Anthropology (with Foundation Year)

University of Winchester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework.These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

What does this TEF outcome mean?

Course summary

Get up close and hands-on with a range of materials, from primate skeletons to religious relics, in our University’s cutting-edge departmental laboratory

Embark on thoroughly rewarding research projects in Barbados and Georgia

Become a sought-after employee by diverse industries, from medicine and museums to academia and advertising

Develop intercultural understanding – a key asset in today’s job market

Our Anthropology programme is a fascinating exploration of human societies, looking at present-day western and non-western groups, social development through time as seen in the material culture and biological aspects of humanity. The Foundation Year (first year of study) gives you the chance to commence your studies with us if you have not quite achieved the entry qualifications required or if you feel you would benefit from the opportunity to develop your study skills and subject knowledge prior to embarking on your degree. Through a range of engaging, small-group lessons and practical placements, you will be equipped with the academic, professional and personal skills to help you succeed at university. Modules will cover broad topics as well as an introduction to your chosen subject area. You will also have the opportunity to study alongside students undertaking a range of degree programmes. This four-year course enables you to get to grips with questions commonly posed by anthropologists: How has evolution shaped us? What is culture? Do any universals of human behaviour exist? Due to the broad nature of the topic, anthropologists are highly valued by employers in many industries for their cross-cultural communication skills and their ability to analyse human behaviour. As Margaret Mead, the great American anthropologist, once said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” The course strikes a balance between academic learning and hands-on application, so you don’t spend all your time nose-deep in library books. You can tinker with extensive archaeological materials, from primate skeletons to religious relics, in our University’s cutting-edge departmental laboratory. Our programme uses a wide range of assessment methods including fieldwork projects and work placements, so you can join thoroughly rewarding research projects locally or further afield in places such as Barbados and Georgia. Classes are taught by passionate and highly-respected leaders in the field who specialise in all aspects of human evolution, from Palaeolithic humans who first occupied Europe two million years ago to modern funerary practice. The degree consists of three strands which extend throughout the entire course: social anthropology, biological anthropology and archaeology/material culture. In Year 1 (second year of study), you receive an introduction to social and biological anthropology, archaeology and material culture, as well as primate and human evolution. Year 2's (third year of study) core modules focus on research methods, theory, society, art and visual culture. A wide range of possible optional modules are available, covering aspects of religion, global environmental change, race, ethnicity, migration and the archaeology of death and burial. The third (fourth year of study) and final year allows for specialisation in areas including social and biological anthropology. You can explore in-depth topics such as African America, Geographies of Inequality, Indigenous Religions, and Magic and Esoteric Traditions in Post-Medieval Britain. As an anthropology student, you learn how to understand, interpret and respond to human behaviour. Alongside such specialist skills, you also develop valuable transferable skills highly prized by employers, including the ability to think critically, communicate your ideas and opinions clearly and work both independently and collaboratively.

How to apply

25Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:: LL6X

Institution code:: W76

Campus name:: Main Site

Campus code:: -

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Foundation
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3

International applicants

We accept a wide range of non-UK qualifications and use UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre) guidelines to confirm their equivalence.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 48 points

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants are usually required to hold a minimum of 1 x A-level or equivalent qualifications (e.g. 1 x BTEC National Subsidiary Diplomas) and we accept all A-level subjects, including Critical Thinking, General Studies and own-language A-levels. If you are a mature student, your application will be considered on its individual merits and work or other professional experience may be taken into consideration in lieu of other published requirements.

English language requirements

Test	Grade	Additional details
IELTS (Academic)	6	An overall score of 6.0, including 5.5 in writing is required. If you require Tier 4 sponsorship, you will require a minimum of 5.5 in all 4 components.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England	£9250	Year 1
Northern Ireland	£9250	Year 1
Scotland	£9250	Year 1
Wales	£9250	Year 1
Channel Islands	£9250	Year 1
Republic of Ireland	£9250	Year 1
EU	£14700	Year 1
International	£14700	Year 1

Additional fee information

For further information about any additional costs associated with this course please see the individual course page on the University of Winchester website (www.winchester.ac.uk).