The University of Edinburgh
Social Anthropology and Social Policy MA (Hons)
The University of Edinburgh

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 25 graduates of Social Anthropology and Social Policy MA (Hons) and other courses in Social Policy at The University of Edinburgh for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Social Policy.

Overall student satisfaction
76 /100
25 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in Sociology, Social Policy and Anthropology

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Social Policy at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £23500 £21500 £27500
25-75 percentile range £21000 - £28000 £17500 - £25500 £22500 - £37500


Salary of all UK Graduates of Sociology, Social Policy and Anthropology

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £24823 £21996 £26011
25-75 percentile range £21042 - £28285 £17121 - £27952 £19616 - £33340

Course Description

This popular joint degree programme provides a grounding in both social anthropology and social policy, two subjects which complement and enrich each other.

Social anthropology

Social anthropology is the study of human conduct and thought. Societies around the world vary enormously socially, culturally and politically.

The study of these variations, and the common humanity that underlies them, is at the heart of social anthropology.

Social policy

Social Policy at the University of Edinburgh will enable you to engage with confidence in many of the political debates of our time.

We cover a range of topics, such as:

  • health
  • welfare
  • labour markets
  • education
  • family and childhood

We discuss how policies affect our civic culture through studying political engagement and citizen participation.

Our programme will equip you with the knowledge to understand how policies affect society and the economy. It will also enable you to critically assess how policies are made and what actors and processes influence the policy-making process.

Why Edinburgh?

We work closely with:

  • governments
  • NGOs
  • third sector and interest representation groups
  • international organisations
  • other external actors

International comparative analyses are one of our main strengths. We place a strong emphasis on providing you with empirical research skills, so that you can become a critical researcher yourself.

Programme structure

You will take a broad range of courses in both disciplines in Years 1 and 2, and will have the opportunity to specialise in Years 3 and 4.

You will spend up to four months on an individual research project that will form the basis of your dissertation. Fieldwork for your project can be done both within and outside the UK.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Social Anthropology and Social Policy MA (Hons) at The University of Edinburgh

20% Managers, directors and senior officials
20% Artistic, literary and media occupations
15% Elementary occupations
10% Librarians and Related Professionals
10% Sports and fitness occupations
5% Business and public service associate professionals
5% Welfare Professionals
5% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
5% Business and public service associate professionals
5% Administrative occupations

Grading & Study Time

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for Social Policy

English language requirements

test Grade Additional Details
IELTS (Academic) 6.5

Total 65 with at least 5.5 in each component.

TOEFL (iBT) 92

Total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.

Cambridge English Advanced

Total 176 with at least 162 in each component

Cambridge English Proficiency

Total 176 with at least 162 in each component

Trinity ISE

ISE II with distinctions in all four components

PTE Academic 62

Total 62 with at least 54 in each component

Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Social Anthropology and Social Policy, MA (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Tuition Fees Social Anthropology and Social Policy MA (Hons)

Channel Islands £9250 year 1
Ireland £9250 year 1
Scotland £1820 year 1
England UK £9250 year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 year 1
Wales £9250 year 1
EU £26500 year 1
International £26500 year 1

Additional fee information

Scottish students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees.

EU On 9th July 2020 the decision was made by the Scottish Government to end free university tuition for European Union (EU) students starting in 2021-22. Funding policy for EU nationals and associated groups starting a course of study in academic year 2022-23 or later will be in line with international fees.

Full time international and EU students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme.

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of The University of Edinburgh in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of The University of Edinburgh in related subject specific rankings.

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #3 
    • #12 
    Anthropology
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #3 
    • #13 
    Anthropology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #16 
    Anthropology
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #47 
    Anthropology
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #40 
    Social Sciences
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]

See all 40 university rankings of The University of Edinburgh

About The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is located in the Scottish city of the same name, and is one of the oldest universities in the entire United Kingdom, having opened in the year 1583. The university enjoys a strong reputation for its contributions to international research efforts, which is reflected in their inclusion in the Russell Group, Universitas 21, and Una Europa. Edinburgh offers its residents a historic yet modern city, with a lively nightlife scene, reliable public transport, and friendly locals.

List of 686 Bachelor and Master Courses from The University of Edinburgh - Course Catalogue

Where is this programme taught

Central area campus
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