- UCAS course code
- L600
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSocSc)
BSocSc Social Anthropology
- Typical A-level offer: ABB
- Typical contextual A-level offer: BBC
- UK refugee/care-experienced offer: BBC
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 34 points overall with 6,5,5 at HL
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Overview
Course overview
- Study at a UK Top 10 and Global Top 25 university for Anthropology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025).
- Engage in real-world ethnographic research with support from our staff, who are conducting studies from Everest to the Arctic.
- Expand your horizons with a year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions across 30 countries or gain practical experience through a professional placement on a four-year optional course.
- Become part of a vibrant intellectual community. Our active student society fosters a supportive environment that hosts regular academic and career events.
- Graduate from one of the UK’s most targeted universities by top employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2025).
Open days
Join us on campus to learn more about your course, grab a chat with current students and academics, and explore our campus with its fantastic facilities.
It’s an invaluable opportunity to explore, discover, and enjoy some of the vibes that attract so many students to Manchester.
Find out more about our upcoming open days .
Not in the UK or can’t make it? Not a problem. Check out our virtual open day content .
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Social Sciences
- Contact name
- School of Social Sciences Admissions Office
- Telephone
- +44 (0) 161 306 0100
- socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.humanities.manchester.ac.uk/social-anthropology/
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: School Subjects
Courses in related subject areas
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Entry requirements
A-level
ABB, including at least one of the following A-Level subjects (preference will be given to applicants studying two of these subjects):
Accounting; Economics; Finance; Business Studies; Development Studies; Government and Politics; Economic and Social History; Mathematics; Anthropology; Sociology; Philosophy; Religious Studies; English Language; English Literature; Geography; Psychology; Classical Civilisation; History; Archaeology; Communication Studies; Environmental Studies; World Development; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Modern Languages.
We accept native language A Levels providing they are taken in the same sitting as your other subjects. We will not accept thecombination of Mathematics, Further Mathematics and a native language.
We accept the Level 3 Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS) as equivalent to an A-level if taken alongside two full A-levels from the list of acceptable subjects above
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
A-level contextual offer
BBC, including at least one of the following A-Level subjects (preference will be given to applicants studying two of these subjects):
Accounting; Economics; Finance; Business Studies; Development Studies; Government and Politics; Economic and Social History; Mathematics; Anthropology; Sociology; Philosophy; Religious Studies; English Language; English Literature; Geography; Psychology; Classical Civilisation; History; Archaeology; Communication Studies; Environmental Studies; World Development; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Modern Languages.
We accept native language A Levels providing they are taken in the same sitting as your other subjects. We will not accept thecombination of Mathematics, Further Mathematics and a native language.
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
Contextual offers are available for applicants who:
- live in the UK and will be under the age of 21 on 1 September of the year they will start their course; and
- live in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education; and
- have attended a UK school or college for their GCSEs or A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) that has performed below the national average over multiple years.
See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.
UK refugee/care-experienced offer
BBC, including at least one of the following A-Level subjects (preference will be given to applicants studying two of these subjects):
Accounting; Economics; Finance; Business Studies; Development Studies; Government and Politics; Economic and Social History; Mathematics; Anthropology; Sociology; Philosophy; Religious Studies; English Language; English Literature; Geography; Psychology; Classical Civilisation; History; Archaeology; Communication Studies; Environmental Studies; World Development; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Modern Languages.
We accept native language A Levels providing they are taken in the same sitting as your other subjects. We will not accept thecombination of Mathematics, Further Mathematics and a native language.
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
UK refugee/care-experienced offers are available for applicants who:
- have been looked after in care for more than three months; or
- have been granted refugee status by the UK government or have been issued a UK visa under one of the Ukrainian schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme).
See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects
Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.
GCSE/IGCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School for clarification.
Other entry requirements
Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
Country-specific entry requirements
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries.For detailed information please refer to our country-specific requirements and requirements for foundation years .
For general requirementsnot listed abovesee accepted entry qualifications from your country .
Still need help? Email us at socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk .
English language requirements
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C.
- IELTS 6.5 overall with no lower than 6 in any component.
- TOEFL (IBT) 90 overall with a minimum of 20 in each subset.
