MA Social Anthropology
About this course
MA (Honours) in Social Anthropology, a social anthropology and spanish, portuguese and latin-american studies degree centred on the comparative and global study of human society and culture. Core topics include Fieldwork. The course examines contemporary human experience, belief, politics, gender, illness, art, migration, colonialism, and human-environment relationships across diverse global settings. The first year introduces key debates and different modes of thought through Anthropology in the World and Ways of Thinking. The second year focuses on historical foundations and methodological practice through modules such as Ethnographic Encounters and The Foundations of Social Anthropology. Further study allows specialisation through optional modules including Anthropology and Religion, Anthropology of Catastrophe, Planetary Health, Sorcery and Conspiracy: The Anthropology of Alternate Realities, The Anthropology of Borders, Boundaries and Frontiers, Visual Anthropology, Sex and Gender, Technologies of Power and Resistance, Communicating Anthropology, and Anthropology of Economic Life.
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Entry requirements
A level: AAB IB: 36 (HL 6,6,5)
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What students say
Based on about 18 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 99%
- Learning opportunities: 92%
- Assessment and feedback: 88%
- Academic support: 98%
- Organisation and management: 92%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 88%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 20%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 25%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Administrative occupations: 20%
- Sales occupations: 20%
- Teaching Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- 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 15 graduates, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 45%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 5%
- Scotland: 25%
Who gets in
Based on about 40 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 95%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
Modules
- Anthropology and Religion
- Anthropology of Catastrophe
- Planetary Health
- Sorcery and Conspiracy: The Anthropology of Alternate Realities
- The Anthropology of Borders, Boundaries and Frontiers
- Visual Anthropology
- Sex and Gender
- Technologies of Power and Resistance
- Communicating Anthropology
- Anthropology of Economic Life
- Anthropology in the World
- Ways of Thinking
- Ethnographic Encounters
- The Foundations of Social Anthropology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Social Anthropology at University of St Andrews earn?
The median salary is £33,000 after 15 months, £30,000 after 3 years, £42,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £31,500 and £63,000. The £42,500 median after five years is £12,000 more than the UK median for Anthropology.
What do graduates of MA Social Anthropology at University of St Andrews do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Social Anthropology at University of St Andrews?
99% 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 at University of St Andrews?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 194 UCAS points.
Does MA Social Anthropology at University of St Andrews include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Social Anthropology at University of St Andrews?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.