. |
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| Specialism in Social Anthropology | 15 | |
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Study will involve an in-depth exploration of a particular theme or area in the study of anthropology in line with the lecturing staff’s research expertise. Key controversies and problems will be considered and methodologies analysed. A focus will lie on independent study on the part of the students to explore particular themes, texts, figures, or areas around the subject, which will be based in contemporary scholarly resources. Students will be required to take the initiative on devising their assessment projects, and to exhibit strong communication skills in the delivery of their findings. |
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| Specialism in Biological Anthropology | 15 | |
| Communicating and Applying Anthropology | 15 | |
| Year 3 Optional Modules | ||
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Optional Credits
| Extended Independent Study in Anthropology* | 30 | |
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*Students will choose either the Extended Independent Study in Anthropology module or the Placement (Extended Independent Study) module. |
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| Placement (Extended Independent Study)* | 30 | |
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*Students will choose either the Extended Independent Study in Anthropology module or the Placement (Extended Independent Study) module. |
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| Specialism in Social Anthropology | 15 | |
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Study will involve an in-depth exploration of a particular theme or area in the study of anthropology in line with the lecturing staff’s research expertise. Key controversies and problems will be considered and methodologies analysed. A focus will lie on independent study on the part of the students to explore particular themes, texts, figures, or areas around the subject, which will be based in contemporary scholarly resources. Students will be required to take the initiative on devising their assessment projects, and to exhibit strong communication skills in the delivery of their findings. |
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| Specialism in Biological Anthropology | 15 | |
| Communicating and Applying Anthropology | 15 | |
| Year 3 Optional Modules | ||
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Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing, for full-time students entering the programme in Year 1. Optional modules are listed where applicable. Please note the University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. For further information please refer to the terms and conditions at www.winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions.
The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed above.
Progression from one level of the programme to the next is subject to meeting the University’s academic regulations.
2023 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International | |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
| Year 2 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
| Year 3 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
| Total | £27,750 | £44,100 |
| Optional Sandwich Year* | £1,385 | £1,440 |
| Total with Sandwich Year | £29,135 | £45,540 |
If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2023, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.
Remember, you don't have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year. If finance is a worry for you, we are here to help. Take a look at the range of support we have on offer. This is a great investment you are making in your future, so make sure you know what is on offer to support you.
UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £122.50 and a 15 credit module is £1,837.
* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year. To find out whether this course offers a sandwich year, please contact the programme leader for further information.
**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:
Mandatory
Printing and Binding
The University is pleased to offer our students a printing allowance of £5 each academic year. This will print around 125 A4 (black and white) pages. If students wish to print more, printer credit can be topped up by the student. The University and Student Union are champions of sustainability and we ask all our students to consider the environmental impact before printing.
Optional
Anthropological field studies
Different options for field studies in anthropology exist over the course of the degree programme, from week-long field trips to field research over the summer on university-led or independent field research projects. Students may have to cover project-specific costs, including travel, accommodation and subsistence for the duration of the project. At the highest end of this spectrum are the projects in Barbados (indicative cost is £1200 for two weeks); and Georgia (indicative cost is £1500 for four weeks). For the week-long field trip, optional costs would be between £150 and £300.
Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards page.
Key course details
- UCAS code
- LL60
- Duration
- 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
- Typical offer
- 104-120 points
- Location
- On campus, Winchester
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