Social Anthropology and Politics MA
Central Area Campus, United Kingdom
Social Anthropology and Politics MA (Hons)
University of Edinburgh
Social Anthropology and Politics
Program Overview: Social Anthropology and Politics MA (Hons)
This popular joint degree programme provides a grounding in both social anthropology and politics, two subjects which complement and enrich each other. Social anthropology is the study of human conduct and thought, exploring the vast social, cultural, and political differences across societies while highlighting the underlying shared humanity.
The politics component investigates the theory and practice of how societies are governed, examining how political institutions create collective rules, who holds power, and the consequences of political decisions. Drawing on leading academics and researchers, you will explore societal conflicts about power, participation, and resources at local, national, and international levels.
Housed within the School of Social and Political Science, this programme benefits from Edinburgh's strong research culture and international outlook. You will have the opportunity to conduct your own fieldwork research and may study abroad through the university's international exchange programme during your studies.
Key Program Highlights
- Joint honours degree combining two complementary disciplines within a renowned School of Social and Political Science
- Opportunity to conduct independent fieldwork research in the UK or overseas between Years 3 and 4
- Flexible curriculum allowing you to choose from a wide range of optional courses in both subject areas
- Access to international exchange opportunities through the university's study abroad programme in Year 3
Curriculum and Modules
The programme is structured across four years, with a broad introduction in Years 1 and 2 and increasing specialisation in Honours Years 3 and 4. You will take courses from both social anthropology and politics throughout, culminating in an independent honours dissertation based on your own research project.
A foundational course exploring key concepts, methods, and debates in social anthropology, examining human conduct, cultural diversity, and the common humanity underlying social variations worldwide.
An introductory course covering the theory and practice of governance, political institutions, collective rule-making, power distribution, and the nature of a just society.
A historical overview of anthropological thought, introducing key concepts and keywords that have shaped the development of social anthropology as a discipline.
A compulsory Year 4 course introducing a range of anthropological approaches to politics, examining both open and hidden forms of power at global, state, national, community, and personal levels.
Training in qualitative research methods including ethnographic fieldwork, participant observation, and interview techniques, preparing you for your independent dissertation research project.
Elective Courses
Admission Requirements
The University of Edinburgh welcomes applications from students with a wide range of qualifications. All applications for this programme are processed through Uni4Edu, which will guide you through the entire admissions process and ensure your application is complete and competitive.
Academic Requirements
- A LevelsAAA - ABB
- SQA HighersABBB by end of S5 or AABB/ABBBB by end of S6
- International Baccalaureate37 points with 666 at HL - 34 points with 655 at HL
- Subject RequirementsNo specific A Level or Higher subjects required
- International QualificationsA wide range of international qualifications accepted; International Foundation Programme available for those not meeting direct entry requirements
English Language Requirements
- IELTS AcademicOverall 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component
- TOEFL iBTOverall 92 with at least 20 in each component
- GCSE / National 5English at C or 4 (for GCSE) / English at C (for National 5)
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Edinburgh offers a limited number of scholarships and funding opportunities for international undergraduate students. Awards are typically competitive and based on academic merit, interview performance, and personal statements. Contact Uni4Edu to explore the best funding options for your profile.
Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships available to international students demonstrating outstanding academic performance. These awards help offset the cost of study and are awarded competitively each year.
Access Edinburgh Scholarships
Needs-based funding designed to support students from underrepresented backgrounds, based on criteria such as income, personal circumstances, and widening participation indicators.
External Scholarships (e.g. Chevening, GREAT Scholarships)
Varies by schemeA range of external scholarships from governments and foundations are available to international students studying at Edinburgh. Uni4Edu can help identify and apply for schemes relevant to your nationality and profile.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Social Anthropology and Politics programme develop highly transferable skills in critical analysis, cross-cultural understanding, research, and communication. Many graduates pursue careers across the public, private, and third sectors, while a growing number continue to postgraduate study in anthropology or related fields.
Potential Career Paths
Typical Employers
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the top 50 universities in the world and holds particularly strong positions in social sciences. The School of Social and Political Science has seen multiple subject areas improve or maintain their standing in recent global rankings.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Anthropology | QS World Subject Rankings | #17 |
| Politics and International Relations | QS World Subject Rankings | #27 |
| Social Policy and Administration | QS World Subject Rankings | #10 |
| Sociology | QS World Subject Rankings | #28 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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