Program Overview

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Anthropology

Introduction

Ground-breaking research exploring social and cultural worlds and relations between humans and their environments, in an Anthropology Department ranked in the Global Top 100 for Anthropology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024) and 3rd in the UK for Anthropology & Archaeology (Guardian University Guide 2025)

Study Information

At a Glance

• Degree Qualification: MRes or PhD

Research Area Navigation

• Overview
• Our Research
• Entry Requirements
• Fees
• Careers
• Contact Us

Our Research

The Department attracts research students from all over the world, regularly holds workshops and exhibitions with international collaborators and weekly research seminars with invited speakers. In recent years it has hosted two major research projects, Arctic Domus and Knowing from the Inside.

Research Interests

Anthropology of the North

One of the signature specializations of our Department is our research in Arctic and boreal communities around the circumpolar North. We have specialists working in every part of this increasingly important region ranging from the Russian Federation, to Scandinavia, to Northern Canada.

• Experts: Prof. David Anderson, Dr Tatiana Argounova-Low, Dr Arnar Árnason, Dr Nancy Wachowich, Dr Rob Wishart
• More information about Anthropology of the North

Anthropology of Art and Craft

Anthropological studies of art and craft through traditional' anthropological settings of indigenous art and studies both of and with digital media, contemporary art, and the revival of craft skills.

• Expert: Prof. Alison Brown, Dr Jo Vergunst, Dr Nancy Wachowich

Environment and Perception

Anthropology at Aberdeen is internationally renowned for its distinctive approach to environmental questions, founded on the idea that environments are never complete but continually coming into being, along with their inhabitants, in creative processes of life, growth and movement. We have a particularly strong interest in human relations with other species.

• Experts: Prof. David Anderson, Dr Arnar Árnason, Dr Maggie Bolton, Dr Rachel Smith, Dr Jo Vergunst, Dr Andrew Whitehouse, Dr Rob Wishart
• More information about Environment and Perception

Religion Belief and the State

The Department’s research in religion is wide-ranging, but with a particular focus on Buddhism, Islam, and the theme of death, embodiment and the person. Our research interests include ritual theory, moral subjectivity, anthropology beyond the secular, and evolutionary theories of religion.

• Experts: Dr Arnar Árnason, Dr Martin Mills, Dr Johan Rasanayagam, Dr Rachel Smith,

Museums and Histories of Science

We have long-standing interests and expertise in collections-based research in public and private archives and in museums related to Museum Anthropology, Historical Anthropology and Histories of Science and Technology.

• Experts: Professor David Anderson, Dr Tatiana Argounova-Low, Dr Arnar Árnason, Dr Maggie Bolton, Professor Alison Brown, Dr Rachel Smith, Dr Jen Walklate, Dr Andrew Whitehouse, Dr Rob Wishart

Entry Requirements

To apply for this programme applicants must have at least a good honours degree in anthropology or a related subject. Applicants intending to progress from the MSc to the PhD programme should also provide a short statement about their research interests.

PhD Programme

Applicants for this programme must have a good honours degree in anthropology or a related subject and must normally provide evidence of postgraduate training in anthropological research methods.

In addition, applicants must provide a detailed research proposal.

APPLICANTS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO CONTACT POTENTIAL SUPERVISORS BEFORE MAKING AN APPLICATION.

We are open to discussing all potential projects with applicants, including the possibility of undertaking these via distance learning.

Guidelines for writing a Research Proposal.

For both programmes, applicants must provide two academic references from their most recent academic institution. For further guidance on applying, please contact Maggie Bolton.

If English is not your first language you must also show evidence of attaining standards in English. View details of English language criteria.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fee rates are available here.

International Applicants

More information about Fee status, living costs, and work allowances for international students is available here.

Scholarships

Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore this Global Scholarship, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.

To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.

Careers

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on the Careers and Employability Service

Related Postgraduate Taught Degrees

• Anthropological Research
• Cultural Heritage
• Museum Studies

Useful Fact about this Research Area

Aberdeen is ranked 3rd in the UK for Anthropology and Archaeology** (Guardian University Guide 2025) and in the Global Top 100 for Anthropology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)