Anthropology

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

What does this TEF outcome mean?

Open days

11Jun

University of Winchester - Open Day (2025 entry)

Undergraduate

6Jul

University of Winchester - Open Day (2025 entry)

Undergraduate

28Sep

University of Winchester - Open Day (2025 entry)

Undergraduate

Course summary

Explore what it means to be human by developing an understanding of the biological aspects of humanity and delving into a wide array of human societies, both past and present.

Get up close and hands-on with a range of materials, from primate skeletons to religious relics, in our University’s cutting-edge departmental laboratory

Become a sought-after employee by diverse industries, from medicine and museums to academia and advertising

Develop intercultural understanding – a key asset in today’s job market

Anthropology delves into the bare bones of what it means to be human. It takes the whole world as its canvas and brings you into close contact with an eye-opening array of human behaviours from both the past and present. Our Anthropology programme is a fascinating exploration of human societies, looking at present-day western and non-western groups, the biological aspects of humanity, and social development through time as seen in material culture. This three-year course enables you to get to grips with questions commonly posed by anthropologists: How has evolution shaped us? What is culture? Do any universals of human behaviour exist? Due to the broad nature of the topic, anthropologists are highly valued by employers in many industries for their cross-cultural communication skills and their ability to analyse human behaviour. As Margaret Mead, the great American anthropologist, once said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” The course strikes a balance between academic learning and hands-on application. You can tinker with extensive archaeological materials, from primate skeletons to religious relics, in our University’s cutting-edge departmental laboratory. Our programme uses a wide range of assessment methods including fieldwork projects and work placements. You will build experience with anthropological fieldwork techniques and will be encouraged to develop your own fieldwork interests through the course. Classes are taught by passionate and highly-respected leaders in the field who specialise in varied aspects of the anthropological study of humanity, from investigating the evidence for health and disease in ancient human populations to migration and transnationalism in contemporary European societies. The degree consists of three strands which extend throughout the entire course: social anthropology, biological anthropology and archaeology/material culture. In Year 1, you receive an introduction to social and biological anthropology as well as material culture. You will also take modules in world prehistory and primate and human evolution. Year 2’s core modules focus on research methods, theory, the relationship between biology and society, art and visual culture. A wide range of possible optional modules are available to introduce you to key geographic regions or themes such as religion and ritual, conflict, the archaeology of death and burial, human bioarchaeology, or gender and sexualities. The third and final year you will undertake a research dissertation or a work placement. Third year modules allow for more in-depth specialisation in social and biological anthropology, as well as optional topics such as the Archaeology of Medieval Religion and Belief, Intangible Heritage, or the study of different religious traditions. As an anthropology student, you learn how to understand, interpret and respond to human behaviour. Alongside such specialist skills, you also develop valuable transferable skills highly prized by employers, including the ability to think critically, communicate your ideas and opinions clearly and work both independently and collaboratively.

How to apply

31Jan

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:: LL60

Institution code:: W76

Campus name:: Main Site

Campus code:: -

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1
Year 2

Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)

Applicants who wish to apply for advanced standing (exemption from part of a programme) based on previous study are considered on an individual basis. Applicants are required to provide transcripts. confirming the module titles and grades they have already achieved, as well as module handbooks and/or programme specifications showing the learning outcomes of the modules completed.

International applicants

We accept a wide range of non-UK qualifications and use UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre) guidelines to confirm their equivalence.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 104 - 120 points

Access to HE Diploma

GCSE/National 4/National 5

T Level - M

Applicants are required to hold a minimum of 2 x A-level or equivalent qualifications (e.g. 2 x BTEC National Subsidiary Diplomas) and we accept all A-level subjects, including Critical Thinking, General Studies and own-language A-levels. We welcome applicants who have completed the Extended Project (EP/EPQ) and points obtained from this qualification will be included in any offer. In addition, we accept a maximum of 32 points from level 3 qualifications below A2 that are included in the tariff (e.g. AS-levels not studied at A-level, music or dance qualifications). If you are a mature student, your application will be considered on its individual merits and work or other professional experience may be taken into consideration in lieu of other published requirements.

English language requirements

Test	Grade	Additional details
IELTS (Academic)	6	An overall score of 6.0, including 5.5 in writing is required. If you require Tier 4 sponsorship, you will require a minimum of 5.5 in all 4 components.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England	£9250	Year 1
Northern Ireland	£9250	Year 1
Scotland	£9250	Year 1
Wales	£9250	Year 1
Republic of Ireland	£9250	Year 1
Channel Islands	£9250	Year 1
EU	£16700	Year 1
International	£16700	Year 1

Additional fee information

For further information about any additional costs associated with this course please see the individual course page on the University of Winchester website (www.winchester.ac.uk).