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Department of Social Anthropology

 

Social Anthropology at Cambridge University

 

 

 

 

 

A unique interdisciplinary degree, only offered at Cambridge.

 

Social Anthropology is taught as part of Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS): a 3-year undergraduate degree which also combines Politics and International Relations, and Sociology.  

Explore the broad spectrum of the human, social and political sciences to study the expansive forces and actors at play in our rapidly changing world. Or customise this course from the start to specialise in the subjects that fit your interests and strengths. 
  
HSPS is suited to those wishing to study Social Anthropology in depth, and to those looking for the flexibility of a multidisciplinary degree. This innovative course stretches across traditional subject boundaries to address the true complexity of human societies. 

 

> Learn more about the HSPS subjects

> Learn more about the HSPS course structure
 


 

Course highlights 
 

  • Study in one of the foremost anthropological departments in the world, and within the globally respected Departments of Politics and International Studies, and Sociology

  • Learn from our influential and cosmopolitan body of teaching staff, each at the forefront of their fields.

  • Explore the world's most complex and pressing issues across a unique range of social and political subjects. 

  • Flexibility and specialisation: focus on one subject or combine more to suit your interests. 

  • Benefit from quality time with academics, receiving personalised feedback and guidance through small-group supervisions. 

  • Access outstanding specialist facilities and research resources, including our world-leading Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and the Visual Anthropology Lab, with filmmaking and video editing equipment and a unique collection of ethnographic films.  

  • Attend cutting edge lectures, seminars and events with international speakers. 

 


Suggested reading for prospective students
 

We aren't looking to test your knowledge acquired from certain books. We are looking for your capacity to read widely and critically, to develop ideas flexibly, and to show potential to thrive on the HSPS course.

You can find out more about Social Anthropology by reading some of the books on our recommended list. Don't try to cover them all – just pick some of the titles that interest you.