MA Public and Applied Anthropology / Careers

Career opportunities

The University of Manchester is the most targeted university by the UK’s top graduate employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2026).

Our MA in Public and Applied Anthropology 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 will also acquire vital skills relevant to many different sectors and roles, such as research design, effective communication, and teamwork. In the past few years, our graduates have gone on to successful careers in:

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

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

Careers support

At Manchester you will have access to a number of  opportunities to help boost your employability , such as careers fairs, employer presentations, and workshops through the University’s dedicated  Careers Service . As a student at Manchester, you would have full access to this service during your studies and for two years after you graduate.