BA (Hons)

Anthropology

LL60

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.

People at a religious gathering

Course overview

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. 

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. 

What you need to know

Course start date

September

Location

Winchester campus

Course length

  • 3 years full-time
  • 6 years part-time

Apply

LL60

Typical offer

104-120 points

Fees

From £9,250 pa

Course features

  • 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 

Course details

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: 228 hours
Independent learning: 972 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.

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)*:

74% coursework
13% written exams
13% 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.

Modules

Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions

Modules

Introduction to Social Anthropology

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 different approaches to social anthropology (e.g. ethnography, material culture studies, applied anthropology, visual anthropology). Thematic lectures are buttressed by the use of seminar sessions looking at case studies of the different approaches. These are located within comparative and critical anthropological traditions. Students will be introduced to the UN Sustainable Development Goals in order to develop an understanding of how research in social anthropology can contribute to meeting global challenges. Parallel study skills sessions also allow you to develop the key skills needed in an HE environment

Introduction to Biological Anthropology

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. Students will be encouraged to develop awareness of themes in relation to the UN SDG’s 3 Good health and well-being or 15 Life on land.

The History of Anthropology

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 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 the key figures involved, as well as 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, including evolution, diffusionism, functionalism, cultural relativism, structuralism, interpretive anthropology, postmodernism, socio-biology, and evolutionary psychology in Britain and beyond. Through seminars we will 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.

Introduction to Primate and Human Evolution

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.

Themes in Social Anthropology

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, as well as the relationship of these debates to other disciplines. They will then be considered in greater depth through student-led seminars. Themes will be drawn from a broad list of possible topics. These may include: kinship, gender, material culture and technology, globalisation, landscape and environment, ‘anthropology at home’, belief, magic and ritual, culture, politics, hierarchies and inequality, and applied anthropology. The emphasis will be on contestation and recent ethnography. Students will be encouraged to develop awareness of these themes in relation to the UN SDGs, especially in discussion of topics such as globalisation, inequality, gender, politics, and development.

Anthropological Questions

In this linking module, students will explore key issues in anthropological research through the lenses of the three ‘strands’ of Anthropology they will be studying over the course of their degree programme. In a series of linked lectures and discussions, students will be exposed to the similarities and differences in philosophical frameworks, methods, and approaches in biological anthropology, social anthropology, and material culture/archaeological studies. The issues chosen will allow students to explore larger questions around what makes us human, and how human lives are shaped by biological, social, environmental and material factors. The key themes will be chosen from a broad list of possible topics but may include: human-non-human relations; language; food; space and place; health and disease; birth and death; the body; relations with the natural world.

World Prehistory

This module provides an introduction to the development of humans from hominid origins to the writing. 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 discussed. The module addresses the main stages of human evolution, starting with the separation of the Hominidae (the human family) from the Pongidae (the apes), then the transition from Australopithecines to Homo and eventually to modern humans. It then examines the origins and development of crucial human processes such as technology, social systems, art, farming and urbanisation, and the significance of their independent invention in different parts of the world. The student will gain a greater awareness of the main sequences of human development on a world scale, and understand how the prehistory of the British Isles is connected to both continental Europe and the wider world.

Introduction to Material Culture

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. As the majority of archaeological material seen by the public is displayed within museums, you will also consider how material culture is displayed and presented within museums, and the choices made by curators about this. 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.

Modules

Biology and Society

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 (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. 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. We will discuss how lives and societal status differ depending on factors such as gender, age, ‘race’, and health as well as explore these concepts in terms of how they can be defined biologically.

Anthropology of Art and Visual Culture

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. Forms of art and visual and material culture from a range of geographic areas are examined using evidence such as pottery, sculpture, painting, photography and film as well as everyday objects of ritual and aesthetic value. 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, their circulation through different contexts, and the wider social and historical contexts within which this occurs. The module, therefore, focuses on issues of representation, collection, and museum practice, as well as the possibility of cross-cultural aesthetics, the art market, and the contemporary art world.

Using Theory and Method in Anthropology

This module encourages you to apply theoretical and methodological approaches in archaeology and anthropology to your own research design. The module will refer to key theoretical approaches, and will introduce key methods for archaeological and anthropological research. You will explore a range of sources of information, and a variety of methods for gathering data in both archaeological and anthropological research. You will also examine in depth how independent research is designed and carried out, including the process of research design, ethical considerations, methodological choices, data gathering, data analysis and writing. By the end of the module you should have a sound understanding of how archaeological and anthropological research is designed and carried out in order to apply this to your own research.

