Social Anthropology MA

Are you interested in how different people around the world do things differently? Have you ever questioned the taken for granted assumptions about what is “normal” behaviour in your culture, your workplace, or in powerful institutions? Have you got an interest in culture, behaviour, cultural heritage, or social justice? If so, then anthropology is the subject for you. 

Social anthropology is the study of people, cultures and societies around the world. It takes cultures on their own terms, and values the importance of culture to helping us understand the world we live in. Social Anthropology gives us the tools that we need to understand human cultural and social difference, and to really start to make sense of how people, groups and organisations think about the world. 

Social anthropology at SOAS is an introduction to the discipline of anthropology and its history, its theories, and methods. You do not need to have studied anthropology before to get the most out of this programme. It is the perfect introduction to the anthropological way of seeing the world and global problems or would be the perfect way to convert into the discipline if you wish to pursue a research degree later.

If you have studied anthropology before, a postgraduate degree at SOAS will allow you to develop your specialisms and research interests even further, including the possibility of learning a new language and delving deeper into a topic through a self-designed research project on our Dissertation module

Why study MA Social Anthropology at SOAS?

• We are ranked 6th in the UK and 18th in the world for Anthropology (QS World University Rankings 2025)
• 3rd in the UK for Employer Reputation (QS World University Rankings 2025)
• 5th in the UK for Academic Reputation (QS World University Rankings 2025)
• 12th in the UK (Times/Sunday Times League Table 2025)
• SOAS Anthropology is ranked 2nd among Anthropology departments in the UK (REF 2021)
• You can flexibly structure your programme using our optional modules and/or the optional modules from other departments, including the opportunity to learn a regional language
• Our focus on the culture, politics and cultural communication are areas of growing global concern and significance among private, public and international institutions; our emphasis on skills, communication and methodology gives graduates a clear advantage with employers in the job market