Undergraduate Prospectus 2010

Why anthropology?

Anthropologists study cultural and social diversity. Historically, they studied so-called ‘small-scale’ and ‘traditional’ societies. Increasingly, anthropologists are concerned with towns and cities in a modern and changing world.

Anthropologists collect information through participant observation - living in the societies they are studying for lengthy periods of time and learning their languages. This attention to close, detailed accounts of particular cases (known as ethnography) enables anthropologists to analyse and explain aspects of social change that may not be visible at the larger, or macro, level.

Although anthropology depends on the detailed study of specific cases, the issues we investigate are much broader and are concerned with understanding humans both as being created by, and as the creators of, culture and society.

Why anthropology at Sussex?

• Sussex is ranked among the top 15 universities in the UK to study anthropology: 8th in The Independent Complete University Guide (2010) and 12th in The Guardian University Guide (2010).
• Rated 7th in the UK for research in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). 90 per cent of our research was rated as recognised internationally or higher, with over half rated as internationally excellent or higher, and one-quarter rated as world leading.
• Sussex has one of the largest anthropology departments in the UK and attracts applicants from around the world.
• Our research interests include religion and modernity; the impact of globalisation in Africa, Europe and Asia; the meaning and social effects of economic change and ‘development’; and the politics of human rights in an international context.
• The Department is young and dynamic, and our teaching and research focus on contemporary developments in anthropology.
• We provide a range of degrees that allow you to combine anthropology with other disciplines in a coherent and structured framework.
• There are opportunities for placements overseas through our year-abroad programme and through the Erasmus exchange scheme.

What sort of career could I have?

Anthropology tends to attract students with creative minds. Given this, and the central interests of anthropologists in cultural diversity in a changing world, anthropology degrees lead to a wide range of career opportunities. These include jobs in:

• development work: employees of, or consultants for, agencies such as the Department for International, Development (DFID) and international nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), such as Oxfam or Amnesty International
• Civil Service, including local government and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office
• journalism and the world of business.

Alternatively, you are equipped to go on to further study to gain professional qualifications, for example in law, or to develop research interests in anthropology.

How will I learn?

We emphasise interactive forms of teaching such as seminars, workshops and tutorials, though there are also lectures. You will develop your ability to work independently and to communicate ideas through essays and other forms of presentation. Assessment includes exams and coursework, as well as end-ofcourse essays and dissertations.

What will I achieve?

• A wide understanding of contemporary cultures and societies and an ability to understand processes of change in the modern world.
• The ability to relate anthropology to a broad range of practical contexts.
• An understanding of the nature of cultural and social differences and how to approach these differences in the contemporary world.
• Competence and confidence in presenting your own ideas as well as those of others.
• Analytical skills, useful in a wide range of contexts.