Thinking Through Theory

All humanities subjects are grounded in theory. These bodies of theory may or may not be explicitly stated, but you use them, whether you are aware of them or not. It is easiest to think of theory as the set of tools that you can use to ‘fix’ or understand a problem. This module considers contemporary theory in archaeology, social anthropology and biological anthropology, drawing on areas of social and cultural theory that have been relevant to archaeologists and anthropologists. You will be encouraged to read and discuss a range of key historical texts and case studies will be used to demonstrate how the theories have been applied in recent archaeological or anthropological research. In this way, you will be able to understand the appropriateness of theories which may be relevant to your research interests and to gain a wider appreciation of how we think through problems and issues.

Optional Modules
  • Period Study: Early Prehistoric Europe - 15 Credits
  • Theme Study: The Archaeology of Conflict - 15 Credits
  • Theme Study: The Archaeology of Religion and Ritual - 15 Credits
  • Applied Technique: Human Bioarchaeology - 15 Credits
  • Theme Study: The Archaeology and Anthropology of Death - 15 Credits
  • Archaeology and Popular Culture - 15 Credits
  • Community Volunteering Placement - 15 Credits
  • Anthropology Fieldtrip - 15 Credits
  • Global Environmental Change - 15 Credits
  • Political and Religious Themes in the Modern Near and Middle East - 15 Credits
  • Southern Cultures - 15 Credits
  • Religion, Ritual and Society - 15 Credits
  • Indigenous Religions - 15 Credits
  • Hinduism and Modernity - 15 Credits
  • Aspects of Islam - 15 Credits
  • Buddhism: Traditions and Transformations - 15 Credits
  • Exploring Judaism - 15 Credits
  • Gender and Sexualities - 15 Credits
  • Introduction to Sociolinguistics - 15 credits
  • Language and Identity - 15 credits
  • English on the Periphery - Varieties of English - 15 credits
  • Language Death, Revival and Change - 15 credits
  • Onomastics - 15 credits
  • Period Study: Later Prehistoric Europe - 15 Credits
  • Period Study: The Greek World - 15 Credits
  • Period Study: An Introduction to the Archaeology of Roman and Medieval Britain - 15 Credits
  • Period Study: Later Prehistoric Europe - 15 Credits
  • Period Study: The Greek World - 15 Credits
  • Period Study: An Introduction to the Archaelogy of Roman and Medieval Britain - 15 Credits
  • History's Eye - Photography and Society - 15 Credits
  • Global Governance - 15 Credits

Optional

Biology and Society

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 (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. 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. We will discuss how lives and societal status differ depending on factors such as gender, age, ‘race’, and health as well as explore these concepts in terms of how they can be defined biologically.

Anthropology of Art and Visual Culture

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. Forms of art and visual and material culture from a range of geographic areas are examined using evidence such as pottery, sculpture, painting, photography and film as well as everyday objects of ritual and aesthetic value. 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, their circulation through different contexts, and the wider social and historical contexts within which this occurs. The module, therefore, focuses on issues of representation, collection, and museum practice, as well as the possibility of cross-cultural aesthetics, the art market, and the contemporary art world.

Using Theory and Method in Anthropology

This module encourages you to apply theoretical and methodological approaches in archaeology and anthropology to your own research design. The module will refer to key theoretical approaches, and will introduce key methods for archaeological and anthropological research. You will explore a range of sources of information, and a variety of methods for gathering data in both archaeological and anthropological research. You will also examine in depth how independent research is designed and carried out, including the process of research design, ethical considerations, methodological choices, data gathering, data analysis and writing. By the end of the module you should have a sound understanding of how archaeological and anthropological research is designed and carried out in order to apply this to your own research.

Thinking Through Theory

All humanities subjects are grounded in theory. These bodies of theory may or may not be explicitly stated, but you use them, whether you are aware of them or not. It is easiest to think of theory as the set of tools that you can use to ‘fix’ or understand a problem. This module considers contemporary theory in archaeology, social anthropology and biological anthropology, drawing on areas of social and cultural theory that have been relevant to archaeologists and anthropologists. You will be encouraged to read and discuss a range of key historical texts and case studies will be used to demonstrate how the theories have been applied in recent archaeological or anthropological research. In this way, you will be able to understand the appropriateness of theories which may be relevant to your research interests and to gain a wider appreciation of how we think through problems and issues.

