Social Anthropology (Including Placement Year)

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Academic Year of Entry: 2024/25
Course overview
(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Social Anthropology (Including Placement Year)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Sociology and Criminology
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Sociology
BA LL6P
08/05/2024

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

  • A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels.
  • BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels. The acceptability of BTECs is dependent on subject studied and optional units taken - email ugquery@essex.ac.uk for advice.
  • Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
  • IB: 30 - 29 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554.
  • IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications. Advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 6 level 3 credits at Distinction and 39 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • T-levels: We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core.

Contextual Offers:

We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. For October 2024 entry, if you are a home fee paying student residing in the UK you may be eligible for a Contextual Offer of up to two A-level grades, or equivalent, below our standard conditional offer.
Factors we consider:

  • Applicants from underrepresented groups
  • Applicants progressing from University of Essex Schools Membership schools/colleges
  • Applicants who attend a compulsory admissions interview
  • Applicants who attend an Offer Holder Day at our Colchester or Southend campus

Our contextual offers policy outlines additional circumstances and eligibility criteria.

For further information about what a contextual offer may look like for your specific qualification profile, email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

If you haven't got the grades you hoped for, have a non-traditional academic background, are a mature student, or have any questions about eligibility for your course, more information can be found on our undergraduate application information page or get in touch with our Undergraduate Admissions Team.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

English language shelf-life

Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Pre-sessional English courses

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Pending English language qualifications

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk .

Requirements for second and final year entry

Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College

Course qualifiers

A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).

  • Applied Data Science: In order to be eligible for the qualifier, you must successfully complete the following modules: Year Two: SC202 (15 credits) Researching the Real World: Quantitative Approaches to Studying Crime and Society and SC208 (15 credits) Quantitative Research: Crime and Inequality Across the Life Course. Final Year: SC385 (30 credits) Modelling Crime and Society and SC830 (30 credits) Quantitative Research Project For details of further recommended modules please web search “Essex Q-Step”.

Rules of assessment

Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.

Additional notes

None

External examiners

Staff photo
Dr Paul Gilbert

Senior Lecturer in International Development

University of Sussex

External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment. External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course. They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards. External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.

eNROL, the module enrolment system, is now open until Monday 21 October 2024 8:59AM, for students wishing to make changes to their module options.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  SC107-4-FY-CO  Introduction to Social Anthropology  Core  30  30 
02  SC101-4-SP-CO  Researching Social Life  Core  15  15 
03  SC104-4-FY-CO  Introduction to Crime, Law and Society  Compulsory  30  30 
04  SC099-4-AU-CO  Unlocking Your Academic Potential: How to Study at University  Compulsory  15  15 
05    (15 credit spring term option and SC164-4-AU) or Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 

Year 2 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  CS201-5-FY-CO  The World in Question: The Social, Cultural, Political & Environmental Legacies of the Enlightenment  Compulsory  30  30 
02  SC203-5-AU-CO  Researching the Real World: Qualitative Approaches to Studying Crime and Society  Compulsory  15  15 
03  SC210-5-SP-CO  Cities and Power  Compulsory  15  15 
04    Language option or option(s) from list or outside option(s)  Optional  30  30 
05    Sociology option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 

Year Abroad/Placement - 2026/27

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  SC700-6-FY-CO  Placement Year  Core  120  120 

Year 3 - 2027/28

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  SC361-6-FY-CO  American Society: Ethnic Encounters in the Making of the USA  Compulsory  30  30 
02  SC362-6-SP-CO  Visual Cultures: the Social Meanings of Photography and Art  Compulsory  15  15 
03    SC340-6-FY or SC832-6-FY or BE947-6-FY  Compulsory with Options  30  30 
04    SC326-6-AU or Sociology option  Optional  15  15 
05    Sociology or outside option(s)  Optional  30  30 
06  SC199-6-FY-CO  Career Development and Making a Difference  Compulsory 

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims

The core modules will investigate key theoretical and substantive debates in anthropology and are designed to complement other modules offered in the Sociology Department.

The Level 4 core module will introduce students to anthropological methods and methodology to complement SC111 and it will also introduce students to anthropological approaches to social difference and hierarchy.

The level 5 core module, SC276, focuses specifically on anthropological approaches and contributions to gender, sexuality and the body and the level 6 core module, SC386, deals principally with race and ethnicity.



Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods

On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

A: Knowledge and understanding

A1: Understand various anthropological research methods investigating social life. Understand various anthropological research methods investigating social life. Understand various anthropological research methods investigating social life

A2: Understand key anthropological issues especially in relation to the study of race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality and other social identiites and hierarchies

A3: Develop an anthropologically informed approach to the study of society

A4: Develop a critical and reflexive approach to the study of different cultures and value systems

A5: Develop an historical understanding of anthropology's contribution to the study of social life

A6: Develop an abiity to conduct a small piece of anthropological research using appropriate methods

Learning methods

Outcomes A1 to A5 are acquired through lectures, seminars, group and individual tasks, and directed independent study.

