Program Overview

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Social Anthropology and History BA

The Social Anthropology and History BA program at the University of Birmingham is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the present and its relationship with past experiences and imagined futures in societies around the world. By combining history and anthropology studies, students gain the tools to understand and critically engage with the processes, events, actions, and ideas that have shaped and continue to impact our world today.

Course Overview

The program allows students to study past and present cultures across the world, ranging from Europe to Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Students develop the ability to research, analyze, and interpret complex information, combined with a deep understanding of societies and cultures past and present. Alongside practical research experience, students gain critical and transferable skills that open up a broad range of career opportunities.

Course Highlights

• Top 10 in the UK for Anthropology
• Top 15 in the UK for History
• Study past and present cultures across the world
• Develop the ability to research, analyze, and interpret complex information
• Gain critical and transferable skills for a broad range of career opportunities

Course Delivery

The program is delivered in person, with a combination of lectures, seminars, and tutorials. Lectures provide an insightful introduction to key topics, while seminars are small group discussions where students share and test ideas with their academic tutor and peers.

Support During Studies

Students have access to a range of support services, including:

• Personal Academic Tutors
• Wellbeing Officers
• Academic Writing Advisory Service
• Student Experience Team

Contact Hours

The degree is designed to help students achieve 120 credits per year, which equals about 40 hours of learning each week. This includes lectures, seminars, workshops, independent study, revision, and assessments.

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed in different ways to suit each module, including coursework, group or individual presentations, projects, exams, reports, or computer-based assignments. Timely feedback is provided on each assessment to help students learn and improve their performance.

Module Information

The modules listed for this program are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Students can apply to study abroad for a year in an approved university around the world.

Year 1

In the first year, students must take the following modules:

• Around the World with Anthropology
• Studying Societies: Social Anthropology
• History and Heritage
• Practising History: Skills in History
• Thinking Anthropologically

Students also choose 60 credits of optional modules, including one 20-credit DASA module in Semester 2 and two 20-credit History modules, one from each semester.

Entry Requirements

To secure a place at Birmingham, students must meet the general entry requirements as well as those specific to the course. The standard entry requirements include:

• A Level: ABB
• IB: 6,5,5 including 32 points overall
• BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM, plus a B at A level in the required subject/s mentioned below

A Levels

A Level History, Medieval History, or Ancient History is preferred, but applications are welcome from candidates who can demonstrate an interest in and an aptitude for the study of history and anthropology.

English Language Requirements

International students must demonstrate a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

Fees and Scholarships

The University tuition fee covers the cost of tuition, examination, and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students. The fee for domestic (UK) students for 2026/27 is £9,535 per year.

Undergraduate Loans

Undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan, which helps to cover living costs.

Scholarships, Grants, and Bursaries

The University offers a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries, and other awards.

Application Process

Applications for undergraduate courses at Birmingham are made online through UCAS. The standard application deadline for September 2026 entry is 14 January 2026.

Career Opportunities

By studying an undergraduate degree in Anthropology at Birmingham, students develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths, including:

• Strong communication skills
• Leadership and teamwork
• Handling complex information
• The ability to form concise and articulate arguments
• Managing time and prioritizing workload

Graduates have gone on to secure roles such as Executive, Marketing Specialist, and Senior Policy Advisor, working for organizations like Expedia Group, Aston Martin Heritage Trust, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Related Courses

Related courses include:

• Social Anthropology BA
• History BA
• Social Anthropology and Politics BA

Student Experience

The University of Birmingham offers a range of accommodation options, a vibrant campus life, and a variety of student support services to ensure a positive and fulfilling student experience. Students can get involved in exciting activities outside of their studies, enjoy the city's unique history and culture, and take advantage of the University's excellent facilities.