Anthropological Research (MSc)
Introduction
The MSc Anthropological Research offers a unique opportunity to delve into human cultures and societies within a world-renowned academic setting. This programme combines rigorous theoretical teaching with fieldwork opportunities to equip you with both the analytical frameworks and practical skills essential for advanced anthropological study.
Anthropology involves the comparative study of human societies in all their diversity, aiming to understand cultural life across a broad spectrum of social activities. Anthropologists conduct their research through long-term, in-depth fieldwork in various regions worldwide.
Our focus at Aberdeen encompasses multiple facets of people's everyday lives, from routine activities to special festivals and events. By observing these occurrences, researchers gain insights into other societies and reflect on their own, contributing to knowledge about distant cultures and addressing pressing issues in nearby communities.
The Anthropology Department at the University of Aberdeen is known worldwide for its expertise in Scotland and the Circumpolar North - including Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia and Russia, blending interdisciplinary perspectives with a strong research foundation
The MSc Anthropological Research offers an introduction to the work of anthropologists, the methods for conducting fieldwork, and a historical and contemporary overview of anthropological research.
You will learn to access research materials, conduct ethnographic fieldwork, apply research methods such as participant observation, interviewing, and recording, and adhere to ethical standards in anthropological research. You will also develop your own research theme under the supervision of a member of staff and will have the opportunity to carry out ethnographic field research.
Upon completing the program, graduates will be prepared for further research towards a PhD in Social Anthropology or to pursue careers as trained researchers in the public or private sectors.
What You'll Study
- Stage 1
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Stage 1: Compulsory Courses
AT5029 Supervised Reading I (15 credit points)
AT5069 Research in Social Anthropology (15 credit points).
AT5070 Anthropological Theory (30 credit points).
(Note: Students who have an undergraduate degree in anthropology will be able to replace AT5070 Anthropological Theory with another level 5 30 credit course.)
- Supervised Reading i (AT5029)
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15 Credit Points
The course comprises a programme of readings that will be devised in advance through consultation between student and supervisor, in light of the student’s intended research interests. The student will write a 3000 word essay on the readings.
- Stage 2
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Stage 2: Compulsory Courses
AT5565 Research Skills in Anthropology (30 credit points).
Candidates must also select 30 credits from the following electives:
AT5563 Anthropology and Art: On Place, Landscape and Materials (30 credit points)
EF5503 Oral Traditions (30 credit points)
SL5512 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Social Science (30 credit points)
- Stage 3
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Stage 3: Compulsory Courses
- Dissertation in Social Anthropology (AT5910)
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60 Credit Points
This is a compulsory element on the MRes Social Anthropology programme.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
Fees
- UK
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- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £11,100
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *)
- £7,000
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University of Aberdeen graduates are eligible for the Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship, reducing tuition fees to £7,000 - matching the current SAAS tuition loan - See full terms and conditions
- EU / International students
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- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £23,000
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
- £15,000
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The above fee includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.
Fee Information
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Seminars
Assessment Methods
Assessment will be based on extended essays for each individual course module and the dissertation.
Why Study Anthropological Research?
- Established in 2003 by Professor Tim Ingold, The Anthropology Department at the University of Aberdeen provides world-class research expertise that combines an interdisciplinary, global focus with an established track record of research on Scotland and the Circumpolar North
- Learn from experts with varied research interests including the Circumpolar North, landscape and environment, human-animal relationships, religion and belief, museums, and material cultures
- Select your research topic based on your areas of interest and work with experts and peers to develop your subject into a fully realised research project
- Many of our students conduct research on the northern environment – for example among the Sámi, in Iceland, or in Siberia. Other previous research topics have included human-animal relationships; material studies, using the University's extensive museum collections; migration and asylum seekers; and more
- Study at a nationally and internationally renowned university for Anthropology. We are ranked 8th in the UK and 2nd in Scotland for Anthropology and Archaeology (Guardian University Guide 2026) and in the Global Top 100 for Anthropology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
Interested in this programme?
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
2:2 UK Honours degree, or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth.
Applicants without this qualification may be admitted subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of work experience appropriate to the field of study. Also taken into careful consideration is the trajectory of results, an applicant without an overall 2:2 but with 2:2 results in their final two years of study may be admitted.
Many students, but not all, intend to go on to study for a PhD, in which case the dissertation written at the end of the MSc serves as a PhD research proposal. To apply therefore, please include a short outline of your intended research theme. This need not be very detailed, up to about 1000 words in length. Please include this in your Personal Statement.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
- Reference x 2
- two reference letters, one of which should be from your university discussing your academic ability. If you have been out of education for a long time you may wish to use your current or most recent employers, or other professional individuals
Careers
This degree provides suitable preparation for continued research towards a PhD in Social Anthropology or to enter employment as a trained researcher in the public or private sectors.
Recent postgraduate researchers in Anthropology from Aberdeen have gone to work in a range of top universities around the world and in other organisations including governments, charities and other international organisations, and museums.
Career Opportunities
- Curator
- Government Officer
- Lecturer
- Museum Researcher
- Public Advocacy
- Researcher
- Social Researcher
What our Alumni Say
Our Experts
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Johan Rasanayagam
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Facilities
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
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Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX