Anthropology

[TheletterZ]

Anyone any experience with social anthropology degrees, either positive or negative. My DD is considering it and looking to get some more opinions.

I would be very careful about doing this if she is likely to get top grade A levels. I think you will find grad jobs might be a bit limited because people see it as a degree that people take if they want a top class university but don’t get the grades to do a higher tariff degree. It’s the Arch/Anth duo that’s known for this plus Sociology.

I am sure it’s utterly fascinating, academic and worthwhile but it’s a bit niche. Less valued than History for example. So just be realistic about prospects and whether she could aim for a course which might open more doors. However she might want to do this more than any other subject and she might really not want to study anything else. If that’s the case and there’s no substitute, go for it.

Thank you. Not started A-levels yet so still early days. Teachers seem to think she could be getting top grades (usual caveats apply hard work, next level of working etc...)
She is very interested in what makes societies work and international relations which is why she was drawn to anthropology.

Anthropology degrees are well thought of by employers - the head of the World Bank is an anthropologist. Anthro degrees will have statistical, scientific methodology and essay writing components so have direct use in many jobs. True - there are few opens for pure anthropology, but that applies to virtually every degree, eg History, English.

Two of my housemates at uni did anthropology and went on to be very successful (one at Amnesty and one in a field entirely unrelated).

I fear not so sought after these days and look at the entry qualifications. Lower than History usually!

That’s interesting about the lower grade offers. Extra to think about. Both myself and DH are science/engineering so this is unknown territory. Her ultimate aim is the FCO.

My best friend got honours in anthropology at Uni, she has worked in museums for many years. But she graduated 30 years ago.

I don't think anthropology is ranked that high in terms of wanted degrees these days unless she say graduated with a 1st.

My DD minored in politics and there were papers specifically to international relations, if that is any use? I may be talking shit here but there is probably more job opportunities in a politics degree if she wants to go down the international relations route.

I did a Social Anthropology degree and loved it. It was fascinating and wonderfully taught.

When I came to the end of my three years I was offered to carry on further and do an MA with then a PHD afterwards and fieldwork etc. So there is a definite academic route to take.

I didn't feel ready for this yet and went in to teaching. Did a PGCE and found the degree fitted perfectly. I've since gone on to do my MA within teaching and the groundwork of my Social Anthropology degree was instrumental in doing well with that.

All the people I'm still in touch with from my degree have gone on to be successful in a range of jobs.

I understand that the BBC employs more anthropology graduates than almost any other discipline....Anthropology is a hugely flexible base degree. It can be taken as a BSc or a BA. You can specialize in such a range of areas - civil planning, health policy, documentary production, curating.... Check the employment stats from any decent UK university offering it.

It’s one of those degrees who’s value is closely matched to the University. 2:1 from Oxbridge Durham is a million times more bankable than a first from a non red brick or Russell or whatever the cartel du jour is

The BBC now recruits without knowing what degree an applicant holds. The BBC is making an attempt to get away from its stereotypical employee. I would expect the Anthropology grad to be far less in evidence in future as the middle class and middle aged are less in evidence!