University College London, University of London

What you'll study

Training covers a broad range of qualitative and quantitative approaches appropriate to anthropological research. Methods and topics explicitly taught or practised include participant observation, formal and informal interviews, ethnographic recording, surveys, object and visual analyses, archival research, auto‑ethnography, oral and genealogical histories, laboratory work, excavation and participatory action research. Students are encouraged to run or join Reading and Research Groups and may contribute to departmental publications and events.

Entry requirements

Ideal applicants hold a Master's degree with Distinction in Anthropology or a closely related discipline (or an overseas equivalent). Minimum entry standards are a Master's with Merit or a Bachelor's Honours with Distinction in Anthropology or a relevant field. Applicants must contact proposed supervisors before applying to secure supervisory support. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and should be submitted at least three months before the intended start date.

Career prospects

Graduates progress into academic research and higher education as well as non‑academic roles. The programme highlights pathways into government, the civil service, NGOs, business consultancy and health and social care, reflecting the transferable research and communication skills developed during study.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Students can gain funded experience through competitive departmental roles such as teaching assistantships and assistant curatorships; the department provides formal training for teaching. UCL offers a Doctoral Skills Development Programme and UCL Careers works with research students to support professional development. These institutional opportunities complement supervisory support and peer mentoring within the department.