Optional Modules
  • Period Study: Early Prehistoric Europe - 15 Credits
  • Theme Study: The Archaeology of Conflict - 15 Credits
  • Theme Study: The Archaeology of Religion and Ritual - 15 Credits
  • Applied Technique: Human Bioarchaeology - 15 Credits
  • Theme Study: The Archaeology and Anthropology of Death - 15 Credits
  • Archaeology and Popular Culture - 15 Credits
  • Community Volunteering Placement - 15 Credits
  • Anthropology Fieldtrip - 15 Credits
  • Global Environmental Change - 15 Credits
  • Political and Religious Themes in the Modern Near and Middle East - 15 Credits
  • Southern Cultures - 15 Credits
  • Religion, Ritual and Society - 15 Credits
  • Indigenous Religions - 15 Credits
  • Hinduism and Modernity - 15 Credits
  • Aspects of Islam - 15 Credits
  • Buddhism: Traditions and Transformations - 15 Credits
  • Exploring Judaism - 15 Credits
  • Gender and Sexualities - 15 Credits
  • Introduction to Sociolinguistics - 15 credits
  • Language and Identity - 15 credits
  • English on the Periphery - Varieties of English - 15 credits
  • Language Death, Revival and Change - 15 credits
  • Onomastics - 15 credits
  • Period Study: Later Prehistoric Europe - 15 Credits
  • Period Study: The Greek World - 15 Credits
  • Period Study: An Introduction to the Archaeology of Roman and Medieval Britain - 15 Credits
  • Period Study: Later Prehistoric Europe - 15 Credits
  • Period Study: The Greek World - 15 Credits
  • Period Study: An Introduction to the Archaelogy of Roman and Medieval Britain - 15 Credits
  • History's Eye - Photography and Society - 15 Credits
  • Global Governance - 15 Credits

Modules

Placement (Extended Independent Study)

This is a project-based, double module intended for those students who wish to gain prolonged practical experience of working within an external organisation. Students identify and organise their own placement with an external host organisation, ideally one with a specific interest to them, e.g. museology, minority communities, health. At the start of the module, students are required to produce an Action Plan for their proposed project, outlining contact details of their host, the nature of the work to be carried out, health and safety issues and other practical considerations. Students will devote their time with the host organisation primarily to working on a project jointly negotiated by the student, external organisation and module tutors. The report that is the culmination of the module directly addresses the aims of the Action Plan and reflects on the learning experience, as well as providing the host organisation with a measurable output.

Extended Independent Study in Anthropology

This double module is a c. 10,000 word dissertation in anthropology for students studying on any of the anthropology programmes. It enables students to apply their knowledge of anthropological theory and practice, in order to produce a piece of independent research which shows clarity of expression, logical argument and creative thought. The dissertation content/subject matter should reflect their chosen anthropological pathway. This is an Extended Independent Study module.

Specialism in Social Anthropology

Study will involve an in-depth exploration of a particular theme or area in the study of social anthropology in line with the lecturing staff’s research expertise. Key concepts, 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. There will be an emphasis on analysis of published ethnographic research on the chosen theme. 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.

Specialism in Biological Anthropology

Study will involve an in-depth exploration of a particular theme or area in the study of biological anthropology in line with the lecturing staff’s research expertise. Key concepts, 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.

Communicating and Applying Anthropology

The significance of communication for the anthropological public voice is considerable. Through this linking module students explore both the treatment of contemporary anthropological issues in the media and public debate, and how anthropologists can become effective communicators using anthropological data. Students are introduced to the style and conventions of a variety of means of communicating anthropological knowledge to the public – these may include, for example: museum exhibit texts; public policy documents; newspaper articles; advocacy materials; or digital media campaigns. The module is run as a series of seminar-style workshops in which students explore major contemporary issues from the three strands of anthropology, analyse existing public representation of these issues, and devise strategies for their effective communication to an appropriate audience. Through these sessions students will also investigate the roles anthropologists can play in contributing to public debate, giving them the opportunity to reflect on their own career goals and options.

Optional Modules
  • Depth Study: The Celts - 15 Credits
  • Depth Study: Later Prehistoric Wessex - 15 Credits
  • Depth Study: Caribbean peoples and cultures - 15 Credits
  • Depth Study: Archaeology of Buddhism - 15 Credits
  • Depth Study: The Archaeology of the Southern Caucasus - 15 Credits
  • Depth Study: Medieval Religion and Belief - 15 Credits
  • Depth Study: Battlefield Archaeology - 15 Credits
  • Depth Study: Maritime Archaeology - 15 Credits
  • Depth Study: Minoans and Mycenaeans: the Greek Bronze Age - 15 Credits
  • Puzzling the Past - 15 Credits
  • Fieldwork - 15 Credits
  • Field Research - 15 Credits
  • Religion, Ritual and Society - 15 Credits
  • Indigenous Religions - 15 Credits
  • Hinduism and Modernity - 15 Credits
  • Aspects of Islam - 15 Credits
  • Buddhism: Traditions and Transformations - 15 Credits
  • Exploring Judaism - 15 Credits
  • Disability and Society - 15 Credits
  • Language and Identity - 15 Credits
  • English on the Periphery - Varieties of English - 15 credits
  • Language Death, Revival and Change - 15 Credits
  • Onomastics - 15 credits
  • Politics, Energy and the Environment - 15 Credits
  • Global South: Politics, Inequality and (in)Security - 15 Credits

