MA Social Anthropology and Politics
About this course
MA (Hons) in Social Anthropology and Politics, an anthropology and politics and international relations degree focused on human societies and the governance of communities. The programme is delivered across four years as a joint honours course. The first year covers core foundations through Politics and International Relations 1A: Concepts and Debates, Politics, International Relations 1B: The Global Dimension, and Political Thinkers (an introduction to political theory), alongside thematic topics such as gender, personhood, and human rights. The second year advances learning with Comparative Politics in a Globalised World and International Cooperation in Europe and Beyond.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: from AAA to AAB (required: no specific A level subjects required) IB: from 36 points with 665 at HL to 34 points with 655 at HL
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 46%: 43 offers from 94 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 9 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 75%
- Assessment and feedback: 64%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 68%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 72%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 58 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 62%
- Working and studying: 13%
- Further study: 8%
- Unemployed: 8%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 5%
- Media Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 145 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 46%
- South East: 4%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 37%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 80%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
- No formal qualifications: 5%
Modules
- gender
- personhood
- work and making a living
- the house
- consumption and exchange
- health
- the body
- climate change
- hunger
- wellbeing
- body modification
- human rights
- Politics and International Relations 1A: Concepts and Debates
- Politics, International Relations 1B: The Global Dimension
- Political Thinkers (an introduction to political theory)
- Comparative Politics in a Globalised World
- International Cooperation in Europe and Beyond
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Social Anthropology and Politics at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £29,000 after 3 years, £37,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £52,000. The £37,500 median after five years is £7,000 more than the UK median for Anthropology.
What do graduates of MA Social Anthropology and Politics at University of Edinburgh do next?
83% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Social Anthropology and Politics at University of Edinburgh?
90% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Social Anthropology and Politics at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 36 points in the IB. The average entrant had 171 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MA Social Anthropology and Politics at University of Edinburgh?
46% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 43 offers from 94 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does MA Social Anthropology and Politics at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Social Anthropology and Politics at University of Edinburgh?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.