Anthropology

Anthropology

Introduction

Anthropology at Aberdeen is a wide and fascinating exploration of humankind and what it means to ‘be human’, the differences in human cultures and societies and how they have developed across the world, and a special focus on the northern polar countries and their links to north east Scotland. Our programme is a brilliant foundation for many careers, and scores 100% satisfaction with students.

Anthropology and Archaeology at Aberdeen is ranked 6th in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2023.
We are ranked 6th in the UK for Anthropology by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.

Our Degrees

We offer a range of Anthropology degrees which you can read more about below.

View available degree programmes

Pathway Programmes

The University of Aberdeen International Study Centre offers preparation programmes for progression to undergraduate degree study at the university.

Discover the International Study Centre

Anthropologists explore the biological and social features that make us human to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and ethnic differences in our beliefs and perspectives. At Aberdeen, we explore this subject in a wide social, political and economic context.

You will gain a unique insight in to the behaviour, beliefs and attitudes of societies all over the world, finding connections between aspects of life such as family, economic, political and religious, and themes including ethnicity and nationalism.

You will be inspired by teachers and researchers who are international leaders in their fields, and take advantage of Aberdeen being an international research centre for studying the northern Arctic peoples; from the Nordic, Baltic countries and Russia to the east, and west to Iceland, Greenland, Canada and Alaska.

The skills you will develop in critical thinking and analysis will give you a deep knowledge and understanding of human behaviour which can be applied in business and many other fields. Many of our graduates now work in research, teaching, media, politics, or in business or public sector organisations in a host of roles with international and cultural contexts.

You will enjoy a special, warm welcome at the University of Aberdeen and benefit from excellent teaching, the international impact of our research, and a global experience as part of our friendly and vibrant international community. You will love our beautiful campus and great facilities for learning, sports and leisure, and many opportunities to develop extra skills, broaden your horizons, and gain the competitive advantage in the career path you choose.

Available Programmes of Study

Single Honours Degrees

MA Anthropology

Joint Honours Degrees

Why Study Anthropology at Aberdeen?

Aberdeen boasts the largest concentration of anthropologists in the UK specialising in the anthropology of ‘the North’, and one of the largest groups internationally, with research recognised as world-leading.
In addition to the circumpolar north, our experts also specialise in Canada, the Central Asian republics, Siberia, and Tibet.
Access to extensive anthropological and ethnographic museum collections, and the spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library with great first-class study facilities and state-of-the-art learning technology.
A packed programme of student and public events, exhibitions, seminars, the annual May Festival and the ‘Being Human’ festival with new findings, new thinking and lively debate on big world issues you will be studying on your course.
A programme designed to give you a deep knowledge and understanding of human behaviour, which you can use in many other fields.
Close links with other programmes such as Sociology, Politics, International Relations and Archaeology, giving you an all-round perspective on issues topical in the world today.
Anthropology and Archaeology at Aberdeen is ranked 6th in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2023.
Anthropology at Aberdeen is ranked 6th in the UK by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.

Get in Touch

Contact Details

Address: Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX