2nd
among all Area Studies departments in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on Grade Point Average.
Times Higher Education
Postgraduate study in African Studies and Anthropology
The Department of African Studies and Anthropology (DASA) has an established, international reputation as a centre of excellence in the study of Africa and its diasporas.
You'll be part of a friendly, well integrated postgraduate research community with students from the UK, Africa and all parts of the world.
Staff and students work together closely and take part in an active calendar of events. The Department hosts seminars where staff, postgraduate students and visiting scholars present papers and discuss their work-in-progress.
Postgraduates also contribute to regular conferences and accompanying publications organised by the Department.
Why study African Studies and Anthropology at Birmingham?
- Top 2
We’re consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers
High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2026’ report
- Top 100
in the world for Arts and Humanities
(QS World University Rankings 2025)
One of the main reasons I chose University of Birmingham is because this course enabled me to conduct research in a community that I am a part of. Both of my supervisors have spent years exploring the influences Black Majority Churches have on the Black communities in Africa and the UK.
Our postgraduate degrees
- MA Africa and Development (not accepting applications for 2026 entry).
- MRes African Studies (On-Campus only)
- PhD / MA by Research African Studies (On-Campus or by Distance Learning)
- PhD / MA by Research Social Anthropology (on-Campus or by Distance Learning)
- PhD / MA by Research African Studies and Anthropology (On-Campus or by Distance Learning)
Postgraduate scholarships available
Learn more about our scholarshipsThe College of Arts and Law is offering a range of scholarships for our postgraduate taught and research programmes to ensure that the very best talent is nurtured and supported.
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