BA (Hons)
Anthropology & Sociology
Stimulate your independent thinking and curiosity in a wide range of areas in anthropology and sociology.
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Why study BA Anthropology & Sociology at Goldsmiths
- Anthropology and sociology deal with human behaviours in their social context. This degree gives you a comprehensive grounding in these converging subjects, so you'll develop an understanding of their shared traditions and differences in perspective.
- The dynamic nature of the degree means you’ll be able to bring an interdisciplinary angle to any problem, whether that’s arguing your perspective in an essay or coming up with novel solutions in your future career.
- The degree is divided evenly between anthropology and sociology, so you'll get a solid grounding in both subjects.
- You'll have the option of taking work placement modules in the second and third years of the degree.
- In your third year, you’ll be able to choose from a range of option modules, tailoring your learning in a way that suits your interests and aspirations. You might choose to explore topics like gender theory, environmental anthropology, or borders and migration.
- Our graduates have gone on to work for the UN, World Bank, NGOs, law companies and corporate social responsibility (CSR) consultancies.
- We've been rated top 10 in the UK for both anthropology and sociology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.
Contact the department
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Dr Martyn Wemyss.
UCAS code
LL36
Entry requirements
A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
IB: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655
Length
3 years full-time
Fees
Home - full-time: £9250
International - full-time: £20160
Departments
Anthropology
Sociology
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What you'll study
Year 1
In your first year, you will learn the main theories within social anthropology, and be introduced to ethnography and anthropological methodological practice.
Compulsory modules
You'll take the following compulsory modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Being Related | 15 credits |
| Approaches to Contemporary Anthropology | 30 credits |
| Anthropological Methods | 15 credits |
| Modern Knowledge, Modern Power | 30 credits |
| Critical Readings: the Emergence of the Sociological Imagination 1A | 15 credits |
Optional modules
You also choose one of these optional modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Critical Readings: the Emergence of the Sociological Imagination 1B | 15 credits |
| Culture and Society B | 15 credits |
| Imaginative Criminology | 15 credits |
Note about optional modules (if available): The above is indicative of the typical modules offered, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. The module content and availability is subject to change.
Teaching style
This programme is taught through scheduled learning – for example, through a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops. You'll also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. This includes carrying out required and additional reading, preparing topics for discussion, and producing essays or project work.
How you'll be assessed
You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These may include coursework, examinations, group work and projects.
Credits and levels of learning
An undergraduate honours degree is made up of 360 credits – 120 at Level 4, 120 at Level 5 and 120 at Level 6. If you are a full-time student, you will usually take Level 4 modules in the first year, Level 5 in the second, and Level 6 modules in your final year.
Careers
Anthropologists and sociologists often enter careers that centre on the challenges and demands that members of a society face. This could be jobs in:
- Social and community work
- Education and teaching
- The media
- The creative industries
- Business and management
- The public sector
- The voluntary and charitable sectors
- Criminal justice
- Government and policy
Students who achieve the best results during their undergraduate course may also get the chance to go on to postgraduate research.
Find out more about the types of jobs you can get with an anthropology degree and a sociology degree.
Skills
The BA Anthropology & Sociology degree will equip you with a range of specialist and transferable skills. As part of your studies, seminars and course work, you'll develop skills in:
- Understanding human behaviour
- Understanding concepts and theoretical approaches that are central to anthropology and sociology
- The ability to examine how social, public and civic policy can be influenced by sociological knowledge
- The ability to investigate, appraise and communicate empirical information
- Research and problem solving
- Communication (including public speaking, developing and presenting an argument, note taking, report writing)
- Awareness of social and cultural differences
Entry requirements
We accept the following qualifications:
A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
International Baccalaureate: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655
Access: Pass with 45 Level 3 credits including 30 Distinctions and a number of merits/passes in subject-specific modules
Scottish qualifications: BBBBC (Higher) or BBC (Advanced Higher)
European Baccalaureate: 75%
Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H2 H2 H2
We don't assume you have any knowledge of anthropology, and welcome applications from anyone with arts, social studies or science backgrounds.
Alternative qualifications and experience
See our full list of undergraduate entry qualifications.
We welcome students with a range of educational experiences. If you believe you may not meet the standard qualification requirements we would still encourage you to apply because we consider all aspects of your application when making a decision.
We’ll pay particularly careful attention to your personal statement, which is your opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the subject you’ve applied for. Your referees are also welcome to include any relevant contextual comments around your academic achievements. We’ll look at all these things when making a decision on your application, as well as your qualifications and grades.
International qualifications
We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.
If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.0 with a 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees
These are the UG fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year.
- Home - full-time: £9250
- International - full-time: £20160
If your fees are not listed here, please check our undergraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.
It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time if you require a Student Visa, however this is currently being reviewed and will be confirmed in the new year. Please read our visa guidance in the interim for more information. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.
If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.
Funding opportunities
We offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries, and our Careers Service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies. Find out more about funding your studies with us.
Additional costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.
There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.
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