Program Overview
The Anthropology (BA) program at Queen's University Belfast offers a comprehensive understanding of human diversity and cultural expression. Through coursework, fieldwork, and dissertation research, students develop skills in cross-cultural understanding, communication, analysis, critical thinking, and ethical awareness. The program prepares graduates for careers in research, government, education, arts, journalism, and international relations, as well as further study in anthropology and related disciplines.
Program Outline
Anthropology (BA) L600
Degree Overview:
The Anthropology (BA) at Queen's is a comprehensive program offering students a deep and critical understanding of human diversity and cultural expression. Through a combination of coursework, hands-on fieldwork, and dissertation research, students gain invaluable skills in:
- Cross-cultural understanding: Develop a nuanced understanding of various cultures through diverse case studies, ethnographic research, and engagement with diverse communities.
- Communication: Hone your written and verbal communication skills through essay writing, presentations, group work, and fieldwork reports.
- Analysis and research: Learn to research, analyze, and interpret data effectively, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
- Critical thinking: Develop critical analytical skills to examine complex questions about human societies and address them through original research.
- Ethical awareness: Gain awareness of ethical considerations in cross-cultural research and fieldwork, ensuring sensitivity and respect for individuals and communities.
Outline:
The program is structured in four thematic areas, each focusing on distinct aspects of anthropology: What Makes Us Human? Modules in this theme explore core elements of anthropology, delving into societal structures, social dynamics, individual experiences, and how they intersect with diverse cultural contexts.
Conflict, Peacebuilding and Identity
Modules in this section examine large-scale global challenges like conflict resolution, peacebuilding, security, migration, ethnic conflict, and the role of anthropology in policymaking. This theme provides a critical perspective on the dynamics of violence, identity, displacement, and peacebuilding strategies.
Arts, Creativity and Music
This section explores diverse artistic expressions, focusing on sound and music-making, art and aesthetics, performance, emotion, material culture, and image-based communication. It investigates the production, appropriation, and use of artifacts and images in an interconnected world of migration, trade, and digital technology.
Morality, Religion and Cognition
Modules under this theme examine the origins of religion, apocalyptic movements, sacred values, ethical and religious practices, and the relationship between emotions, religion, and morality. It delves into the cognitive and evolutionary sciences to understand our moral and spiritual experiences. These themes are explored through a diverse range of modules, offering students a broad understanding of the discipline. Examples of modules include:
- Being Human: Evolution, Culture and Society
- World on the Move: Historical and Anthropological Approaches to Globalization
- Us & Them: Why We Have Ingroups and Outgroups
- Why Are Humans Violent?
- Understanding Violence, Conflict, and Trauma
- Migration, Mobilities and Borders
- Apocalypse!
- : The End of the World
- Human Morality
- Radical Musics: Understanding Sounds of Defiance across Disciplines
- Hanging out on Street Corners: Public and applied Anthropology Students participate in eight weeks of ethnographic fieldwork during their second year and develop a dissertation based on this research in their final year. This dissertation grants them hands-on research experience and allows them to delve deeper into specific areas of interest within anthropology.
Assessment:
Assessment methods used in the program vary depending on the module and are designed to evaluate different skills and knowledge domains. Some examples include:
- Written examinations - assess knowledge and understanding of specific topics
- Essays and coursework - evaluate critical analysis, research skills, written communication
- Oral presentations - assess communication and presentation skills
- Fieldwork reports and dissertations - evaluate research design, data analysis, and independent research skills
- Seminars and tutorials - assess participation, discussion, critical engagement with materials
Teaching:
Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual tutorials. Lectures introduce fundamental concepts and provide an overview of key topics. Seminars and tutorials encourage active participation, discussion, and critical engagement with course materials. Workshops provide hands-on experience with specific research methods and skills. The program features a team of experienced and dedicated staff, often specializing in different aspects of anthropology, allowing students to benefit from the diverse expertise within the faculty.
Careers:
Graduates of the Anthropology (BA) program at Queen's University Belfast are equipped with valuable skills and knowledge, making them well-prepared for various careers:
- Public and private sector research: Utilize research skills, data analysis abilities, and knowledge of human behavior to contribute to research projects in diverse fields.
- Government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs): Apply analytical skills, cross-cultural understanding, and communication skills to contribute to policy development, conflict resolution, and social development initiatives.
- Education sector: Engage in teaching, curriculum development, or research-oriented positions, utilizing their knowledge of cultural diversity and communication skills to educate future generations.
- Arts and cultural sector: Contribute their expertise in creative fields like museums, galleries, theater, research, and exhibition development.
- Journalism and media: Utilize communication skills, research abilities, and critical thinking to pursue careers in journalism, reporting, or media analysis.
- International relations and diplomacy: Leverage their cross-cultural understanding, research skills, and communication skills to navigate international relations, diplomacy, and conflict resolution. The program provides students with a strong foundation and transferable skills applicable to diverse professional fields. It prepares them for further study in postgraduate programs in anthropology or related disciplines, such as:
- Archaeology
- Social Policy
- Development Studies
- International Relations
- Cultural Studies
- Museum Studies
Other:
The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and well-rounded education in anthropology that goes beyond just the classroom. This includes opportunities for:
- Elective modules: Students can choose elective modules to explore specific areas of interest within anthropology or related disciplines.
- Study abroad opportunities: Students can choose to spend a semester or year studying at a partner institution abroad, gaining international experience and expanding their cultural understanding.
- Internships: Students can undertake internships with organizations related to their interests, gaining practical experience and building valuable professional networks.
- Fieldwork placements: The eight-week ethnographic fieldwork provides hands-on research experience and allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts.
- Dissertation research: The final year dissertation allows students to conduct an in-depth research project on a topic of their choice, further developing their research skills and independence.
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £4,750 Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £4,750 England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £9,250 EU Other 3 £20,800 International £20,800 1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee. 2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees. 3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees. All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study and will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Note that the tuition fees quoted above are for the 2023-24 academic year and are for indicative purposes only as the fees for 2024-25 have not yet been finalised. These fees will be subject to an inflationary increase. All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study and will be subject to an annual inflationary increase for each year of the course, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework. Additional course costs All Students Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. A programme may have up to 6 modules per year, each with a recommended text. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs. If a final year includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines. Anthropology costsStudents are required to take the Anthropology dissertation module. This will involve undertaking fieldwork in the summer vacation period between years 2 and 3. The cost will vary depending on the location of the fieldwork, ranging from £100-£500. The School will provide financial support up to a maximum of £300. How do I fund my study? There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union. Information on funding options and financial assistance for undergraduate students is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/Fees-and-scholarships/. Scholarships Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available. International Scholarships Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships/.