PhD in Anthropology and Sociology

Overview

Social anthropology is widely regarded by employers as an excellent training, equipping holders of the degree with a range of employable skills. The value and relevance of the discipline are evidenced by the great variety and distinction of careers SOAS anthropology graduates have embarked upon with success.

Anthropologists have a global perspective when they come to make career choices. The speed and ease of worldwide communication networks is expanding the need to understand and interpret the socio-cultural patterns, values and life styles of others. Social anthropologists therefore find opportunity in diverse fields including international business, information technology, the media, library and museum services, and tourism. The multi-cultural nature of modern society has triggered a need in many spheres for staff with a trained awareness of the socio-cultural norms of minority communities, and our graduates may be found throughout the education sector, health sector, local government, and in advisory services of many kinds. Increasing numbers work in the field of development at home or overseas, with UN agencies or non governmental organizations, and others work as freelance consultants. PhD students are encouraged to attend the variety of seminars and workshops that take place across the School.

Teaching & Learning

MPhil students are expected to work independently for the most part. There are, however, certain requirements for the first year of the programme which all students are expected to fulfil. Fortnightly tutorials with your supervisors are the norm if you are full time, although there will be times when you will see your supervisor more frequently and others when you might need three weeks between appointments. You will also be required to attend and do the coursework for the Anthropological Research Methods class in term 1, Statistics course in term 2 and the Research Training Seminar in both terms. In consultation with your supervisor, you may also decide to take a language course and you will be expected to follow classes and do the related coursework. Some students may be required to enrol on one or more MA core courses as part of their first year of study and to attend the seminars/tutorials, write essays and take the exams. Other students also may decide to audit BA or MA core theory lectures in anthropology, or special interest lectures in other departments which will require attending lectures only. Most courses involve a weekly one hour lecture. Please consult the timetable on the SOAS website for days and times. Once again, you will need to seek agreement from the convenor to audit a course.

Post-fieldwork students (year-three students) are expected to meet regularly with their supervisor to discuss the work and progress of their PhD thesis. Following the fieldwork year, all students are required to present two papers in the Post-Fieldwork seminar. Throughout postgraduate studies, many students also participate in the student run workshops, reading groups and seminar series.