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Social Anthropology

  • Bachelor of Social Science (with Honours)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 21 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
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Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

In a world shaped by cultural diversity and global change, understanding how people live, think, and connect is essential. Our BSocSc Social Anthropology equips you to tackle critical global issues such as urban inequity and climate change by exploring what it means to be human across societies, economies, and environments worldwide.

Explore human diversity through key themes including migration, poverty and gender, in a supportive learning environment shaped by engaged peers and leading researchers, with particular strengths in visual and sensory media.

You'll study a wide range of topics, from the social implications of new reproductive technologies and environmental crises to migration and challenges to health and wellbeing. These issues are examined through the analysis of ritual, kinship and material culture, alongside focused study of violence, poverty and ways to reduce human suffering.

The course is defined by its focus on the political and economic dimensions of social and cultural life, alongside the anthropology of visual and other sensory media. Cross-cultural comparison encourages you to challenge everyday assumptions and develop a deeper understanding of social life on a global scale.

Modules

https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/2027/00676/bsocsc-social-anthropology/

Assessment method

The range of methods is designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding, including:

  • essays, coursework, and other mid-term evaluations allow development and feedback on your knowledge and understanding;

  • dissertations promote the development of argument and understanding of academic material, and test how you work independently;

  • presentations or group projects promote the development of teamwork and communication skills.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • Bachelor of Social Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 21 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
L600
Institution code:
M20
Campus name:
Main Site
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Manchester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
L600
Institution code:
M20
Campus name:
Main Site

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
ABB

ABB, including at least one of the following A-Level subjects (preference will be given to applicants studying two of these subjects):

Accounting; Economics; Finance; Business Studies; Development Studies; Government and Politics; Economic and Social History; Mathematics; Anthropology; Sociology; Philosophy; Religious Studies; English Language; English Literature; Geography; Psychology; Classical Civilisation; History; Archaeology; Communication Studies; Environmental Studies; World Development; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Modern Languages.

We accept native language A Levels providing they are taken in the same sitting as your other subjects. We will not accept thecombination of Mathematics, Further Mathematics and a native language.

We accept the Level 3 Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS) as equivalent to an A-level if taken alongside two full A-levels from the list of acceptable subjects above

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.

Typical Contextual Offer: BBC, including at least one of the following A-Level subjects (preference will be given to applicants studying two of these subjects):

Accounting; Economics; Finance; Business Studies; Development Studies; Government and Politics; Economic and Social History; Mathematics; Anthropology; Sociology; Philosophy; Religious Studies; English Language; English Literature; Geography; Psychology; Classical Civilisation; History; Archaeology; Communication Studies; Environmental Studies; World Development; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Modern Languages.

We accept native language A Levels providing they are taken in the same sitting as your other subjects. We will not accept thecombination of Mathematics, Further Mathematics and a native language.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher

We accept Scottish Advanced Highers and Highers in one of the following combinations:

Three Advanced Highers at grades BBB.

or

Two Advanced Highers at grades BB, plus two additional Highers at grades BB.

Applicants taking a different combination of Highers and Advanced Highers should contact socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk for further advice. Applicants not taking English language or Mathematics at Higher level must achieve grade C in English language and Grade B in Mathematics at SCQF Level 5.

AS

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

Access to HE Diploma

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.

The specific course requirements are - Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 level 3 credits (36 at Distinctions and 9 at Merit).

Applicants should typically be mature students returning to education after a minimum of 3 years.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of  our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications  or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School for clarification.

Scottish Advanced Higher

We accept Scottish Advanced Highers and Highers in one of the following combinations:

Three Advanced Highers at grades BBB.

or

Two Advanced Highers at grades BB, plus two additional Highers at grades BB.

Applicants taking a different combination of Highers and Advanced Highers should contact socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk for further advice. Applicants not taking English language or Mathematics at Higher level must achieve grade C in English language and Grade B in Mathematics at SCQF Level 5.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DM

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades DM in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.

Extended Project

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview.

A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
DM

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DM in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 34

34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects

Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
MMM

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades MMM in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
M

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with grade M in combination with two A-levels at grades BB in different subject areas to the diploma.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
MMM

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades MMM in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade D in combination with two A-levels at grades BB in different subject areas to the diploma

OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
MM

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades MM in combination with two A-levels at grade BB in different subject areas to the diploma.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
D

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D in combination with two A-levels at grade BB in different subject areas to the diploma.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)

We welcome and recognise the value of the Baccalaureate Wales and accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (replacing the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate from September 2023)

The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.

T Level

We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this programme. The University does accept T Level qualifications on a number of courses. Please review our T Level information page for a full list.

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieveABB in academic subjects and grade B in the EAP with writing and speaking grade B and listening and reading grade C.

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve ABB in academic subjects and grade B in the EAP with writing and speaking grade B and listening and reading grade C.

Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic School to check if their qualification is recognised   for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5IELTS 6.5 overall with no lower than 6 in any component.
TOEFL (iBT)90TOEFL (IBT) 90 overall with a minimum of 20 in each subset.

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either: GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C. IELTS 6.5 overall with no lower than 6 in any component. TOEFL (IBT) 90 overall with a minimum of 20 in each subset. iGCSE English (Second Language) grade B An acceptable equivalent qualification. Please note we accept in-person IELTS tests taken in official IELTS test centres only. You should review our English Language requirements page for a list of acceptable IELTS tests. If you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of  our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications  or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School/Department for clarification. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above the B2 level.http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/language-requirements/

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We operate contextual admissions meaning many applicants receive an offer and are admitted at least one grade below standard entry requirements. Entry requirements for applicants meeting contextual admissions criteria are listed next to the standard entry requirements on course profiles.

Contextual admissions means we consider your application in context helping us to ensure everyone has a fair chance of getting into Manchester. The data we use is automatically provided on your UCAS form.

Learn more on the University of Manchester website

International entry requirements

The University welcomes applications from appropriately qualified candidates across the world. We value global talent and are proud to receive applications from a wide range of educational systems and national backgrounds.

Because international qualifications vary widely, it is not possible for us to list entry information for every country on this page. If your country is not listed below, please contact us and a member of our team will be happy to assist you: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/contact-international-team/ https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/country-specific-information/

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

The tuition fees for 2027 are yet to be confirmed.

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