MSc Anthropology and Development

About the MSc programme

This programme is offered by the Department of Anthropology with the assistance of the Department of International Development and offers the following benefits:

• Both the Department of Anthropology and the Department of International Development have a strongly international character, and are situated in the only institution devoted solely to the social sciences in the UK.
• The strong tradition of empirical research within both departments directly informs and enhances the teaching on the programme.
• The programme offers an excellent and intensive introduction to the disciplines of social anthropology and international development.
• The programme provides ideal preparation for research work in anthropology, international development and related fields.

The programme is intended for graduates with a good first degree in any discipline who can demonstrate a genuine interest in anthropology and development. Scheduled teaching normally includes three hours of lectures and three hours of seminars per week (depending on options selected), supplemented by regular academic tutorials. 

The programme will help you to develop a good understanding of classical social theory and modern anthropological theory, with reference to a range of theoretical issues, including those of development and social change, and in relation to appropriate ethnography. You will gain a thorough understanding of the history of development policy and practice and their theoretical underpinnings, and of the ways in which these are illuminated by anthropology. Though neither programme is a course in 'applied anthropology', either will be of use if you are planning a career in development work. They also provide a good foundation for anthropological research on problems connected with development.

You take two compulsory core courses (one in anthropology and one in development) and an optional course to the value of one unit, and complete an essay (dissertation) to be submitted by early September.

Compulsory courses

• Anthropology: Theory and Ethnography
• Development: History, Theory and Policy
• Dissertation

Options

(* half unit)

One full unit from the following:

• The Anthropology of Religion
• The Anthropology of Kinship, Sex and Gender
• The Anthropology of Christianity*
• The Anthropology of South-East Asia*
• The Anthropology of South Asia* 
• The Anthropology of Industrialisation and Industrial Life*
• The Anthropology of Melanesia* 
• The Anthropology of Southern Africa*
• Anthropology of Development*
• Anthropology of Learning and Cognition
• Law in Society: a joint course in Anthropology and Law
• Anthropology and Human Rights*
• Investigating the Philippines – New Approaches and Ethnographic Contexts*
• China in Comparative Perspective 
• Anthropology of Politics*
• The Anthropology of India*  
• Anthropology of Economy 1: Production and Exchange*
• Anthropology of Economy 2: Development, Transformation and Globalisation*
• Children and Youth in Contemporary Ethnography*
• Anthropology and Media*
• Anthropological Approaches to Questions of Being*
• The Anthropology of Post-Soviet Eurasia*
• The Anthropology of Borders and Boundaries*
• Ethnography of a Selected Region* 
• Poverty*
• Economic Development Policy
• Environmental Problems and Development Interventions*
• Global Environmental Governance*
• African Development*
• Complex Emergencies*
• Development, Diaspora and Migration* 
• Managing Globalisation* 
• Public Management of Development*
• Managing Humanitarianism*
• Global Civil Society*
• Medical Anthropology*
• The Anthropology of Schooling*
• Key Issues in Development Studies* 

Any other courses offered by Anthropology and International Development, as approved.

NB It is strongly recommended, though not compulsory, that you include Anthropology of Economy 2: Development, Transformation and Globalisation| in your degree programme.

Please note that only a limited selection of optional courses will be available every year; when you are offered a place you will be advised about availability for your year of study.