BA/BSc (Hons) Anthropology Bachelor's degree at Oxford Brookes University
BA/BSc (Hons) Anthropology at OBU covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
About this course
Anthropology, BA (Hons) degree course by the School of Social Sciences at Oxford Brookes University From the provider’s course page.
BA/BSc (Hons) Anthropology is a Bachelor's degree (BA) at OBU, based in Oxford Campus. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.
For Social sciences graduates from this provider, 80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 50% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Sociology & Social Sciences, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 80% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 8 modules
- Becoming an Anthropologist 1Compulsory
Module details
Develop your key academic skills through a consideration of social and biological anthropology. You will engage with: literature deductive reasoning critical thinking different approaches to writing. You will carry the skills you've gained to address issues that are central to the discipline. You will also have the opportunity of fieldwork trips to local museums, plus a two-night collective trip to a site of significant interest. You will explore the importance and relevance of Anthropology as a
- Becoming HumanCompulsory
Module details
How did humans emerge as a species? Why do human societies vary across time and space? How can we understand the diversity of human experience today? In this module you'll address these questions by exploring anthropology as a discipline. You'll take an integrated approach, covering social and biological anthropology. You will also study other living primates and archaeology. You will also engage with a range of research taking place at Oxford Brookes University to build your anthropological ski
- Being HumanCompulsory
Module details
What does it mean to be human? How do humans interact with each other and with the world around them? In this module you'll tackle these questions. You'll consider how anthropology provides an important understanding of the relationships humans have with their past, present and future. Your studies will include social and biological anthropology. You will also study other living primates and archaeology. You will develop a keen analytical knowledge of the range of anthropological research. You'l
- Family, Kinship, and SocietyCompulsory
Module details
How do people in different societies conceptualise, organise and negotiate social relationships? In this module, you'll examine human relatedness and kinship. You'll draw on studies from a range of historical and contemporary contexts to explore households and kinship networks. Your studies will reveal the often complex, ambiguous, and unequal relationships between men, women and children. As this module progresses, you'll examine the impact that wider economic and political transformations have
- Primate SocietiesCompulsory
Module details
What's the difference between humans and the 600 other species of primates? In this module, you'll explore humans through the diverse social behaviour of other primates. You'll observe how primate societies interact and compromise to survive, looking at primate populations through time. You'll gain the key analytical skills to succeed in your Anthropology degree, as you identify patterns of social interaction in primates in terms of: ecology energetic demography tradition phylogeny (the evolutio
- Becoming an Anthropologist 2Compulsory
Module details
You will build on your knowledge from Becoming an Anthropologist 1, where you focused on key academic skills. In this module you will further enhance your abilities. You'll have a chance to engage with creative methods and ways of presenting anthropological material from theatre, art and photography, conservation techniques, 3d printing, and virtual reality. We'll help you to progress your 'outside the box' thinking to illustrate that there are many ways of working within anthropology beyond the
- Introduction to Physical GeographyCompulsory
Module details
In this module, you'll be introduced to selective themes and topics in physical geography. Using climate change science as a disciplinary grounding, you'll explore recent and future developments, as well as other areas that are inherently linked with climate change in physical geography (including environmental processes, systems and management).
- Contemporary Societies: Structure and ChangeCompulsory
Module details
What's the relationship between the economy, the state, and society? How have labour markets and welfare states changed over time? In this module, you'll examine the issues that are shaping social and political developments in contemporary society. You'll explore questions relating to power and politics, and will look at other topics such as: international immigration patterns the formation of ethnic minorities the role of religion in modern society the challenges posed by global environmental c
Year 2 4 modules
- Human EvolutionCompulsory
Module details
In this module, you'll dive into human evolution. You'll explore how the biological stages of human evolution link to changes in society and behaviour. You'll gain specialist knowledge of the palaeoenvironmental (environment of a past age) and palaeogeographical (geographical features of a past age) context of human evolution.
- Social Anthropology TheoryCompulsory
Module details
In this module you'll explore theoretical developments in social anthropology. 'Theory' may seem opaque and intimidating, but through creative teaching and embodied learning you will gain a strong knowledge of how social theory helps us to understand the world. From social structures and forms of transformation, to gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, and identity, you will consider fascinating debates and approaches. You will be challenged to explore concepts such as: functionalism symbolic anth
- Anthropology in PracticeCompulsory
Module details
This module will provide you with the core methodological skills you need to take your research interests in exciting directions. You'll have the support to gain the skills you'll need for your disseration and other work, including: planning research analytical techniques. From ethnographic fieldwork to surveying and data analysis, the module provides a great platform from which to launch into your own projects. This module links to 'Anthropology in Action', where your focus is on the applicatio
- Anthropology in ActionCompulsory
Module details
In this module you'll start to cultivate your career skills by exploring practical and applicable outputs that have potential for 'real-world' impact. You'll gain insight into the applications of anthropology beyond academia and have the opportunity to put knowledge gained in the parallel module, 'Anthropology in Practice', into action.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study anthropology through the School of Social Sciences, focusing on how societies are structured and how people interact within them. A course like this typically begins with foundational modules in sociology, social problems and policy, and social research methods. As you progress, you'll engage with social theory and develop both qualitative and quantitative research skills. In later years, you'll choose from specialisations such as criminology, social policy, gender and identity, migration, and social work routes, culminating in your own research dissertation or empirical project on a topic of your choosing. Throughout, the emphasis is on understanding real social questions and learning to research society systematically.
Who it's for
This part-time course suits those balancing study with work or other commitments. It's designed for students seeking a structured introduction to anthropological thinking and practice, from foundational theory through to independent research. The flexible delivery allows you to develop professional skills and specialist knowledge at a pace that fits your circumstances.
Careers & job market
Nationally, 85% of graduates from Sociology and Social Sciences courses are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 55% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries (at 15 months) typically range from £23,000 to £30,000, rising to £24,650–£34,800 after five years. Check the university's funding pages for bursaries and scholarships.
University & format
This BA (Hons) is offered by Oxford Brookes University, a public university in Oxford. The course is studied part-time and taught in English. Oxford Brookes is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and your degree will be nationally recognised. The university received a Bronze award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates
What is a contextual offer? Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.
Entry & how to get in
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code L600). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by Apply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at OBU →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Sociology & Social Sciences graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £30,000 | £24,000 – £35,000 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £29,000 | £22,000 – £41,500 | 35 |
| 5 years after | £34,500 | £27,000 – £48,500 | 35 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in sociology & social sciences · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Sociology & Social Sciences nationally
National figures for Sociology & Social Sciences graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Sociology & Social Sciences courses at the same study level.
Compared with 751 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Teaching and Childcare Support OccupationDiscover Uni category · 20% of published destinations
- Protective service occupationsDiscover Uni category · 20% of published destinations
- Caring personal servicesSOC 2020 613 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,668
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
- Nursing ProfessionalsSOC 2020 223 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £37,597
- Welfare ProfessionalsSOC 2020 246 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £39,047
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 25; response rate: 70%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Sociology & Social Sciences graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Sociology & Social Sciences graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Local authorities
- Charities & NGOs
- Research organisations
- Government & universities
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Sociology & Social Sciences graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £30,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.2 out of 10: NSS 84.4% · in work or study 80%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Oxford Brookes University
Social sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Oxford Campus
900 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Sociology & Social Sciences right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to OBU from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £17,250 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check OBU’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with OBU and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at OBU
Sociology & Social Sciences at other universities
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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