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Department of Anthropology
Students examining a skeleton

Masters by Research

Programme Structure

The Masters by Research in Anthropology offers the opportunity to complete an independent research project over the course of one year.  Students are supported by close mentorship, tailored training, and a thriving research community. From the outset, all postgraduate researchers become part of one of our research groups, each hosting a lively programme of weekly events, workshops, and discussions throughout the year.

 

We recommend this degree programme to students who already have a foundation in anthropology (Bachelors or Masters) and are ready to conduct a longer research project. It provides an excellent platform for developing independent research skills and materials that may be used in publications or further study. In some cases, able students with a suitable project can convert a Masters project into a PhD over a longer period (minimum of three years). 

 

We offer two degree options: the MA (by thesis) in Anthropology is suitable for students working in the field of social/cultural anthropology and the MSc (by thesis) in Biological Anthropology.  Both are one-year, full-time courses of supervised research assessed by submission of a thesis of up to 50,000 words. You can also register to study for these qualifications part-time over two years (not applicable for international students).

 

Course Requirements

To be accepted for a research degree you must show that you have appropriate training to work independently (with academic guidance from your supervisor) at this level. This will normally involve both an undergraduate degree at upper second or first class level and supportive references. The department will also need to be satisfied that your proposed research is viable and that we are able to provide appropriate supervision and resources. As part of your application, you will be required to submit:

 

  • Bachelors certificate and transcript (original and translated)
  • Academic CV
  • Personal statement
  • 2000-word research proposal
  • English language evidence - Direct Entry Band B - Durham University
  • Colour copy of passport photo page
  • Two academic references

 

How to Apply

Our department accepts applications on a rolling basis for October, January, and April start dates. Interested students are encouraged to make contact with potential supervisors prior to submitting an application. Have a look at our three research groups to learn which of our staff members are working in your area and review staff profiles here. When you are ready to submit your programme application, you can access the University’s Postgraduate Application Portal here.  

 

Contact

For questions concerning the Masters by Research application process, please contact anthropology.pgr@durham.ac.uk

 

Previous Master’s Theses in Biological Anthropology

  • Time is TikToking: People’s perception of primate videos on one of the fastest growing social media platforms
  • Principles of Evolutionary Medicine in Programmes against Malaria
  • A Physiological and Social Enquiry into the Swaddling of Infants with Regard to Sleep
  • “I Forgot the Talking Horse!”: A Transmission Chain Study of the Effects of Minimally Counterintuitive Elements on Faithful Transmission of Fairy Tales
  • Re-assessing the Meat Acquisition Strategies of Plio-Pleistocene Hominins: An Actualistic Study

 

Previous Master’s Theses in Sociocultural Anthropology

  • Sustaining Energy-Saving Behaviour: A Case Study of an Employee Energy Conservation Campaign
  • Living in the Shadow of Fragmented Identity: A Case Study of Chinese Overseas Homosexual Students in the UK Universities
  • An Examination of the UK Fracking Debate and the Tactics and Methodologies Used in Influencing Government Policy
  • Advocating for Children and Adolescents Living with HIV in Harare, Zimbabwe
  • The Construction of Local Identity in the Heritage Industry