- iGCSE English (Second Language) grade B
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
If you need to improve your English language skills to meet the entry requirements for your academic course, the University Centre for Academic English (UCAE) summer pre-sessional courses can help. Check if your academic course offers the option of taking a pre-sessional course on the UCAE page .
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Fees and funding
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2026 will be £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). Tuition fees for international students will be £27,800 for the 2026/27 academic year. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
In England and Wales, tuition fees for home undergraduate students are subject to the Government fee cap, which the Government has announced will be £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year and £10,050 for the 2027/28 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval).
The Government has also announced that the fee cap will then increase on an annual basis to reflect inflation (i.e. increasing costs), and the tuition fee you pay in subsequent academic years will reflect any increases in the Government fee cap (which we will communicate to you as soon as we can in advance of the relevant academic year).
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
We know that student finance can be complicated. The links below provide further information to help guide you.
Learn more about student finance options for UK students.
Learn more about fees and finance for international students.
As an international student you may be eligible for our Global Futures Scholarships . This is open to students starting their studies in September 2026.
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Applicants submitting mitigating circumstances
If you are submitting information about mitigating circumstances that have affected, or are likely to affect, your academic performance, you should include this in the referee's report.
We cannot take into account information that is supplied after an adverse decision has been made on an application.
(Examples of mitigating circumstances include family illness, problems with school facilities or an unusual curriculum followed by your school of college).
Home-schooled applicants
If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying.
You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course.
We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education.
If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you.
Non-standard educational routes
Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.
Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.
The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
Further information for mature students can be found here .
How your application is considered
Interview requirements
Returning to education
Overseas (non-UK) applicants
Deferrals
NB Some English Language test results, such as IELTS of TOEFL, are only valid from two years from the test date.
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Contact: socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk
Re-applications
If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you can apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.
In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may refer back to previous applications or registrations at the University.
If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should include additional evidence of your suitability for the course.
If you are applying through clearing you will need to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing places will be subject to availability.
Course details
Course description
Studying Social Anthropology has been so valuable for my skillset because it’s allowed me to be exposed to so many different worldviews and experiences.
Through studying Social Anthropology, I’ve found that I am really interested in learning people’s stories and sharing them.
Carina Patel / BASS Politics and Social Anthropology
In a world shaped by cultural diversity and global change, understanding how people live, think, and connect is essential. Our BSocSc Social Anthropology equips you to tackle critical global issues such as urban inequity and climate change by exploring what it means to be human across societies, economies, and environments worldwide.
Explore human diversity through key themes including migration, poverty and gender, in a supportive learning environment shaped by engaged peers and leading researchers, with particular strengths in visual and sensory media.
You'll study a wide range of topics, from the social implications of new reproductive technologies and environmental crises to migration and challenges to health and wellbeing. These issues are examined through the analysis of ritual, kinship and material culture, alongside focused study of violence, poverty and ways to reduce human suffering.
The course is defined by its focus on the political and economic dimensions of social and cultural life, alongside the anthropology of visual and other sensory media. Cross-cultural comparison encourages you to challenge everyday assumptions and develop a deeper understanding of social life on a global scale.
Special features
Join a prestigious department
Manchester is one of the world’s best institutions for the study and practice of social anthropology.
You will focus on contemporary political and economic challenges led by academics conducting research all over the world from the Artic to South Asias, from Latin America to Europe, and even into outer space Everest - and teach from their specialist knowledge in a wide range of disciplines, such as:
- visual, sensory, and digital media;
- race and genetic technologies;
- migration, climate change and disasters;
- AIDS and medicine;
- death;
- masculinities;
- social class;
- cities and infrastructures;
- border politics;
- humanitarianism and development, and;
- religion.
Broaden your horizons with a Year Abroad
You can apply to study overseas for a year at one of our partner universities in over 30 countries. You apply in Year 2 to spend a year abroad in Year 3 where you will gain new cultural insights, broaden your network and strengthen your analytical abilities, complementing your studies in Manchester and equipping you with in- demand employability skills. You will then return to Manchester for your fourth year and graduate with a degree title including 'with International Study'. Our study abroad website has more information about your options.
Expand your network and enrich your experience with a placement opportunity
Apply for a paid summer Q-Step internship between Years 2 and 3. This is an excellent opportunity to gain work experience and make contacts; while putting the skills you’ve learnt into practice.
