Social Anthropology and African Studies

Learn about how people live in diverse cultures around the world and deepen your understanding of African societies through history, politics and cultural studies.

Explore the complexity and diversity of lived experiences on the African continent and beyond, and challenge assumptions about society's past, present, and future.

Why study this course?

• Dive into the diversity of African societies, exploring their histories and stories alongside contemporary cultures. Learn how the study of Africa provides us with different perspectives and enhances our understanding of politics, history and culture.

• Gain critical and transferable skills that open up a broad range of career opportunities through our work-based placements and employability-focused modules.

• Take on opportunities to do research of your own, observing and analysing the societies and issues around you through the lens of anthropology.

• Benefit from more than 60 years’ experience of teaching and research in African studies.

• Travel and study abroad, choosing from over 300 destinations worldwide, including a range of exciting options across the African continent.

• Access an exceptional range of learning resources including environmental and material culture collections including the African collection and the Cadbury Research Library.

Top 10 for Anthropology in the Complete University Guide 2025