Optional

Placement (Extended Independent Study)

This is a project-based, double module intended for those students who wish to gain prolonged practical experience of working within an external organisation. Students identify and organise their own placement with an external host organisation, ideally one with a specific interest to them, e.g. museology, minority communities, health. At the start of the module, students are required to produce an Action Plan for their proposed project, outlining contact details of their host, the nature of the work to be carried out, health and safety issues and other practical considerations. Students will devote their time with the host organisation primarily to working on a project jointly negotiated by the student, external organisation and module tutors. The report that is the culmination of the module directly addresses the aims of the Action Plan and reflects on the learning experience, as well as providing the host organisation with a measurable output.

Extended Independent Study in Anthropology

This double module is a c. 10,000 word dissertation in anthropology for students studying on any of the anthropology programmes. It enables students to apply their knowledge of anthropological theory and practice, in order to produce a piece of independent research which shows clarity of expression, logical argument and creative thought. The dissertation content/subject matter should reflect their chosen anthropological pathway. This is an Extended Independent Study module.

Specialism in Social Anthropology

Study will involve an in-depth exploration of a particular theme or area in the study of social anthropology in line with the lecturing staff’s research expertise. Key concepts, 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. There will be an emphasis on analysis of published ethnographic research on the chosen theme. 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.

Specialism in Biological Anthropology

Study will involve an in-depth exploration of a particular theme or area in the study of biological anthropology in line with the lecturing staff’s research expertise. Key concepts, 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.

Communicating and Applying Anthropology

The significance of communication for the anthropological public voice is considerable. Through this linking module students explore both the treatment of contemporary anthropological issues in the media and public debate, and how anthropologists can become effective communicators using anthropological data. Students are introduced to the style and conventions of a variety of means of communicating anthropological knowledge to the public – these may include, for example: museum exhibit texts; public policy documents; newspaper articles; advocacy materials; or digital media campaigns. The module is run as a series of seminar-style workshops in which students explore major contemporary issues from the three strands of anthropology, analyse existing public representation of these issues, and devise strategies for their effective communication to an appropriate audience. Through these sessions students will also investigate the roles anthropologists can play in contributing to public debate, giving them the opportunity to reflect on their own career goals and options.

Optional Modules
  • Depth Study: The Celts - 15 Credits
  • Depth Study: Later Prehistoric Wessex - 15 Credits
  • Depth Study: Caribbean peoples and cultures - 15 Credits
  • Depth Study: Archaeology of Buddhism - 15 Credits
  • Depth Study: The Archaeology of the Southern Caucasus - 15 Credits
  • Depth Study: Medieval Religion and Belief - 15 Credits
  • Depth Study: Battlefield Archaeology - 15 Credits
  • Depth Study: Maritime Archaeology - 15 Credits
  • Depth Study: Minoans and Mycenaeans: the Greek Bronze Age - 15 Credits
  • Puzzling the Past - 15 Credits
  • Fieldwork - 15 Credits
  • Field Research - 15 Credits
  • Religion, Ritual and Society - 15 Credits
  • Indigenous Religions - 15 Credits
  • Hinduism and Modernity - 15 Credits
  • Aspects of Islam - 15 Credits
  • Buddhism: Traditions and Transformations - 15 Credits
  • Exploring Judaism - 15 Credits
  • Disability and Society - 15 Credits
  • Language and Identity - 15 Credits
  • English on the Periphery - Varieties of English - 15 credits
  • Language Death, Revival and Change - 15 Credits
  • Onomastics - 15 credits
  • Politics, Energy and the Environment - 15 Credits
  • Global South: Politics, Inequality and (in)Security - 15 Credits

Entry requirements

104-120 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

Additionally, 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:

GCSE 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 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.

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 are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages.

2024 Course Tuition Fees

  UK / Channel Islands /
Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland 

International

Year 1 £9,250 £16,700
Year 2 £9,250 £16,700
Year 3 £9,250 £16,700
Total £27,750 £50,100
Optional Sandwich Year* £1,850 £3,340
Total with Sandwich Year £29,600 £53,440

Additional tuition fee information

If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2024, 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.

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 £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.

* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year.

**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.

CAREER PROSPECTS

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.

OUR CAREERS SERVICE
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