Your African Studies and Anthropology Offer-Holder Hub

Welcome to the African Studies and Anthropology Offer-Holder Hub! This month we've asked our lecturers and students for content to keep you busy through the summer and get you excited to study African Studies and Anthropology in September.

Recommendations from our African Studies and Anthropology academics

African Studies and Anthropology student Jessica recommends...

1. Watching a documentary series

Try a few culturally specific documentaries: I watched a few Bruce Parry documentaries (there are a few on Youtube). They give a good sense of what it is like to study other cultures.

2. Studying the differences between sociology and anthropology

The two are quite similar but they use different methodology, I would suggest researching the differences as they give insight into the human-focused aspect of the subject.

3. Reading

I would suggest starting with: How to Think Like an Anthropologist - Matthew Engelke and the Interpretation of Cultures - Clifford Geertz!

With over 300 student societies on campus and a close-knit department culture, it's easy to get involved as an African Studies and Anthropology student at Birmingham.

  • Students playing netball

    Try a new sport with Alice!

    "As someone who enjoys sport, I am part of my departmental netball team which is a great chance to spend time with my course mates outside of studying and meet students on similar courses. The atmosphere is amazing with everyone leaving a hard day behind them to have fun playing a sport we love."

    Learn about Alice's involvement

  • The courtyard of the Guild of Students

    Student life and societies at the University of Birmingham

    Our students' union, the Guild of Students, supports over 300 groups and societies here at Birmingham. Societies are the perfect chance to have some downtime in between studying, meet like-minded people, try a new hobby, or even gain skills and friends for life!

    Check out our student societies

Society Highlight - African Dance

Join African Dance and freely express yourself through learning dances from all over Africa. Everyone is welcome. The only rules are: be yourself and have fun!

The second city, your second home

Congratulations from Ellie Dobson, Director of Admissions for the College of Arts and Law

Congratulations from Ellie Dobson, Director of Admissions for the College of Arts and Law

Throughout your time in the Department of African Studies and Anthropology, employability is a key area of focus.

The University of Birmingham is proud to be the UK university most targeted by the country’s leading graduate employers (The Graduate Market in 2024 High Fliers report).

We help to make sure that you are employable through a range of department-led and university-wide initiatives which include:

Input from Professional Careers Advisers in your Curriculum

During the first year of your studies, Careers Advisers from the University Careers Network team attend lectures in your course to support you with career planning from an early stage. The lectures will cover career planning, researching career and internship opportunities, developing the skills that graduate employers are looking for, and presenting yourself with impact to a potential employer.

Professional Skills module

You will have the unique opportunity to take advantage of a work placement as part of your final year by undertaking the Professional Skills Module as part of your optional module choices.

Find out how the University of Birmingham is Investing in your future.

Working as a student can be a daunting idea but the benefits of growing your confidence, skills, helping your department and getting to connect with staff more makes it all worthwhile!

Students high five
Millie, BA Anthropology and African Studies

  • A student stands in front of the Arts Building

    Accept your offer

    If you haven't already, in order to accept and secure your place at Birmingham, you must respond to your offer by the date stated in your offer letter. This deadline refers to your acceptance of the offer, not the fulfilment of conditions. To respond to the offer, click on the ‘Respond to Offer’ link within your applicant portal.

    What you need to do next