MA Anthropological Research: The University of Manchester

Course description

This programme is designed to prepare students to carry out doctoral level research in Social Anthropology. It provides training in a wide range of research methods and teaches students how to develop a substantive research project in a theoretically and methodologically informed way. Although primarily intended as preliminary to doctoral research, the MA Anthropological Research programme is also available as a stand-alone taught MA degree.

Students on the MA Anthropological Research work closely with an expert supervisor in Social Anthropology, with further guidance from a second supervisor. All students attend the following core course units: Issues in Ethnographic Research I and II, Postgraduate Research Seminar, Independent Theoretical and Ethnographic Analysis I, and Introduction to Quantitative Methods. In consultation with their supervisor they also select three short, 5-credit modules in qualitative or quantitative research methods. Computer training is also available. Students then select two specialist course units, of which one must be within Social Anthropology and one may be elsewhere in the University.

Module details

All students attend the following core course units: Another Europe:

• War/Nation/Transformation
• Medical Anthropology
• Anthropology of Museums
• Anthropology of International Development
• Contemporary Issues in the Social Anthropology of the Middle East
• Anthropology of Sub-Saharan Africa
• Technologies of Reproduction
• Anthropology of Amazonia
• Anthropology, Globalisation and Development
• Screening Culture
• Anthropology of Vision, Memory and the Senses

Additionally, students take three 5-credit compulsory courses on qualitative research methods. Computer training is available via an on-line course for those who require training in this area.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview: Minimum UK 2:1 (=60%, or overseas equivalent) in social anthropology or in a degree where social anthropology formed a major component.

English language: Applicants whose first language is not English must attain one of the following:

• IELTS - Overall 7, writing score  7
• TOEFL - Overall 623, TWE 5 (PBT)
• TOEFL - Overall 263, TWE 5 (CBT).  This test is no longer available but results less than 2 years old can be submitted.
• TOEFL  - Overall 100, with 25 in each of the 4 sections (IBT)