PhD in Anthropology

Class Profile

Class Size

25

Average Age

27

Average Work Experience

2 Years

Diversity

Asia:

20%

Others:

5%

Europe:

50%

North America:

10%

South America:

5%

Africa:

5%

Oceania:

5%

Career Outcomes

Median Earnings After Graduation

$1,10,000 / year

Graduation Rate

89%

Job Placement

95%

Top recruiters

American Historical Association

American Association for State and Local History

Wellcome Trust

The 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

$50,000 / year

Overall Cost

$65,000 / year

FAQs

• Are there funding or scholarship opportunities available?
  
  Yes, most students are admitted through competitive scholarships offered via open calls or specific research projects. External funding and industrial PhD scholarships are also options. Applicants must have secured funding for the three-year programme before enrolment.
• What types of PhD theses are accepted?
  
  The thesis can be a monograph (a single, coherent book-length study) or a collection of publishable articles with a comprehensive introduction (“frame”). The recommended length for a monograph is 150–200 pages, but quality is prioritized over length.
• How do I apply for the PhD programme?
  
  Applications can be submitted in response to open calls for PhD scholarships (usually announced annually), or unsolicited if you have secured your own funding. Applicants must submit a research proposal, budget, and time plan. Admission is highly competitive, with a 5–10% success rate for scholarships.
• What are the main research areas in the department?
  
  The department covers a broad range of topics, including health, migration, conflict and conflict resolution, family, religion, materiality, environment, and climate change. There are also affiliated research centres focusing on criminology, social data science, and other interdisciplinary topics.
• What is the structure and duration of the PhD programme?
  
  The PhD is a three-year, full-time programme. It consists of an independent research project under supervision, coursework (about one semester), and teaching/supervision duties for BA and MA students (about 14 weeks’ work).
• Is the PhD programme open to international students?
  
  Yes, the PhD programme welcomes both Danish and international students who meet the academic and language requirements.
• What are the entry requirements for the PhD in Anthropology at the University of Copenhagen?
  
  Applicants must have a relevant two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS credits) in anthropology or a closely related discipline. Degrees from outside Denmark must be equivalent to this standard, and all applicants must demonstrate excellent English communication skills.