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BSc Anthropology (L601)

crowd of people moving towards the camera on a sunny dayThe BSc Anthropology degree course provides a broad introduction to biological and sociocultural anthropology with the opportunity to specialise in biological anthropology.

Studying biological anthropology allows you to investigate the most fundamental questions about humanity, from our evolutionary origins to our present day behavioural and cultural diversity including the study of politics, religion, environment, material culture and domestic organisation across the world.

Our BSc Anthropology students come from a wide range of academic backgrounds - you do not need to have studied A Level biology or equivalent.

 

Course Structure

The following information provides a list of core modules for each year of study and is indicative of the range of subjects covered by the course. Further detail can be found on the Apply for BSc Anthropology page:

Year One

  • People and Cultures
  • Human Evolution and Diversity
  • Being Human: An Introduction to the History and Practice of Anthropology
  • Doing Anthropological Research
  • Health, Illness and Society
  • Plus optional modules provided by other academic departments

Year Two

  • Anthropological Research Methods in Action
  • Research Project Design
  • Biology, Culture & Society
  • Palaeoanthropology: The Story of Human Evolution
  • Primate Societies
  • Mind and Culture
  • Reading the Skeleton
  • Plus a choice of optional modules covering subjects as diverse as Health, Inequality, Culture, Relations, Sustainability and more.

Year Three

  • Dissertation
  • Anthropology Field Course
  • Plus a choice of optional modules

Additional pathways include the possibility to complete a year abroad or a placement during year two and extending your studies to a fourth year.

 

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Find out more and apply

See more about the course structure, learning, assessment and entry requirements for BSc Anthropology.

Apply for this course Back to Undergraduate Anthropology Courses
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Come and talk to us

When deciding on whether Durham Anthropology is right for you we recommend you think about all we have to offer including our colleges, sports, theatre, music and the support we can offer. You can find out about everything we do at our Open Days.

Open Days and Visits
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Widening Participation

Going to university is a major decision, and we are dedicated to supporting applicants from minority backgrounds, or who are among the first in their family to go to university.

Learn more about how we support our students
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International Students

Durham is a truly world-class university with a long history of welcoming students and academics from all over the globe. We are one of the best in the world for Anthropology.

Further information for International Students
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Student Life

It's not all about studying. Our students tell it like it is alongside information about student support and our active student-led Anthropology Society (AnthSoc). Join us here at Durham for an amazing experience.

Student Life at Durham Anthropology Fieldwork
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Anthropology FAQs

Have a query Anthropology or Durham? See our frequently asked questions. Or drop us a message if you still need to know something.

Common questions

Get in touch

Contact us to find out more about undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities in our Department.

Department of Anthropology

Durham University
Dawson Building
South Road
Durham, DH1 3LE

 

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