Programme structure: Anthropology (MA) - what's running in 2027/28

Please note: Programme and unit information may change as the relevant academic field develops. We may also make changes to the structure of programmes and assessments to improve the student experience.

    What do the Levels represent?

    What do the teaching blocks (TB) mean?

    If you are selecting optional units, ensure that you have a balanced workload through the year.

  • Year 1 (2027/28)
Unit name Unit code Credit points Status Teaching Block
Anthropological Theory and Practice ARCHM0081 40 Mandatory TB-4
Dissertation ANTHM1000 60 Mandatory TB-4
Research Methods in Anthropology ARCHM0080 20 Mandatory TB-1
Select 60CP from:
Cultural Heritage of the Built Environment ARCHM0084 20 Optional TB-1
Plants and People ARCHM0085 20 Optional TB-1
Work Placement in Anthropology ARCHM0082 20 Optional TB-2
Anthropology of Disability and Difference ARCHM0083 20 Optional TB-2
Myth ARCHM0088 20 Optional TB-2
Evolution and Human Society PHILM0050 20 Optional TB-2
Care, Labour and Gender SOCIM0004 20 Optional TB-2
Tools and Methods for Innovation INOVM0024 20 Optional TB-1
Migration, asylum and human rights: EU and global policy perspectives. SPOLM0042 20 Optional TB-2
Health and Health Care in a Global Context SPOLM1066 20 Optional TB-2
Theorising Violence: Colonialism and Anticolonial Cultural Politics MODLM0074 20 Optional TB-1
Theories of Visual Culture: Comparisons across Time, Space, and Media MODLM0075 20 Optional TB-1
South West Doctoral Training Partnership Pathway
MANDATORY units, SWDTP students must take all units in this list:
Introduction to Research Methods in the Social Sciences SSLFM0001 20 Optional TB-1
Digital Methods and Data Skills SSLFM0002 20 Optional TB-1
Anthropological Theory and Practice ARCHM0081 40 Mandatory TB-4
Dissertation ANTHM1000 60 Mandatory TB-4
Research Methods in Anthropology ARCHM0080 20 Mandatory TB-1
SWDTP students only- select one from:
Advanced Quantitative Research Methods SSLFM0003 20 Optional TB-2
Advanced Qualitative Research Methods SSLFM0004 20 Optional TB-2
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Award requirements

The pass mark set by the University for any level 7 unit is 50 out of 100.

For detailed rules on the award of credit, reassessment and award of a qualification please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.

Degree classifications:

A classification will be awarded in the following qualifications:

  • Taught postgraduate Masters degree, including a Master of Research (MRes)
  • Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates where these are specifically named entry-level qualifications
  • Exit awards of Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates in designated programmes (as described in the programme specification) where students choose to withdraw from the intended programme but otherwise achieve the necessary credit points for the exit award.

A classification is not awarded for exit awards where students are required to withdraw from the programme on academic grounds.

The overall final programme mark is calculated as the average of all unit marks in the programme, weighted by credit point value.

The classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as follows:

  • Distinction = final programme mark of 70+
  • Merit = final programme mark of 60-69
  • Pass = final programme mark of 50-59
  • Fail = final programme mark of 49 or less

* The MA in Law has separate regulations for awarding distinction and merit.

Diploma/certificate stages:

To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 100 must be at level 7.

To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level 7.