Department of Anthropology

We are a large, diverse department integrating Evolutionary, Social and Health Anthropology.

Welcome to Anthropology at Durham

We are one of the largest Anthropology Departments in the UK and one of only a few to span Social Anthropology, Evolutionary Anthropology and Anthropology of Health. Our graduates have the opportunity to explore the full breadth of Anthropology or specialise in one of our sub-disciplinary areas. We are the only UK department to offer a residential field course (UK and international destinations) to all our undergraduate students.

5th for Anthropology and Archaeology in The Guardian University Guide 2025
45% of our research was rated as world-leading (REF 2021)
5th in The Complete University Guide 2025
29th in The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

Take a closer look at Durham Anthropology

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Undergraduate Study

Our undergraduate courses introduce you to the comparative and evolutionary study of humans and draw on a range of social, cultural and biological approaches.

Anthropology Undergraduate Study

Postgraduate Study

Our taught Masters offer you the opportunity to pursue advanced specialist courses and ‘conversion’ from other degrees. If you’re a PhD applicant, the sheer number of staff here means you are likely to find someone who can supervise and nurture your research interests.

Anthropology Postgraduate Study

Our Research

We are opening up new areas of enquiry in the fields of social, evolutionary and health anthropology. We have world-leading expertise in a range of topics such as energy use, temporality, aesthetics, the evolution of brain and cognition, primatology, global health, and infant sleep.