Anthropology

Course details Our BSc Anthropology degree is designed to give you a broad understanding of humanity, from our evolutionary origins to our present day behavioural and cultural diversity. Biological anthropology is closely related to archaeology and primatology, and so you will also gain an appreciation of how humans are related to other species, living and extinct.

You will study biological anthropology in the context of a broad approach to the subject including social anthropology as well as interdisciplinary perspectives on health.

Why Durham University? Studying Anthropology at Durham allows you to gain a deep understanding of humanity in all its rich diversity and complexity, helping to navigate the biggest challenges our societies face today. We are among the largest Anthropology departments in the UK with around 120 students in each year group, and one of the few to combine social, biological and medical aspects of anthropology. Join a dynamic and welcoming Department that takes a distinctly broad-based approach to the study of humanity. Our lecturers are passionate, dedicated teachers and researchers, and our modules cover numerous areas that overlap with other subjects, including culture, environmental issues, evolution, genetics, forensics, literature, health, music, politics, primate behaviour, religion, reproduction, skeletal anatomy and many others still.

Rankings 5th in the Complete University Guide 2025 5th in the Guardian University Guide 2025 29th in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

Careers Opportunities With a degree in Anthropology, you will be equipped with a diverse and practical knowledge base, including highly transferable skills in research and communication. Employers worldwide value this skill set, particularly where creativity, curiosity and the ability to understand human diversity are at a premium. Our graduates apply their knowledge directly in fields as diverse as health, community work, conservation, education, international development, culture, and heritage. Many progress into careers that require a broad understanding of human society and behaviour as well as the interpersonal, organisational, problem solving and independent thinking skills that come with the discipline. Such careers include advertising, publishing, journalism, teaching, human resource management, law, consultancy and marketing.