Social anthropology
Source: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/social-anthropology/ Parent: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/
Examine the diverse ways human beings establish and live social lives. From Western urban cities to indigenous cultures in the Amazon, you will learn to understand how humans live and think by looking at all aspects of their experience.
St Andrews has particular strengths in the societies of:
- East and West Africa
- the Pacific
- South America
- the Caribbean
- Europe
- Central Asia
Undergraduate
Open all
-
Explore courses
Postgraduate taught
Open all
-
Explore courses
Postgraduate research
The Department of Social Anthropology offers PhD and MSt (Res) research programmes. Alongside deep local knowledge in the Americas, Africa, Eurasia and the Pacific, the Department conducts research in areas such as:
- energy and climate change
- history and temporality
- health and disease
- art and ethics
To apply, you should first identify and contact a potential supervisor you would like to work with in your intended research area. Find out how to contact a research supervisor.
“I chose Social Anthropology as a part of my degree as it is the study of what it is to be human. What makes the anthropological study at St Andrews special are the staff. It is a fantastic experience to study with them. Their research (to list a few) includes literary, linguistic, or feminist anthropologies.”
Dani \ - Kolobrzeg, Poland
Awards
First in the UK for Social Anthropology
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
Third in the UK for Social Anthropology
Guardian University Guide 2026
92% of research activity rated 3* or 4*
Most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021)
Department of Social Anthropology
The Department of Social Anthropology champions innovative ethnographic and historical scholarship. It organises regular research seminars, conferences and workshops to consider established or emerging theoretical issues within the discipline.
Studying in St Andrews
The University offers a variety of flexible entry options in order to allow all students, regardless of background or personal circumstances, to apply.
Scholarships and funding options are available at every level of study.
St Andrews has variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Visit St Andrews
If you’re interested in studying at St Andrews, join us at a visiting day or talk and tour to explore the town, find out about our courses and meet current students. You can also join us for one of our upcoming online events.