Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Social Anthropology at The University of Manchester is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at The University of Manchester. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in social sciences, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 12 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in social sciences.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at The University of Manchester.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Social Sciences.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 12 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Careers
Career opportunities
The University of Manchester is one of the most targeted universities by the UKâs top graduate employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2024). Our MA Social Anthropology course gives you the specialist skills required for a range of careers, such as in: the media and cultural industries; the Civil Service and public sector; the business and charity sector; international humanitarian institutions like the UN. You will also acquire vital skills relevant to many different sectors and roles, such as research design, effective communication and teamwork. Our highly-skilled graduates go on to succeed in areas such as: think tanks and pressure groups; social research; business and management; data analysis; academia and teaching. Another popular option is to continue specialising for a career in research and universities through a PhD in Social Anthropology or a similar subject. The University has its own dedicated, award-winning Careers Service where you can benefit from tailored careers support, practice interviews, CV and application support, job listings for Manchester students, and much more. Better yet, youâll have access to our Careers Service both during your course and for two years after you graduate, so we know youâre on the right path.
Program Curriculum
Course overview
Study a masterâs in Social Anthropology at a university ranked top 10 in the UK and top 25 worldwide (QS World University Rankings 2025). Join a department that was born to break the mould. Founded by the trailblazing anthropologists interested in social change, conflict and urbanisation in colonial and post-colonial Africa, we have championed a socially engaged, accessible, and high-quality study of anthropology from day one. Pioneer your own research project with support from our expert staff, who are conducting global research spanning Africa, the Artic, Latin America, Asia and even outer space. Benefit from our first-rate facilities and resources, such as the Granada Centre for Visual Anthropology. Graduate from one of the UKâs most targeted universities by top employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2024). Loading MA Social Anthropology at The University of Manchester
Open days
The University holds regular open days, where you will have the opportunity to find out more about our facilities and courses. On this day, you will find out more about the School, our resources, and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have. See open days and visits for more information.
Contact details School/Faculty School of Social Sciences Contact name School of Social Sciences Admissions Office Telephone +44 (0) 161 306 5500 Email pg-soss@manchester.ac.uk Website https://www.socialsciences.manchester.ac.uk/social-anthropology/ School/Faculty overview See: School Subjects
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas. Social Anthropology
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
We require a UK bachelor's degree with a First or Upper Second classification or the overseas equivalent, in any discipline for entry to our MA programme. We require a UK bachelor's degree with a Lower-Second classification or the overseas equivalent, in any discipline for entry to our Postgraduate Diploma. When assessing your academic record we consider your degree subject, grades you have achieved and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.
English language
Applicants whose first language is not English should meet the following language requirements: IELTS Academic test score of 7 overall, including 7 in writing with no further component score below 6.5 TOEFL IBT 100 with 25 in writing and no further score below 22 in each section. TOEFL code for Manchester is 0757 Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 76 overall, with 76 in writing and no further score below 70 Priority will be given to applicants who have provided evidence of meeting these scores when making offers. Further information on accepted language requirements can be found here . Pre-Sessional English Courses We will consider applicants who do not meet these scores but you may be required to complete a pre-sessional English language course at the University of Manchester prior to the start of the course. To be considered for a pre-sessional English language course for this programme we require the following minimum IELTS (Academic) scores: 6 Week Pre-Sessional Course : IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing and no more than one sub-skill of 6.0. 10 Week Pre-sessional Course : IELTS 6.0 overall with 6.0 or above in each sub-skill If you have not yet completed your current academic study and are interested in studying a pre-sessional course, you must hold an IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test certificate to ensure that you are eligible for a separate visa for the English language course.
English language test validity
Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course. Applicants from Majority English-speaking countries If you are a national of a  majority English-speaking country   (or have studied for a full bachelor's degree or higher from one of these countries) you may be exempt from submitting further evidence of English language proficiency.
Other international entry requirements
We accept a range of qualifications from across the globe. To help international students, the university provides specific information for many individual countries. Please see our country-specific information page   for guidance on the academic and English language qualifications which may be accepted from your country.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 17,000/year (international)
Fees and funding
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2026, the tuition fees are as follows: MA (full-time) UK students (per annum): £15,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £31,500 MA (part-time) UK students (per annum): £7,500 International, including EU, students (per annum): £15,750
The fees quoted above are fully inclusive of tuition, administration and computational costs. Fees for entry are subject to yearly review. The University reserves the right to increase your tuition fee by up to 7% each year for courses lasting more than one year, including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our educational and wider student experience. Postgraduate fees information . Always contact the admissions team if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance. International student CAS deposit Self-funded international applicants are required to pay a deposit of £2500 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. Some applicants will be required to pay a higher deposit. More information on tuition fee deposits .
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
For information on available scholarships please visit: Masterâs Fees and Funding
- Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships Plan (CSFP) General Scholarship
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2026, the tuition fees are as follows: MA (full-time) UK students (per annum): £15,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £31,500 MA (part-time) UK students (per annum): £7,500 International, including EU, students (per annum): £15,750
The fees quoted above are fully inclusive of tuition, administration and computational costs. Fees for entry are subject to yearly review. The University reserves the right to increase your tuition fee by up to 7% each year for courses lasting more than one year, including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our educational and wider student experience. Postgraduate fees information . Always contact the admissions team if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance. International student CAS deposit Self-funded international applicants are required to pay a deposit of £2500 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. Some applicants will be required to pay a higher deposit. More information on tuition fee deposits .
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
For information on available scholarships please visit: Masterâs Fees and Funding
- Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships Plan (CSFP) General Scholarship
About The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester
Botswana, Botswana
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Start Date 2017-09-18
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
- Credits 60 ECTS / 180 credits (1-year programme)
