Program Overview

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BA Anthropology (XD49)

2026 entry

Course summary

Our BA Anthropology course offers a unique opportunity to explore the social, material, linguistic and evolutionary aspects of human experience.

Our programme provides the key skills and knowledge required to apply anthropological theory and research techniques to address the major contemporary challenges facing humanity. For example, the impacts of climate change, technological innovation and deepening health inequalities.

You will receive training in both qualitative and quantitative anthropological methodologies and descriptive, analytic, interpretative and visual techniques. This will prepare you to undertake fieldwork in communities in Bristol and further afield. Original research inspires all our teaching and your degree culminates with you producing a substantial final-year dissertation on a topic of your choice.

Whether you are interested in the study of humankind present or past, from Amazonia to Avon, you will be able to explore the topics that inspire you and fire your imagination.

Overview

Typical offer

• A-level standard offer: AAB
• A-level contextual offer: BBB
• Go to entry requirements for the full entry criteria and contextual offer eligibility.

Programme duration

• 3 year(s) full-time.
• Part-time study is not available for this course

Application method

• UCAS (Code: XD49)

Location

• Clifton campus

Fees

• £9,535 per year, home students
• £24800 per year, international students
• More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Fees quoted are for 2025 entry only. Fees for 2026 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2025.

Course structure

In your first year, you will take a series of units introducing you to the fundamental ideas and principles of social, linguistic and evolutionary anthropology.

Your second and third years allow greater specialisation in key skills, regional foci and current debates in anthropology. You will develop transferable skills in a broad range of research methods and theoretical frameworks employed by anthropologists seeking to inform policy and practice today.

The final year dissertation research project provides you with an opportunity to put theory into practice, making a contribution to the discipline, and also to wider society. There is also an option to build your employability skills further by completing a work placement with an external partner such as an NGO, community organisation or museum.

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

• A-level standard offer: AAB
• A-level contextual offer: BBB
• BTEC: DDD in any Applied General BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level
• International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer: 31 points overall with 15 at Higher Level
• European Baccalaureate: 80% overall
• Scottish Qualifications Authority: Advanced Higher: AB and Standard Higher AAABB
• Access to HE Diploma: Access to HE Diploma in Humanities, Social Sciences, Law or History (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include 24 credits at Distinction and 21 at Merit or above.
• Welsh Baccalaureate: Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
• Cambridge Pre-U: Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
• International qualifications: The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Selection process

• Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
• If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
• Full information about our selection processes for Anthropology can be found in the Admissions Statement.

Applicants must also meet these requirements

• GCSE profile requirements: No specific subjects required.
• English language requirements: If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
  • IELTS 7.0 overall with 7.0 in writing and 6.5 in all other skills
  • GCSE English Language grade B or 6
  • an alternative qualification outlined in our Profile level B.