Discover African Studies and Social Anthropology at Birmingham

Explore our undergraduate course offerings

Uncover hidden narratives, explore the nuances of identity, and decode the anthropology of everyday life with African Studies and Social Anthropology at the University of Birmingham. Emerge as a critical thinker equipped to unravel the complexities of society and share a deeper understanding of our world.

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    Go beyond the classroom to experience the rich tapestry of human cultures

    Take on opportunities to do fieldwork of your own, observing and analysing the societies and issues around you through the lens of anthropology. Your study will include theories from anthropologists working all over the world, overlapping disciplines and developmental and humanitarian concerns.

Why Study African Studies and Social Anthropology at Birmingham?

  • Experience global learning - all African Studies and Social Anthropology students are eligible for the University's Study Abroad scheme. In recent years, students from our Department have studied in Australia, Austria, Jamaica, Malaysia, Thailand and the USA. 
  • Receive personalised support on coursework and feedback - The relatively small size of the department means that you will get to know your academics on a personal level and be part of a supportive community.
  • Engage in learning outside the classroom - attend performances, talks, trips, podcasts, quizzes and celebrations. In recent years, students have taken part in Sudanese food evenings and  visited the Liverpool Slavery Museum, the V&A in London, and the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford.

Over the last three years I have studied topics such as witchcraft and kinship, LGBT activism, and the meaning of money and commodities. I even conducted my own anthropological research project on the social pressures that influence student fashion trends!

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Hannah, BA Social Anthropology

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