Ground-breaking research exploring social and cultural worlds and relations between humans and their environments, in an Anthropology Department ranked in the Global Top 100 for Anthropology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024) and 3rd in the UK for Anthropology & Archaeology (Guardian University Guide 2025)
Aberdeen’s anthropology department was established at the turn of the millennium, initially with a specific focus on the Anthropology of the North, an orientation unique among UK departments. Our research has since expanded to encompass other ethnographic regions including South America, Europe, Central and South Asia, Oceania, and beyond. It addresses a broad range of contemporary social and cultural themes, including religion, the state, human-animal relations, museums and indigenous politics.
Postgraduate research applicants to the Department can choose between two programmes:
MSc in Anthropological Research
This programme offers a unique opportunity to delve into human cultures and societies within a world-renowned academic setting. The combination of rigorous theoretical teaching and fieldwork opportunities equips students with both the analytical frameworks and practical skills essential for advanced anthropological study. Students will develop their own research theme under the supervision of a member of staff and will have the opportunity to carry out ethnographic field research. Learn more about the MSc Anthropological Research here.
PhD in Social Anthropology
Suitably qualified applicants develop and work on their own research projects under the guidance of supervisors with related research interests. PhD applicants are strongly advised to contact potential supervisors before applying to this programme.
Doctoral studies in The School of Social Science can be undertaken on a full or part-time basis and we would be happy to discuss the feasibility of distance study which will depend on the nature of the research project. PhD study can be undertaken either on campus or at a distance.
We welcome cross-disciplinary PhDs with a variety of disciplines, such as Anthropology and Archaeology, Film Studies, History, Divinity, and others.
Feature image by Anthropology PhD student, Linye Han
The Department attracts research students from all over the world, regularly holds workshops and exhibitions with international collaborators and weekly research seminars with invited speakers. In recent years it has hosted two major research projects, Arctic Domus and Knowing from the Inside.
One of the signature specializations of our Department is our research in Arctic and boreal communities around the circumpolar North. We have specialists working in every part of this increasingly important region ranging from the Russian Federation, to Scandinavia, to Northern Canada.
Experts: Prof. David Anderson, Dr Tatiana Argounova-Low, Dr Arnar Árnason, Dr Nancy Wachowich, Dr Rob Wishart
Anthropological studies of art and craft through traditional' anthropological settings of indigenous art and studies both of and with digital media, contemporary art, and the revival of craft skills.
Expert: Prof. Alison Brown, Dr Jo Vergunst, Dr Nancy Wachowich
Anthropology at Aberdeen is internationally renowned for its distinctive approach to environmental questions, founded on the idea that environments are never complete but continually coming into being, along with their inhabitants, in creative processes of life, growth and movement. We have a particularly strong interest in human relations with other species.
Experts: Prof. David Anderson, Dr Arnar Árnason, Dr Maggie Bolton, Dr Rachel Smith, Dr Jo Vergunst, Dr Andrew Whitehouse, Dr Rob Wishart
The Department’s research in religion is wide-ranging, but with a particular focus on Buddhism, Islam, and the theme of death, embodiment and the person. Our research interests include ritual theory, moral subjectivity, anthropology beyond the secular, and evolutionary theories of religion.
Experts: Dr Arnar Árnason, Dr Martin Mills, Dr Johan Rasanayagam, Dr Rachel Smith,
We have long-standing interests and expertise in collections-based research in public and private archives and in museums related to Museum Anthropology, Historical Anthropology and Histories of Science and Technology.
Experts: Professor David Anderson, Dr Tatiana Argounova-Low, Dr Arnar Árnason, Dr Maggie Bolton, Professor Alison Brown, Dr Rachel Smith, Dr Jen Walklate, Dr Andrew Whitehouse, Dr Rob Wishart
Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore this Global Scholarship, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipTo apply for this programme applicants must have at least a good honours degree in anthropology or a related subject. Applicants intending to progress from the MSc to the PhD programme should also provide a short statement about their research interests.
PhD Programme
Applicants for this programme must have a good honours degree in anthropology or a related subject and must normally provide evidence of postgraduate training in anthropological research methods.
In addition, applicants must provide a detailed research proposal.
APPLICANTS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO CONTACT POTENTIAL SUPERVISORS BEFORE MAKING AN APPLICATION.
We are open to discussing all potential projects with applicants, including the possibility of undertaking these via distance learning.
Guidelines for writing a Research Proposal.
For both programmes, applicants must provide two academic references from their most recent academic institution. For further guidance on applying, please contact Maggie Bolton.
If English is not your first language you must also show evidence of attaining standards in English. View details of English language criteria.
International Applicants
Tuition fee rates are available here.
Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore this Global Scholarship, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.
