MRes in Social Anthropology
University of St Andrews
Key Information
Campus location
Saint Andrews, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 year
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 25,880 / per year *
Application deadline
08 Aug 2024
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* overseas / home: £11,680
Introduction
The MRes in Social Anthropology provides a firm foundation in the methods and methodologies of social anthropology and the human sciences, to serve as a basis for knowledgeable and skilled research in social anthropology.
Course details
The MRes in Social Anthropology is a full-time taught postgraduate programme run by the Department of Social Anthropology within the School of Philosophical, Anthropological and Film Studies.
The programme provides a general introduction to social anthropology at the postgraduate level, which includes enhancing existing anthropological knowledge and developing knowledge in those coming to anthropology for the first time. The MRes includes various social science components, research and methodology training, and core social anthropology teaching.
Highlights
- The programme combines opportunities for theoretical development and specialist interests with training in research methodologies
- Small class sizes encourage student-led seminars and discussions as well as more contact with supervisors
- The course introduces cross-disciplinary connections and differences.
Admissions
Curriculum
The modules published below are examples of what has been taught in previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your program.
Compulsory
- The Anthropology of Connections: Interdisciplinarity as Methodology: examines the relevance of other disciplines for social anthropology by working with methodologies and concepts drawn from history, social science, philosophy, language, and the arts.
- Research Methods in Social Anthropology: examines the methodology of anthropological research through close attention to the relationship between method and fieldwork experience.
Core social science training modules are listed below (descriptions of these modules are given on the 'Optional' tab). These are required for recognition of the MRes by the ESRC as a doctoral pathway. They are optional for non-ESRC-funded students.
- Being a Social Scientist
- Philosophy and Methodology of the Social Sciences
- Qualitative Methods in Social Research
- Quantitative Research in Social Science
Non-ESRC-funded students may substitute up to 30 credits from undergraduate Honours-level Social Anthropology modules, with the approval of the course coordinator.
Optional
Here is a sample of optional modules that may be offered.
- Being a Social Scientist: focuses on how to design and produce a research dissertation and addresses issues of professional development (e.g. ethics, careers, grant writing)
- Philosophy and Methodology of the Social Sciences: introduces students to the basic theoretical approaches in the social sciences, covering the methodological and epistemological issues involved in conducting social scientific research
- Qualitative Methods in Social Research: offers both a theoretical and practical introduction to the collection, analysis, and writing of qualitative social science research
- Quantitative Research in Social Science: provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of quantitative analysis - underlying principles, research design, sampling strategies, uncertainty, missing data, and some statistical approaches to data analysis
- Anthropology, Art and Perception 1 or Anthropology, Art and Perception 2
- Methodological and Philosophical Issues in Anthropology: This is specifically designed for students who have not studied anthropology before. It will outline the key methods and philosophical and theoretical ideas that have shaped the discipline.
Dissertation
Student dissertations will be supervised by members of the teaching staff who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the research process. The completed dissertation of not more than 15,000 words must be submitted by a date specified in August.
If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MRes, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MRes.
Teaching
Teaching format
Over two semesters, students take two compulsory and two optional modules. Teaching methods include formal lectures combined with seminar-style teaching and student-led group work.
Lecture class sizes range from five to ten students and tutorial sizes range from two to six students.
Over the year, with a particular focus during the summer months, you will devise a research project culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation.
Assessment
Compulsory modules are assessed through coursework which includes essays, independent research-led assignments and group-assessed oral presentations.
Support
Every taught postgraduate student is assigned an individual supervisor from among the Social Anthropology staff who will work with them closely to develop a topic and direction for the end-of-degree dissertation.
The Department of Social Anthropology provides postgraduates with access to a museum collection of ethnographic material and a common room that includes a general anthropological library, providing a space that is shared by both staff and postgraduates. The departmental libraries, together with the main University library which holds a fine anthropology collection, include resources covering nearly all regions of the world.
Scholarships and Funding
The University of St Andrews is committed to attracting the very best students, regardless of financial circumstances.
The University of St Andrews offers postgraduate scholarships and other financial awards. These may be held in addition to external funding or awards from a government body. These may also cover (fully or partially) tuition fees, maintenance (living costs including accommodation), or both.
Scholarships are available based on academic merit and financial need. There are scholarships available for both home and overseas fee status. The scholarship team recommends reading the terms of each award carefully and applying to a range of funding sources.
Postgraduate scholarships
Postgraduate study is an investment in your intellectual development and career potential. The University of St Andrews provides scholarships to help as many students as possible continue in higher education.
Scholarship availability may depend on your area of study or fee status (for example, whether you are a 'Home' or 'Overseas' student).
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Social Anthropology graduates have characteristics many employers seek, and a Social Anthropology degree provides openings to a wide range of careers. Graduates have gained successful employment in areas such as:
- International policy
- Journalism (BBC and The Independent)
- Marketing
- Teaching
- Wildlife conservation.
Further study
Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programs at St Andrews or elsewhere. The Department of Social Anthropology offers Ph.D. supervision across a diverse range of theoretical interests and topics.
English Language Requirements
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