Useful Fact about this Subject
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)
The MSc Anthropological Research (formerly MRes Social Anthropology) offers a unique opportunity to delve into human cultures and societies within a world-renowned academic setting. This programme combines rigorous theoretical teaching with fieldwork opportunities to equip you with both the analytical frameworks and practical skills essential for advanced anthropological study. You will develop your own research theme under the supervision of a member of staff and will have the opportunity to carry out ethnographic field research.
Did you know? Aberdeen is ranked 1st in the UK for Overall Satisfaction in Anthropology* and 3rd in the UK for Anthropology and Archaeology** (*National Student Survey 2024, **Guardian University Guide 2025)
Anthropology involves the comparative study of human societies in all their diversity, aiming to understand cultural life across a broad spectrum of social activities. Anthropologists conduct their research through long-term, in-depth fieldwork in various regions worldwide.
Our focus at Aberdeen encompasses multiple facets of people's everyday lives, from routine activities to special festivals and events. By observing these occurrences, researchers gain insights into other societies and reflect on their own, contributing to knowledge about distant cultures and addressing pressing issues in nearby communities.
The Anthropology Department at the University of Aberdeen is known worldwide for its expertise in Scotland and the Circumpolar North - including Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia and Russia, blending interdisciplinary perspectives with a strong research foundation
The MSc programme offers an introduction to the work of anthropologists, the methods for conducting fieldwork, and a historical and contemporary overview of anthropological research. Students will develop their own research topic with the help of a supervisor. You will learn to access research materials, conduct ethnographic fieldwork, apply research methods such as participant observation, interviewing, and recording, and adhere to ethical standards in anthropological research.
Upon completing the program, graduates will be prepared for further research towards a PhD in Social Anthropology or to pursue careers as trained researchers in the public or private sectors.
15 Credit Points
The course comprises a programme of readings that will be devised in advance through consultation between student and supervisor, in light of the student’s intended research interests. The student will write a 3000 word essay on the readings.
30 Credit Points
Research in Social Anthropology 1 (30 credits, first semester) will provide a broad introduction to the discipline of social anthropology at postgraduate level. We will discuss the history of social anthropology, its position within the social sciences and the humanities, the nature of anthropological theory and further themes in contemporary anthropological research. Coursework will comprise of a 5000 essay on a topic to be decided in consultation with the student’s supervisors.
15 Credit Points
This course allows students to learn about and practice research skills in social anthropology through a series of workshops. It will encourage reflexive awareness of the role of research skill, technique and methodology in the discipline. Topics will include the history of methods in anthropology, participant observation, writing fieldnotes, interviews, analysis, and working with media technologies, historical resources and museums. Case studies of how these skills are combined in practical fieldwork will be held. Students will be expected to bring any previous experience of anthropological fieldwork to bear on the discussions, and to develop ideas for their future research practice.
30 Credit Points
Research in Social Anthropology 2 (Extended) (30 credits, second semester) will discuss key topics within social anthropology. These may include religion, politics and the state, environmental anthropology, the anthropology of the north, creativity and knowledge, medical anthropology, linguistic anthropology, oral traditions, media, or museums, amongst others. Following the class each week a student-led seminar will be held to discuss the issues raised. Coursework will comprise of a 5000 essay on a topic to be decided in consultation with the student’s supervisors.
30 Credit Points
All researchers need to understand quantitative research, not only those who carry it out themselves. Everyone comes across quantitative research in literature reviews and even in the press. In this course students will acquire an understanding of the most common quantitative methods they are likely to use or come across in published social science research. The module will encompass different types of quantitative study and address issues such as when quantitative methods are appropriate, how quantitative questions are formulated, research design, sampling (both online and offline), scale construction, reliability and validity and ethical practices in quantitative research and design.
60 Credit Points
This is a compulsory element on the MRes Social Anthropology programme.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Fee category | Cost |
---|---|
EU / International students | £23,000 |
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
UK | £11,100 |
Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year |
Self-funded international students enrolling on postgraduate taught (PGT) programmes will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about the Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
Assessment will be based on extended essays for each individual course module and the dissertation.
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:1 standard from a recognised university or body.
Applicants without this qualification may be admitted subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of work experience appropriate to the field of study. Also taken into careful consideration is the trajectory of results, an applicant without an overall 2.1 but with 2.1 results in their final two years of study may be admitted.
Many students, but not all, intend to go on to study for a PhD, in which case the dissertation written at the end of the MSc serves as a PhD research proposal. To apply therefore, please include a short outline of your intended research theme. This need not be very detailed, up to about 1000 words in length. Please include this in your Personal Statement.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
Eligible self-funded postgraduate taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipsThis degree provides suitable preparation for continued research towards a PhD in Social Anthropology or to enter employment as a trained researcher in the public or private sectors.
Recent postgraduate researchers in Anthropology from Aberdeen have gone to work in a range of top universities around the world and in other organisations including governments, charities and other international organisations, and museums.
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
The University’s award winning Sir Duncan Rice Library is listed in the “Top 20 spellbinding University libraries in the World”. It contains over a million volumes, more than 300,000 e-books and 21,000 journals.
Find out more24 hour access to our online Learning Support provided via our Virtual Learning environment MyAberdeen, as well as access to international networking and continuing professional development.