| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-18 | - |
| 2024-09-23 | - |
Program Overview
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?
Program Outline
Course Overview
Anthropology delves into the bare bones of what it means to be human. It takes the whole world as its canvas and brings you into close contact with an eye-opening array of human behaviours from both the past and present.
Our Anthropology programme is a fascinating exploration of human societies, looking at present-day western and non-western groups, the biological aspects of humanity, and social development through time as seen in material culture.
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. 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. You will build experience with anthropological fieldwork techniques and will be encouraged to develop your own fieldwork interest through the course.
Classes are taught by passionate and highly-respected leaders in the field who specialise in varied aspects of the anthropological study of humanity, from investigating the evidence for health and disease in ancient human populations to migration and transnationalism in contemporary European societies.
The degree consists of three strands which extend throughout the entire course: social anthropology, biological anthropology and archaeology/material culture.
A Foundation Year is the perfect way to boost your academic skills, build your confidence and develop your wider subject knowledge so you can succeed at Winchester. This course offers an extra year of study at the start (Year 0) which leads onto a full degree programme (Years 1, 2 and 3).
A Foundation Year is ideal if you are returning to education after a break; haven’t quite achieved the entry qualifications required; are wanting more support during the transition to studying at university; or are unsure about which subject you wish to pursue.
In Year 0, you will study a set of modules from across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences which are designed to develop your academic and practical skills. This broader focus in your first year introduces you to studying at university level and provides you with a better understanding of Anthropology and related subjects.
You will experience a variety of teaching methods including lectures, discussion-based seminars and independent study. You will also receive support to boost your academic skills to prepare you for the rest of your time at Winchester. Find out more and hear from our Foundation Year students at
winchester.ac.uk/foundation
In Year 1 (second year of study), you receive an introduction to social and biological anthropology as well as material culture studies. You will also take modules in world prehistory and primate and human evolution.
Year 2's (third year of study) core modules focus on research methods, theory, the relationship between biology and society and art and visual culture. A wide range of possible optional modules are available to introduce you to key geographic regions or themes such as religion and ritual, conflict, the archaeology of death and burial, human bioarchaeology or gender and sexualities.
In the third year (fourth year of study) you will undertake a research dissertation or a work placement. Third year modules allow for more in-depth specialisation in social and biological anthropology, as well as optional topics such as the Archaeology of Medieval Religion and Belief, Intangible Heritage, or the study of different religious traditions.
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.
Find out more about the Department for Archaeology, Anthropology, and GeographyCareers
Anthropology graduates work in a wide range of careers such as international development, government, NGOs, business (especially cross-cultural communication), museums, or health and tourism.
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, HESA.
Pre-approved for a Masters
If you study a Bachelor Honours degree with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.
Key information data from UniStats will be available for this course from Autumn 2020.