Course summary
The MA in Visual Anthropology offers a unique combination of anthropological theory and visual practice. It provides you with a strong foundation for producing visual work informed by anthropology. Why study MA Visual Anthropology at Goldsmiths
- You’ll approach visual anthropology through the study of the politics and aesthetics of representation, documentary and ethnographic film, and anthropological perspectives on art.
- As a practice-oriented MA, there is a clear emphasis on applying anthropological knowledge to the actual making of visual artefacts, and not just their analysis.
- The MA is open to people with a range of backgrounds in anthropology and related fields, so you’ll join a diverse group of students with varying perspectives.
- As a graduate, you’ll be well-placed to pursue a career in visual anthropology (be it research- or practice-oriented) as well as to bring an anthropological sensibility to the visual to other disciplines.
- You’ll have hands-on training in the use of digital camcorders, sound recording equipment and video editing, preparing you for your final visual project – a 20-minute film – as well as giving you practical vocational skills for after you graduate.
- You'll learn from leading academics in the Department of Anthropology, which has been rated top 10 in the UK for anthropology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.
Modules
Compulsory Modules You study the following compulsory modules. Ethnographic Film and Cinema Studies 30 credits Directions and diversions in visual anthropology 30 credits Anthropology of Art 30 credits Anthropology Video Production 60 credits Option modules You also take option modules to a value of 30 credits from a list provided manually by the department. Previous examples have included: Anthropology and Gender Theory 30 credits Material Culture 30 credits Anthropology of Art 30 credits Anthropology of Religion 30 credits Economic and Political Anthropology 1 30 credits Economic and Political Anthropology 2 30 credits Borders and Migration 30 credits Learning from Social Movements 30 credits Anthropology and the Visual Production Course 30 credits Anthropology and the Visual 2 30 credits Anthropology of Rights 30 credits Digital Anthropology (PG) 30 credits Critical Voices in Development 30 credits *Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.
Assessment method
Assessment includes written essays for the theory modules, practical assignments, and a final visual project in the form of a 20-minute film.
Entry requirements
You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard, or equivalent, in a relevant/related subject. You might also be considered if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level. If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
Unless otherwise stated the annual fee for part-time students is half the full time fee quoted.
Provider information
Goldsmiths, University of London
New Cross
Lewisham
SE14 6NW