The development of the project (SC832) in consultation with a supervisor provides the means through which learning outcome A6 will be achieved.

Lectures and seminars introduce the required theories and understandings to facilitate students' exploration of anthropology and its contribution to the study of society, while demonstrating and encouraging a critical and reflexive approach.

Directed independent study and reading, along with individual and group tasks, enable the further exploration of the relevant areas.

Students are expected to extend and enhance the knowledge and understanding they acquire from lectures and classes by regularly consulting library materials relating to the course.

Assessment methods

Outcomes A1-A5 are formally assessed via coursework assignments, which may take a number of forms, including essays, reading assignments, tests, debates.

They are also assessed via exams.
Outcomes A1 and A6 are assessed via SC101, SC277 and final year project (SC832) or one of our other capstone modules (SC340 or SC390).

B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

B1: Capacity to appraise theoretical ideas

B2: Assimilate and synthesise advanced theories and concepts

B3: Formulate logical and coherent arguments

B4: Interpret and critically evaluate empirical evidence

B5: Plan and undertake a piece of independent anthropological research

Learning methods

Learning methods Skills B1 to B4 are acquired and enhanced primarily through directed independent study, reading, group and individual tasks given for their courses, although lectures and seminars provide a means for teachers to demonstrate these skills through examples.

Students’ independent study and preparation for tasks involves the reading, interpretation and critical evaluation of relevant frameworks, theories and understandings to facilitate students’ assimilation and synthesis of these various theories and concepts, while demonstrating and encouraging a critical and reflexive approach to empirical evidence.

Lecturers provide necessary feedback on student work.

Lecturers also engage students outside the classroom through office hours, appointments and email communication.

Skill B5 is acquired through the work that students undertake for the project (SC832), and SC277.

The project or one of our other capstone modules (SC340 or SC390).further provides an opportunity for students to acquire skills B1 to B4, as do our research methods modules (SC101 and SC277)

Assessment methods

Skills B1 to B4 are formally assessed via coursework assignments.

The project provides a further opportunity to assess skills B1-B4.

Skill B5 is assessed through the project.

C: Practical skills

C1: Analyse and evaluate empirical data

C2: Access and retrieve information from primary and secondary sources

C3: Written presentation skills

C4: Undertake independent research

C5: Competence in key elements of the job selection process

Learning methods

Skills C1 to C4 are acquired and enhanced primarily through the work that students do for their modules, although lectures provide a means for teachers to demonstrate these skills through examples.

Research skills will be taught and assessed through assignments on SC101 (including archival analysis, basic introduction to qualitative and quantitative approaches assessed via quizzes) and on SC277 (including observations and research reflections) and the project (SC832) gives students the opportunity to put this into practice independently (with supervision).

Skill C4 is acquired through the work that students do for the project, or one of our other capstone modules (SC340 or SC390).

The project further provides an opportunity for students to acquire skills C1 to C4.

Throughout the three years of the degree practical skills are developed through preparation for classes, preparing essays and other assessed assignments, giving presentations and doing written examinations

Some of these skills are further developed through the work students do for optional modules.

Students receive detailed feedback on all their coursework and presentations.

Study skills advice and training is available from the Student Support Manager in the Sociology Study Centre, which is dedicated to this purpose.

Assessment methods

Skills C1 to C3 are formally assessed via coursework assignments.

This enables the demonstration of the relevant theories and empirical evidence and facilitates the demonstration of a critical and reflexive approach to empirical evidence.

Skill C4 is assessed through the project and coursework.

D: Key skills

D1: Communicate ideas and arguments in a coherent and effective manner

D2: Ability to critically approach a text and understand the key arguments presented

D3: Problem solving and analytical skills

D4: Preparing informal presentations and communicating in a group

D5: Time management and working to deadlines

Learning methods

Verbal communication skills (D1) are developed through group tasks involving oral presentation, group discussion, and engaging in organised debates in the seminars.

Written communication skills (D1) are developed primarily through essays and reading assignments.

Reading skills (D2) are developed as through regular reading assignments.

Problem solving skills (D3) are developed principally through specific problem based exercises and project given to the students.

Planning and organisation, enterprise and resourcefulness (D4-5) are essential to any learning process dependent on independent study and to some extent individual advice from teachers.

These skills are further developed as students pursue the learning activities associated with their courses.

Assessment methods

Skills D1 to D5 are formally assessed via coursework assignments


Note

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

Contact

If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.