MA Visual Anthropology

Program Overview

MA Visual Anthropology

Overview

The MA Visual Anthropology offers a unique combination of anthropological theory and visual practice. It provides students with a strong foundation for producing visual work informed by anthropology.

Why Study MA Visual Anthropology at Goldsmiths?

• You’ll approach visual anthropology through the study of the politics and aesthetics of representation, documentary and ethnographic film, and anthropological perspectives on art.
• As a practice-oriented MA, there is a clear emphasis on applying anthropological knowledge to the actual making of visual artefacts, and not just their analysis.
• The MA is open to people with a range of backgrounds in anthropology and related fields, so you’ll join a diverse group of students with varying perspectives.
• As a graduate, you’ll be well-placed to pursue a career in visual anthropology (be it research- or practice-oriented), and to bring an anthropological sensibility to the visual to other disciplines.
• You’ll have hands-on training in the use of digital camcorders, sound recording equipment and video editing, preparing you for your final visual project – a 20-minute film – as well as giving you practical vocational skills for after you graduate.
• You'll learn from leading academics in the Department of Anthropology, which has been rated top 10 in the UK for anthropology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.

Length

• 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time

Fees

• Home - full-time: £13,600
• Home - part-time: £6,800
• International - full-time: £26,250

Department

• Anthropology

What You'll Study

Compulsory Modules

• Ethnographic Film and Cinema Studies (30 credits)
• Directions and Diversions in Visual Anthropology (30 credits)
• Anthropology of Art (30 credits)
• Anthropology Video Production (60 credits)

Optional Modules

• You also take option modules to a value of 30 credits from a list provided annually by the department. Previous examples have included:
  • Material Culture (30 credits)
  • Anthropology of Religion (30 credits)
  • Economic and Political Anthropology 2 (30 credits)
  • Borders and Migration (30 credits)
  • Learning from Social Movements (30 credits)
  • Anthropology and the Visual 2 (30 credits)
  • Digital Anthropology (30 credits)
  • Critical Voices in Development (30 credits)

Teaching Style

• This programme is taught through scheduled learning – for example, through a mixture of lectures and seminars. Depending on the option module you select you may also learn via workshops, film screenings and reading groups. You’ll also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.

Careers

• The unique combination of theory, research and practice that structures the MA in Visual Anthropology will prepare you for a diverse range of employment opportunities. Past graduates have gone on to work in:
  • Video production, both commercial and independent
  • Film editing and videography
  • Production and programming of film festivals
  • Ethnographic and visual research in both academic and commercial settings
  • Teaching

Skills

• Some of the skills you'll develop during the Masters include:
  • Critical thinking
  • Research skills
  • Visual production skills, including practical skills in the use of digital camcorders, sound recording equipment and video editing
  • Collaboration and team work
  • Independent working
  • Communication skills

Entry Requirements

• You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in a relevant/related subject.
• You might also be considered for some programmes if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level.

International Qualifications

• We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

English Language Requirements

• If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme.

Funding Opportunities

• Explore the Goldsmiths scholarships finder to find out what funding you may be eligible for.
• If you are a UK student you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan.

Additional Costs

• In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying.
• There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments.