PhD in Anthropology and Sociology

Class Profile

Class Size

25

Average Age

27

Average Work Experience

2 Years

Diversity

Others:

10%

Asia:

10%

South America:

2%

Africa:

5%

North America:

3%

EU:

15%

UK:

45%

Career Outcomes

Median Earnings After Graduation

$1,10,000 / year

Top recruiters

American Historical Association

American Association for State and Local History

Wellcome Trust

British Museum

National Trust for Historic Preservation

American Museum of Natural History

UNESCO

Oxfam

Save the Children

University College London

National Trust

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

$23,390 / year

Overall Cost

$38,390 / year

FAQs

• What academic and career outcomes can be expected?
  
  Many graduates pursue academic careers, including lectureships and postdoctoral positions in the UK and abroad. Others work in social and market research, development organizations, government and policy roles, heritage and museum services, journalism, and advisory services. The degree is recognized for developing strong qualitative research and analytical skills valued across sectors.
• What is the supervision and training structure?
  
  Each student is assigned a principal supervisor, a second supervisor, and a Research Tutor. Regular (usually fortnightly) tutorials with supervisors are standard. First-year students must attend the Research Methods in Anthropology class and the Research Training Seminar. Additional language courses or MA core courses may be required, depending on research needs.
• What are the main research pathways?
  
  +3 pathway: For candidates with a Masters in Anthropology. 1+3 pathway: For those with an undergraduate degree in Anthropology but no Masters; involves a year of MRes Social Anthropology before the PhD. 2+3 and +4 pathways: Other tailored routes depending on prior qualifications and research needs.
• What are the tuition fees?
  
  Home (UK) full-time: £4,860 per year International (overseas) full-time: £23,390 per year Part-time options are available at reduced rates.
• What are the entry requirements?
  
  Applicants should have a BA and/or MA degree in Anthropology, with a merit or equivalent in the Masters degree and a dissertation grade of 65% (UK) or higher. A clear and coherent research proposal of 2000 words is required, along with one academic reference. In exceptional cases, applicants with strong relevant work experience or a strong Masters degree in another field may be considered. International applicants must meet SOAS’s English language requirements.
• What is the structure and duration of the PhD in Anthropology at SOAS?
  
  The PhD (MPhil/PhD) in Anthropology and Sociology at SOAS is typically a 4-year full-time programme (maximum 48 months), which includes three years of full fees (with one year dedicated to fieldwork) and a final year for thesis completion. The programme can also be pursued part-time, but the fieldwork and continuation year are expected to be taken full-time