Anthropology and Sociology, BA (Hons)

The BA in Anthropology and Sociology at Goldsmiths fosters independent thinking and curiosity across these interconnected fields, which examine human behaviours in social contexts. This programme provides a balanced foundation in both disciplines, highlighting their shared traditions and distinct perspectives. Students benefit from an interdisciplinary approach, enabling them to tackle complex issues creatively, whether in essays or future careers. Options include work placements in years two and three, and specialised modules in the final year on topics like gender theory, environmental anthropology, or migration. Graduates have pursued roles with organisations such as the UN, World Bank, and NGOs, supported by Goldsmiths' top-10 UK ranking in these subjects per QS World University Rankings 2024.The curriculum is structured progressively: first-year modules introduce core theories, ethnography, and sociological concepts; second-year studies delve into anthropological and sociological issues with electives; and the third year focuses on advanced topics like climate crisis alongside flexible choices. Assessment varies by module, incorporating coursework, exams, group work, and projects, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

Year 1 In your first year, you will learn the main theories within social anthropology, and be introduced to ethnography and anthropological methodological practice. You'll take the following compulsory modules Compulsory modules: Being Related Contemporary Approaches to Anthropology Anthropological Methods Modern Knowledge, Modern Power Critical Readings: the Emergence of the Sociological Imagination 1A Optional modules You also choose one of these optional modules: Critical Readings: the Emergence of the Sociological Imagination 1B Culture and Society 1B Year 2 You'll take the following compulsory modules: Thinking Anthropologically Critical Ecologies: black, indigenous, queer and transnational feminist approaches Philosophical and Methodological Issues in Sociology and Anthropology Central Issues in Sociological Analysis You'll also take the following optional modules: 1 optional module from a list provided annually by the Department of Anthropology. 1 optional module from a list provided annually by the Department of Sociology - this includes the option to take a Sociology Work Placement. Goldsmiths Elective Module option, which opens up a range of options from departments across the university. Goldsmiths’ Social Change Module, which draws together students from across the university to study together in an option. Recent second year Anthropology modules have included: Anthropology of Religion Anthropology and Public Policy Indigenous Cosmopolitics, Anthropology and Global Justice Recent second year Sociology modules have included: Social Change and Political Action Sociology Work Placement The Body: Social Theory and Social Practice Sex, Drugs & Technology Leisure, Culture and Society Organisations and Society London Social Change and Political Action Food and Taste Religion, Crime, and Law Crimes Against Humanity Year 3 In your final year, you'll take the following compulsory module from the Department of Sociology: Confronting climate crisis You'll then choose: 1 or 2 modules from a list provided annually by the Department of Anthropology. 1 or 2 modules from a list provided annually by the Department of Sociology. 2 or 3 modules across any of the optional modules from the two departments. Recent third-year anthropology modules have included: Psychological Perspectives in Anthropology Anthropology of Health and Medicine Anthropology of Art Anthropology and the Environment Anthropology of Development Anthropology and Gender Theory Anthropology of Rights Multimodal Experiments Anthropology of Violence Anthropology in Public Practice Learning from Social Movements Borders and Migration Digital Anthropology Anthropology and the Visual: Production Module Critical Voices in Development Environmental Anthropology Ethnographic Film and Cinema Studies Anthropology of Religion Recent third year sociology modules have included: Sociologies of Emerging Worlds Philosophy, Politics and Alterity Identity and Contemporary Social Theory Law, Identity and Ethics Analysing the Complexity of Contemporary Religious Life Race, Racism and Social Theory Citizenship and Human Rights Migration, Gender and Social Reproduction Childhood Matters: Society, Theory and Culture Globalisation, Crime and Justice Crimes of the Powerful Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.