ObjectivesContemporary social anthropology is a critical discipline that tackles an enormous variety of topics. These range from social implications of the new reproductive and information technologies through the analysis of the social meanings of consumer behaviour, to the study of violence, poverty and the means for resolving conflicts and alleviating human suffering. Although anthropological studies are now conducted everywhere, from middle class suburbs and inner cities, to boardrooms and migrant labour camps, what all our studies have in common is an awareness of human diversity. This programme provides you with a comprehensive knowledge of the diversity of cultural, social and material aspects of human existence in prehistoric, historical and contemporary contexts. It has both regional and global scope, focusing on particular peoples and areas, while considering much wider issues, including past and current processes of globalisation. The course provides you with a comprehensive knowledge of both past achievements in the fields of Anthropology and Archaelogy and latest developments in anthropological and archaelogical research. It also gives you an understanding of archaelogical and anthropological theory, method and interpretation. The course trains you in the critical skills needed to explore the regional and global diversity of the material record and social and cultural life using comparative, cross-cultural and cross-temporal methods. In Anthropology, you will be particularly encouraged to use your knowledge of cultural diversity to challenge established assumptions embedded within the particular cultural systems, as well as within 'western' knowledge, practices and theoretical paradigms. In Archaeology, you will be particularly encouraged to develop a critical understanding of the place and importance of archaeology and material heritage in contemporary society, including the issues and controversies that they provoke. Most importantly, this course trains you to think anthropologically and archaeologically. Students are admitted from a wide variety of backgrounds, and the range of experience brought always ensures a lively atmosphere.
Entry requirementsSelected entry requirements A level: Grades ABB. General Studies is welcomed but is not normally included as part of the standard offer. Two AS-levels are accepted in place of one A-level. Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications. Unit grades will not normally form part of offer conditions, except for Mathematics programmes. GCSE: Minimum grade C in English Language. Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification. However, as the opportunities to take these modules are not open to all applicants, currently this is not an essential requirement of the University. International baccalaureate: 34 points overall. Additional entry requirements Additional entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
Academic titleBA Archaeology and Anthroplogy
Course descriptionCourse content for year 1
In the first year you study compulsory core modules covering a comprehensive range of anthropological and archaeological work. Modules studied in the first year are: Culture, Power, Language; Cultural Diversity in Global Perspective; Culture and Society; Regional Studies of Culture; Introduction to Archaeology; Archaeological Perspectives; Vocational Skills. During the summer, you have an opportunity to learn more about the practical skills of archaelogical excavation because, in addition to the taught curriculum, you spend at least one summer carrying out archaelogical fieldwork, which will be subsidised by the course. You are required to have completed at least three weeks of fieldwork during your first two years of study.
Course content for year 2
In the second year there are a series of compulsory course units, but also the opportunity to select more specialist course units. The modules studied at year two consist of: Arguing with Anthropology; The Ethnographer's Craft; one Anthropology option; Theory and Philosophy of Archaeology; two Archaeology options. During the summer you may participate in an archaelogical excavation, giving you the opportunity to further develop your skills in both excavating and analysing material remains. This is not compulsory, providing you have already completed the required three weeks during the first year.
Course content for year 3
By the end of the first two years, you will have enough knowledge of and skills in the two subjects to move on to more specialised and advanced work in the third year. Importantly, you will write a substantial dissertation in your final year covering both anthropological and archaeological themes. You will also study chosen options from both disciplines.
Career opportunities
Graduates are employed in museums, cultural heritage organisations, conservation projects, archaeology units, working for relief organisations as consultants to various overseas material culture and development agencies. Others have joined the Civil Service/local government, gone into radio, television broadcasting, film-making, journalism, HR, market research, industrial relations, advertising, law, accountancy and teaching.
Course fees: For entry in 2008, the tuition fees for Home/EU students are £3,145 per year and the tuition fees for International students are £10,500 per year.