PhD in Social Anthropology

The PhD in Social Anthropology is intended for students who already have full training at undergraduate and/or Master's level in the methods and perspectives of Social/Cultural Anthropology. A first class Honours degree or strong High Pass in a Master's degree in Social Anthropology is normally required.

The course includes intensive fieldwork training in the first year, a research period of 12 to 18 months, and a further year for writing the dissertation (a maximum of four years is allowed in total). Students work under the guidance of a principal Supervisor and a Faculty Advisor, and the Department also provides compulsory training and specialist seminars which students are expected to attend. Opportunities are available for teaching practice for senior PhD students.

The PhD course consists in the first place of nine months training in research issues and methods culminating in the preparation of a research proposal. This training can be undertaken through the nine-month (three-term) Pre-Fieldwork Course. Students undertaking the PhD Pre-Fieldwork Course can expect to leave for field research at the end of their third term (June-July).

Students whose PhD projects will require fluency in an unfamiliar language must build into their application statement and their research proposal a consideration of how and when they will acquire the necessary language skills for their fieldwork.

For information on postgraduate supervision and facilities see the Supervision and Facilities page.

Further details about the PhD in Social Anthropology, including information about eligibility, funding, training and assessment and how to submit your supporting documents can be found on the Postgraduate Admissions website. To apply, visit the PhD pages in the Postgraduate Admissions Course Directory.

Applications for each academic year open from mid-September and close on 30 April each year. Applications for funding close early December each year.