Anthropology and Sociology

Course details
Anthropology and Sociology are naturally complementary fields of study due to their common emphasis on understanding humans as part of wider cultural and social groups.
This degree combines modules from the BA Anthropology and BA Sociology degrees providing a comprehensive understanding of humans as social and cultural beings. Studying Anthropology at Durham allows you to gain a deep understanding of humanity in all its rich diversity and complexity, helping to navigate the biggest challenges our societies face today.

Why Durham University?
Join a dynamic and welcoming Department that takes a distinctly broad-based approach to the study of humanity.
We are among the largest Anthropology departments in the UK with around 120 students in each year group, and one of the few to combine social, biological and medical aspects of anthropology.
Our lecturers are passionate, dedicated teachers and researchers, and our modules cover numerous areas that overlap with other subjects, including culture, environmental issues, evolution, genetics, forensics, literature, health, music, politics, primate behaviour, religion, reproduction, skeletal anatomy and many others still.

Rankings
3rd in the UK Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
5th in the Guardian University Guide 2026
5th in the UK Complete University Guide 2026
Top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2026

Careers Opportunities

Anthropology
With a degree in Anthropology, you will be equipped with a diverse and practical knowledge base, including highly transferable skills in research and communication.
Our graduates apply their knowledge directly in fields as diverse as health, community work, conservation, education, international development, culture, and heritage.
Many progress into careers that require a broad understanding of human society and behaviour as well as the interpersonal, organisational, problem solving and independent thinking skills that come with the discipline.
Such careers include advertising, publishing, journalism, teaching, human resource management, law, consultancy and marketing.

Sociology
Criminology
As well as building detailed subject-specific knowledge of criminological issues, our courses are designed to develop transferable skills that are valuable for both personal and professional development including, how to assemble and evaluate evidence, how to turn evidence into an effective argument, how to design a research project and analyse data.
Our graduates work in a wide range of employment settings worldwide, including the criminal justice system, the Civil Service, local and national government, banking, academic research and law (through graduate conversion programmes).
Sociology
The combination of sociological knowledge and transferable skills gained during your studies will prepare you for a career in many different sectors.
From interpreting and evaluating information to analysing situations and constructing a persuasive argument, these skills are highly valued by employers and will give you a competitive edge.
Sociology graduates work in a wide range of settings all over the world, including health and welfare, local and central government and the Civil Service, education, the police, social research, the media and non-profit organisations.

For current information please scroll to the bottom of the page for Provider Information and select Visit our Course Page under Course Contact Details.

We use a wide range of assessments designed to provide training in a variety of academic and broader transferable skills, including not only 'traditional' essays and exams but also research projects, popular academic writing and outreach activities.

In your final year you will have the chance to design and carry out your own research project for your dissertation, with support and guidance from your supervisor.

In addition to the help provided by your subject lecturers, you can also access extensive support for your assessments through ASC, the Academic Skills Centre. See below for details: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/centres/academic-skills-centre/