Anthropology, BA (Hons)

At Goldsmiths, the BA Anthropology programme offers a fresh, interdisciplinary approach to understanding contemporary issues such as environmental challenges, politics, refugees, and racism. Students explore key debates in anthropology, moving beyond traditional perspectives to address societal and cultural dynamics. Ranked in the top 10 in the UK for anthropology by QS World University Rankings 2023, the degree emphasises critical concepts like kinship, ritual, and intersectionality through analysis of texts, films, and global regions. Optional modules allow tailoring to personal interests, fostering skills for critical thinking about culture and society worldwide, with graduates pursuing careers in organisations like the UN, World Bank, and NGOs.In the first year, core modules cover foundational topics such as Being Related, Anthropological Methods, and Ethnographic Film. The second year includes compulsory modules on Critical Ecologies and Thinking Through Race, alongside optional choices like Anthropology and Public Policy. The third year focuses on an individual research project, complemented by electives in areas like Digital Anthropology or Borders and Migration. Assessment varies by module, including coursework, exams, group work, and projects, ensuring a well-rounded preparation for diverse career paths.

Year 1 (credit level 4) In your first year, you'll study the following compulsory modules. Being Related Approaches to Contemporary Anthropology Anthropological Methods Ethnographic Film Academic Skills for Anthropology Anthropology in London Anthropological Ideas Today Year 2 (credit level 5) In your second year, you'll take five compulsory modules and 45 credits of optional modules. Compulsory modules Critical Ecologies: black, indigenous and transnational feminist approaches Anthropology of Politics, Inequalities and Social Change Thinking Anthropologically Thinking Through Race The Goldsmiths Elective Optional modules You'll then take 2 or 3 modules from a list that currently includes: Anthropology and Public Policy Indigenous Cosmopolitics, Anthropology and Global Justice Anthropology of Religion Working with Images Anthropology in Public Practice The Goldsmiths Project Year 3 (credit level 6) In your third year, you'll complete an individual research project. You can choose either to complete an Individual Project or to complete an extended version. Individual Project or Extended Individual Project You will make up the remaining 75-90 credits (depending on your chosen project) from a list of optional modules. Recent examples of optional modules include: Anthropology in Public Practice Psychological Perspectives in Anthropology Anthropology of Health and Medicine Anthropology of Art Anthropology of Development Anthropology and Gender Theory Anthropology of Rights Multimodal Experiments Theorising the Visual Anthropology of Violence Learning from Social Movements Borders and Migration Digital Anthropology Anthropology and the Environment Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.