MA Anthropological Research

On this day, you will find out more about the School, our resources, and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have.

See open days and visits for more information.

Please note, due to the high volume of applications we receive, an early application is advised.

If you meet our entry requirements but we are unable to make you an offer, you may be placed on a waiting list.

Candidates on a waiting list will receive an offer only if places become available.

Research proposals

If you wish to do a PhD after your course, you are usually expected to have an idea of the topic or project they are thinking of doing at PhD level. An outline allows us to judge whether the appropriate supervision is likely to be available and to assign supervisors who are interested in seeing the project through.

The structure of the course is based on the principle that students have a specific interest or set of interests that they wish to develop.You are welcome to contact individual members of staff who you think might be potential supervisors or you can contact the director of the course for advice. In any case, it is useful to have a written outline of your intended research.

If you intend to take the course as a stand-alone degree, it is not necessary to have a research proposal, but it is useful for us to have an indication of your general areas of interest in social anthropology.

In a world with ever-rising tensions, fostering greater understanding between humans is now more important than ever. Our Anthropological Research master’s course will empower you to examine the differences and similarities between cultures through your own independent research project, so you can better understand what makes us human.

We’ve designed this course to build on your existing knowledge of and passion for anthropology. That means you can either study this course as a standalone taught master’s, or as a route towards a PhD in Social Anthropology.

Please note that although the MAAR is a taught MA it operates similarly to a PhD programme. This means that MAAR students take classes with first year PhD students. MAAR students should also have a fairly clear idea of their dissertation topics by the time they arrive, although this can change during the programme. The cohort is normally very small, around two to three students.

You will put the theory into practice from day one, gaining expertise in ethnographic research methods to improve your existing social research skills. Via mandatory course units, you’ll also develop skills in critical inquiry, research design, creative thinking and problem-solving, giving you a strong foundation to later undertake your own research project.

You can also to tailor your course to fit your interests, and optional course units may include:

• Anthropology of Development and Humanitarianism;
• Migrants, Borders and Im/mobilities;
• Urban Anthropology in Britain;
• Anthropology of Health and Wellbeing;
• Extra-Terrestrial Anthropology;
• Food and Eating: The Cultural Body;
• Anthropology of Vision, Senses and Memory.

By studying at one of the largest anthropology departments in the UK, there’s no shortage of topics you could cover.

Throughout your studies you will benefit from personalised support and guidance, particularly for your independent research project. You will graduate with the skills and experience required for a successful career in a variety of sectors.

This course is eligible for the 1+3 studentship offered by the Economic and Social Sciences Research Council (ESRC) North West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP), offering a unique, fully-funded route into postgraduate research. If your application is successful, you’ll be able to seamlessly transition from master's-level study to a PhD. Find out more on our 1+3 ESRC NWSSDTP webpage.

A prestigious department

Manchester is one of the world’s best institutions for the study and practice of social anthropology. Our staff conduct research all over the world – from Everest to the Arctic and from Rio de Janeiro to Manchester – and teach from their specialist knowledge.

Real-world impact

We put theory into practice. Our students and academics are making a difference on the global stage across multiple sectors. For example, our research provided crucial insight at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, to British Nuclear Fuels on the decommissioning of nuclear power plants, and to anti-racist organisations and artists in Latin America.

Award-winning careers support

Our Careers Service is award-winning, providing bespoke support and guidance for you from day one. You will even have access to our services for up to two years after you graduate.

This course is taught by an interdisciplinary team using a variety of delivery methods:

• lectures;
• workshops;
• student-led presentations and debate;
• group work;
• individual research.

Most course units are assessed by 3,000-4,000-word essays, or by essay and presentation.

Part-time students

Part-time students complete the full-time course over two years. There are no evening or weekend course units available on the part-time course.

Discover why our students chose our MA in Anthropological Research and what they loved about their time at Manchester – take a look at our student spotlights .

Social Anthropology, and the School of Social Sciences of which it is part, are based in a modern building with 24/7 access.

There is shared workspace available for research students within social anthropology, including networked computers and printing facilities. There are also work areas elsewhere in the building and in the University which are available.

The University of Manchester is one of the most targeted universities by the UK’s top graduate employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2024).

Many of our graduates go on to further postgraduate study at Manchester or another leading institution.

Our MA Anthropological Research course gives you the specialist skills required for a range of careers, such as in:

• the media and cultural industries;
• the Civil Service and public sector;
• the business and charity sector;
• international humanitarian institutions like the UN.

You’ll also acquire vital skills relevant to many different sectors and roles, such as research design, effective communication and teamwork. Our highly-skilled graduates go on to succeed in areas such as:

• think tanks and pressure groups;
• social research;
• business and management;
• data analysis;
• academia and teaching.

Another popular option is to continue specialising for a career in research and universities through a PhD in Social Anthropology or a similar subject.

The University has its own dedicated, award-winning Careers Service where you can benefit from tailored careers support, practice interviews, CV and application support, job listings for Manchester students, and much more. Better yet, you’ll have access to our Careers Service both during your course and for two years after you graduate, so we know you’re on the right path.