Enhance your employability with a Professional Experience Year
You will apply in Year 1 to boost your employability through a paid Professional Experience Year. If you meet the criteria, the Professional Experience Team and Careers Service will work with you to find a suitable placement in Year 2.
You will complete your Professional Experience Year in Year 3 extending your degree to four years, before returning to University to finish your final year.
Your degree title will include 'with Professional Experience', giving you an advantage of real-world work experience when entering the graduate job market.
Teaching and learning
Course units feature formal lectures supported by smaller tutorials or seminars where you explore the contents of lectures and recommended reading in greater depth.
Tutorials and seminars are key to improving your written and oral communication skills through group discussions, essay- writing, and presentations.
You will be assigned an Academic Advisor who can advise you on selecting course units and career opportunities.
Coursework and assessment
The range of methods is designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding, including:
- essays, coursework, and other mid-term evaluations allow development and feedback on your knowledge and understanding;
- dissertations promote the development of argument and understanding of academic material, and test how you work independently;
- presentations or group projects promote the development of teamwork and communication skills.
Course content for year 1
First-year compulsory course units will enable you to develop an understanding of key anthropological concepts and theories to grasp what it means to be human.
You'll acquire the necessary tools to analyse everyday life, social systems, cultural processes and other complex issues in a range of ethnographic settings.
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOAN10061 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| SOAN10092 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| SOAN10301 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| SOAN10312 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| SOAN10321 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| SOAN10322 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| SOAN10331 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| SOAN10352 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| SOAN10361 | 20 | Optional |
Course content for year 2
Second-year course units will further strengthen your ability to grasp and apply anthropological theories, conceptual frameworks, and ethnographic research methods.
You'll be able to select course units based on your own interests, with topics including fender, sex and kinship; digital worlds; political and economic issues and more. Course units in your second year will support your ability to think and argue anthropologically.
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOAN20830 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| SOAN20841 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| SOAN20802 | 20 | Optional | |
| SOAN20812 | 20 | Optional | |
| SOAN20821 | 20 | Optional | |
| SOAN20852 | 20 | Optional | |
| SOAN20871 | 20 | Optional |
Course content for year 3
Final-year course units offer a broad range of specialised topics informed by cutting-edge anthropological research that will deepen your understanding of some of the most pressing issues worldwide.
You'll also have the option to undertake a dissertation. This will enable you to apply the anthropological skills, methods and ideas acquired throughout your studies to design and conduct an independent research project of your choosing.
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOAN30112 | 20 | Optional | |
| SOAN30252 | 20 | Optional | |
| SOAN30382 | 20 | Optional | |
| SOAN30452 | 20 | Optional | |
| SOAN30610 | 40 | Optional | |
| SOAN30791 | 20 | Optional | |
| SOAN30811 | 20 | Optional | |
| SOAN30881 | 20 | Optional | |
| SOAN31021 | 20 | Optional |
Course content for year 4
If completing a year abroad or a professional experience year, you will take the Year 3 course content in Year 4.
What our students say
Read profiles of our students to find out more about studying Social Anthropology at Manchester.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
For the past 6 years, we have been ranked in the UK's Top Two most targeted universities by the UK's top 100 employers (High Fliers Graduate Market Report, 2020-2025).
A degree in Social Anthropology opens doors to a wide range of careers where critical thinking, cultural awareness, and analytical insight are in high demand. You will graduate with the skills to understand people, interpret social change, and communicate effectively across diverse settings.
Graduates pursue careers in a wide range of fields, reflecting the broad nature of this course. Popular careers include journalism and the media, charities, consultancy, civil service, finance, marketing, social work, teaching, and the law. Recent graduates now work for:
- British Red Cross;
- Friends of the Earth;
- Department of Work and Pensions;
- Manchester City Council;
- Royal Bank of Scotland;
- Teach First;
- Manning Gottlieb.
Another popular route is postgraduate study with us in Anthropology or another field.
Careers service
The University has its own dedicated and award-winning Careers Service that can provide specialist advice tailored to you, offering insights into careers in a range of sectors. You will have full access to the Careers Service as a student and for two years after you graduate, providing further opportunities to help boost your employability.
You will also benefit from optional personal development schemes, such as the Stellify Award or Manchester Leadership Programme .
Ready to shape your future at one of the UK’s most employable universities? Your journey starts here.
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The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.
