A young university student examining cultural artefacts from different world regions in a modern university museum study room, with a world map and contemporary ethnographic research posters visible, representing the cross-cultural focus of Anthropology degrees

DEGREE GUIDE

Anthropology

What do Anthropology degrees involve?

Anthropology degrees teach you how humans have evolved, adapted, and developed diverse cultures, societies, and behaviours. You will study key areas such as archaeology, social anthropology, biological anthropology, linguistics, and human evolution. These courses help you develop strong research, analytical, and critical thinking skills while exploring how people interact with their environments, traditions, and belief systems. As you progress, you may specialise in areas such as forensic anthropology, medical anthropology, or indigenous studies. You will also gain hands-on experience through ethnographic fieldwork, lab research, and archaeological excavations. With a combination of scientific study and cultural analysis, you’ll be prepared for careers in research, heritage, international development, and social policy.

Example
Modules

Introduction to Social Anthropology: Discover how anthropologists study human societies around the world, exploring identity, kinship, belief, and social structure.

Anthropological Research Methods: Learn how to carry out ethnographic fieldwork and interviews, and develop skills in cultural analysis and interpretation.

Human Evolution and Diversity: Trace the evolutionary journey of humans, and examine physical and genetic variation across populations.

Common Degree Names

💼 Some degrees offer fieldwork placements or internships with NGOs, museums, or cultural institutions.
🌍 Study abroad is common, especially for students focusing on global cultures or development themes.

BA (Hons) Anthropology
BSc (Hons) Anthropology
BSc (Hons) Biological Anthropology
BA (Hons) Anthropology and Sociology
BA (Hons) Anthropology and Archaeology
MSci Anthropology

BA degrees focus more on cultural anthropology; BSc and MSci include biological or scientific approaches. MSci is a four-year integrated Master’s with research training.

Comparative hominin skulls alongside callipers and research notes on cranial measurements, with a human evolution chart in the background, illustrating the biological and scientific analysis skills developed in Anthropology degrees

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)

Anthropology studies human societies, cultures, and our biological evolution. There are no required subjects – universities welcome students from many different backgrounds who are curious about how humans live and have lived.

Subjects that can strengthen your application:

History, Sociology, or Geography – great for building research and essay-writing skills
Biology – helpful if you're interested in biological anthropology
Religious Studies or Philosophy – useful for thinking about belief systems and culture
English Literature or Language – strengthens analytical and communication skills

✨ At least one essay-based subject shows the critical thinking and writing skills you'll need.

Universities welcome many different qualification types:

BTEC Nationals in areas like Health & Social Care or Travel & Tourism, especially alongside an academic A-level

✨ Entry requirements can vary, especially for joint degrees—always check the course page on each university’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Level 2 Qualifications (GCSE / MYP / National 5)

You are likely to need:

GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent qualifications such as National 5s or MYP

📘 A good grade in English is important because anthropology involves reading, writing, and discussing ideas.

If you’ve taken subjects like History, Geography, or Science at this level, they can help provide a useful foundation—but they’re not required.

💬 Interviews
Most universities do not require interviews for Anthropology. Exceptions include competitive courses at Oxford or Cambridge, where Anthropology is part of broader programmes (e.g. Archaeology & Anthropology at Oxford, or HSPS at Cambridge), and interviews are standard.

📝 Admissions Tests
There are no national admissions tests for Anthropology. However, Cambridge’s HSPS course may include a written assessment as part of the interview process.

If your qualifications don't match the usual entry requirements, there are some other possibilities.

🌱 Foundation Year
If you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, some universities offer a foundation year in Social Sciences or Humanities. This is a great route if you need to boost your qualifications before starting the full degree.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma
Access courses in Social Sciences or Humanities are widely accepted, especially with units in Sociology, History, or Psychology. You’ll usually need a mix of Distinctions and Merits in relevant units.

💼 Level 3 Apprenticeships
While there’s no specific apprenticeship for Anthropology, related apprenticeships in Cultural Heritage, Community Work, or Youth Services could support your application—especially if combined with further study or a foundation year. Universities are often open to different routes if you show strong interest and academic potential.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in an Anthropology degree

Research & Data Analysis: Learn to gather, interpret, and present data about human cultures, societies, and behaviours.
Analytical & Critical Thinking: Examine and interpret human behaviour, cultural practices, and social structures from different perspectives.
Linguistic & Intercultural Fluency: Understand languages and cultures, and communicate effectively across diverse societies.
Communication (Written, Verbal, Digital): Clearly express complex anthropological ideas to varied audiences.
Social & Civic Engagement: Engage thoughtfully with social issues, community projects, and cultural discussions.
Emotional Intelligence & Empathy: Develop sensitivity to different human experiences, enhancing your ability to connect with others.
Adaptability & Resilience: Handle changing cultural contexts and emerging research insights with flexibility.
Problem-Solving: Address real-world social, cultural, and ethical challenges using informed anthropological approaches.

Is this a good fit for you?

Use the tabs to explore the kind of person that this would be a good fit for. Do you share the Interests, Motivations and Values that people who thrive in this course tend to have? How does it compare to your Holland code?

Not sure what your Holland Code is? Want to get a better understanding of yourself to help you understand if this would fit you? Explore our pages on Self-Knowledge here.

Interests that would make an Anthropology degree a good match for you

Careers an Anthropology degree could lead you to