MA Social Anthropology

The MA in Social Anthropology provides a theoretical and empirical understanding of issues and debates in social anthropology and offers the chance to carry out a piece of original research.  It is offered by the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology and allows for the opportunity to explore the relationship between anthropology and cognate disciplines.

Students are introduced to contemporary issues and debates, foundational studies, and research methods in ethnography and anthropology.  The principal aim of the programme is to equip students to understand and interpret human social behaviour, as studied by social anthropologists, and to become practitioners as well as analysts within the field of social anthropology.

The course will develop students' interest in and knowledge of human social behaviours and encourage an understanding of the interconnections between different aspects of social and cultural life (such as, religion, politics, kinship and material culture).  The programme uses case studies as well as theoretical and methodological analyses.

The MA is designed as (i) a conversion course for students from other disciplines who wish to carry out anthropological research at Masters level; (ii) an advanced training for students with a first degree in Social Anthropology; (iii) and as preparation for further postgraduate research leading to an MPhil or a PhD.

The range of options, which allow students to focus on more sociological or more cultural aspects of the subject, open up the possibility of specialisation within a number of sub-areas of social and cultural anthropology.

The programme provides a wide range of transferable skills for work in areas in which an understanding of our own and other cultures is applicable, such as in the tourist or heritage and museum sectors, or in academic and applied research.

Content

The programme starts with courses in anthropological debates and research methods in anthropology and the social sciences.  In these core units students with a background in anthropology and those who are new to the subject get to grips with key theories and personalities in the development of the discipline, and gain an understanding of how empirical material is gathered and analysed by anthropologists.  This combination of theoretically and practically orientated courses serves to introduce students to these two important elements of social anthropology.  All tutors have carried out their own field research, and draw on these experiences in their teaching.  Each student is assigned an individual supervisor for their dissertation, and given the appropriate training and confidence to carry out a piece of original anthropological research, either in the UK or abroad, which culminates in a seminar presentation and the submission of a Masters thesis.

You may be interested to have an idea of students' research interests from a selection of recent dissertation topics as follows:

Cultural responses to migratory flows: the case of religious and expressive culture in the Garifuna community of Corozal, Honduras; The importance of local initiative and cultural sensitivity in an HIV/AIDS initiative in Senga Bay, Malawi; The South African Community in Bristol (UK); An ethnographic account and analysis of an online gaming community; Reinventing nature the English way: finding paths between conservation and community; Reflections on tourism and identity in the village of Dwernik, Poland; Music, cultural heritage and authenticity in Bali; A study of marriage as a reflection of Japanese characters; The Glastonbury experience: a study of a Goddess temple; The politics of the G8 summit in Rome; Near death experiences; Kuna economic rationality in San Blas, Panama; Race and national identity in Jamaica; Attitudes to sexuality and gender in Egypt. 

For student quotes click on http://www.bris.ac.uk/archanth/postgrad/quotesandphotos (this page is in the process of being updated)

To see examples of careers that students have entered after completing one of our MA courses please go to http://www.bris.ac.uk/archanth/postgrad/alumni (also in the process of being updated).

Course Programme

We start the year with a fieldtrip, which provides an opportunity for students and staff to get to know one another, and to undertake a practical project, entitled 'Ways of Seeing'. Then, during the first semester, students receive their theoretical and methodological training. During the second semester, students take a course in Contemporary Issues in Social Anthropology and choose two additional options. The final element of the MA is the dissertation, which allows students to explore their individual research interests in the form of a fieldwork or library-based project.

Core Units

  • History and Theory in Social Anthropology.
  • Research Methods in Social Anthropology
  • Dissertation
  • Contemporary Issues in Social Anthropology

Optional Units

Teaching staff

Duration

One calendar year's full-time study or two years part-time.

Assessment

Assessment is through coursework and the submission of a dissertation of up to 15,000 words. 

Entry Requirements

A good Honours degree or equivalent.  There are no specific subject requirements.  Applicants with professional experience in a related field are also encouraged to apply.

Further Information

Further details and application forms may be obtained from:
The Graduate School of Arts and Humanities
Faculty of Arts
University of Bristol
7 Woodland Road
Bristol
BS8 1TB
Tel +44 (0)117 928 8897
Fax +44 (0) 117 331 7469
artf-gradschool@bristol.ac.uk

(Please note: The Department believes that the information given on this page accurately describes the programme it offers.  However,  the Department reserves the right to withdraw or amend programmes, fees and facilities or services available from or provided by the University without notice. )

 

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