Ashoka University

What you'll study

The programme blends core courses in sociological and anthropological theory with methods training, thematic electives and an emphasis on empirical fieldwork. Early-semester modules typically cover classical and contemporary social theory, anthropological approaches to kinship, religion and material culture, and foundational qualitative methods such as participant observation and ethnography.

Students progress to more advanced topics including research design, social statistics, urban studies, politics and society, gender and sexuality, caste and ethnicity, development and social change, and visual anthropology. Coursework is complemented by methodological labs, field practicums and a supervised honours dissertation or major research project.

• Core subjects: sociological theory, anthropological theory, qualitative methods, ethnography, research design.
• Methods and skills: participant observation, interviewing, coding qualitative data, basic quantitative analysis, use of archival and visual materials.
• Thematic electives: urbanisation, migration, religion and society, gender and sexuality, caste and inequality, development studies, health and medicine, environment and society.
• Capstone: honours dissertation or independent research project with fieldwork, supervised by faculty.
• Interdisciplinary options: courses from economics, political science, history, psychology and media studies to allow broader contextualisation.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification and demonstrate strong academic performance across disciplines. Ashoka looks for evidence of intellectual curiosity and the capacity for independent thinking; successful candidates typically submit a motivated application that can include essays, a portfolio of written work, and participate in interviews or assessment exercises as part of the admission process.

There are no mandatory prior courses in sociology or anthropology, but applicants with coursework or extracurricular engagement in social sciences, humanities, community work, or research projects are well suited to succeed. Proficiency in English is required for participation in seminars, writing assignments and fieldwork reporting.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Sociology and Anthropology programme pursue a wide range of careers informed by strong analytical, research and communication skills. Common pathways include research and academia (continuing to MA and PhD programmes), roles in public policy and government, positions in non-governmental organisations and international development, and work in the social impact and corporate responsibility sectors.

Other options include careers in journalism and media, cultural heritage and museums, market and social research, human resources and organisational development, and consultancy. The programme’s emphasis on fieldwork, qualitative and quantitative methods, and critical analysis also equips students for roles that require evidence-based programme design, monitoring and evaluation.

Why study at Ashoka University

Ashoka offers this programme within a liberal-arts environment that stresses small-group teaching, close faculty mentorship and interdisciplinary learning. Students benefit from faculty with active research agendas in social sciences, access to research centres and archives, and structured opportunities for fieldwork and internships that connect classroom learning to practice.

The university’s curriculum encourages breadth through elective choices while supporting depth via honours-level research supervision. Campus resources — including seminar series, visiting scholars, career services and partnerships with NGOs and policy institutions — help students translate academic training into practical experience and career pathways.

Located near a major metropolitan area, Ashoka provides exposure to diverse social settings for empirical study while maintaining a residential community that fosters critical debate, collaborative projects and intellectual growth.