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Department of Anthropology
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Research, Impact and Engagement

We are one of the largest departments of Anthropology in the UK, spanning social anthropology, evolutionary anthropology and the anthropology of health.

In each of these fields we are opening up new areas of enquiry and have world-leading expertise in a range of topics such as energy use, temporality, aesthetics, the evolution of brain and cognition, primatology, global health, and infant sleep. Diversity across our corridors makes for an intellectually inclusive environment, fostering the academic freedom and confidence to work in new spaces that reinvigorate both the core and boundaries of anthropology in exciting ways.
Our Research Projects
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Research Groups

Our three thematic subject groups enable development and exchange of knowledge and expertise. Staff and graduate students belong to one or more of these groups, as suited to their academic interests. The Department supports interdisciplinary research across a number of the University’s Institutes,

SARG: Social Anthropology Research Group
SARG: Social Anthropology Research Group
Durham Centre for the Anthropology of Health
Durham Centre for the Anthropology of Health
EARG: Evolutionary Anthropology Research Group
EARG: Evolutionary Anthropology Research Group
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Research Centres and Institutes

Durham University produces world leading and world changing research. The Anthropology Department is involved in a diverse range of research centres and institutes.

Research Centres and Institutes Our Research Groups

What's new?

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Why do some people eat soil? From a prisoner’s lifeline to a modern tasting menu, the history of geophagy

To satisfy food cravings, as an antidote to poison or just as a snack – humans have been eating soil for millions of years. PhD candidate, Zander Simpson, has studied the long history of geophagy.

Research news
Two cupped hands holding a pile of soil.

How to spot the use and abuse of the word ‘context’

Everyone’s been in a debate when someone says: “You’re taking that out of context.” But what does it actually mean to understand something “in context”? Here Dr Paolo Heywood from our Department of Anthropology explores the use and abuse of the word 'context'.
Research news
Cluster of press microphones being held around an unidentified person

2026 Bangladeshi Elections and Information Bombs

Professor Nayanika Mookherjee from our Anthropology Department explores how misinformation in Bangladesh exploits entrenched social and political vulnerabilities to sustain existing power hierarchies. Drawing on research on birangonas and contemporary cases of blasphemy accusations and mob violence, the piece shows how rumours amplified by social media turn everyday infractions into lethal outcomes.
Research news
Image displaying fake news

Heritage railway volunteers show how deep friendships can be formed without discussing emotions

Anthropology Professor Tom Yarrow's research into a group of heritage railway volunteers revealed that meaningful connections can be forged through quiet companionship and shared tasks.
Research news
Two men in checked work shirts and blue overalls examining a metal object in a workshop.

Industry Minister to address energy conference

UK Government Industry Minister Chris McDonald is to address a Durham Energy Institute conference on renewable energy transition.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
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Twenty Durham researchers appointed to REF 2029 sub-panels

Twenty of our researchers will take important roles in assessing UK universities’ research quality.
Research news
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Primate thumbs and brains evolved together, new study finds

Scientists have shed fresh light on how human hands and minds evolved together, finding that longer thumbs in primates means bigger brains.
Research news
A young ape holding its hand out towards an outstretched human hand
More news

Special Collection - 'Flashes of Responsibility: Craft, Ethics, and Impact in Global Health Ethnography'

Developed from the 2023 Writing Global Health Ethnography workshop, this online collection features many of our Department's health anthropologists.

Screenshot of a page on the Society for Medical Anthropology website, showing 12 thumbnail links for a variety of online articles. The webpage is titled 'Flashes of Responsibility: Craft, Ethics, and Impact in Global Health Ethnography'.

We studied the walking habits of young men in Cape Town and London – and debunked a myth

Professor Gina Porter, from our Department of Anthropology, and Bradley Rink, Associate Professor of Human Geography at the University of the Western Cape, explore the realities of walking in low-income urban communities. Drawing on peer-led research in Cape Town and London, their study challenges the common assumption that young men move freely and without fear.
Young men in Cape Town discussing their walking habits as part of the study

ERC Spotlight: Professor Hannah Brown and the ALIVEAfrica project explore how animals impact health and wellbeing

We will host the European Research Council's (ERC) Scientific Council Meeting this June. Leading up to the visit, we are highlighting some of the projects at Durham that are happening thanks to support from the ERC.
Hannah Brown and her research team

Why I chose to study the MSc in Medical Anthropology

Anthropology student Amy Douglas tells us why she decided to study Durham's MSc in Medical Anthropology! She also tells us why the program is especially valuable to medical students interested in studying an intercalated degree.

A student in the grounds of Durham Castle

Alumnus Jeremiah Thoronka makes Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list

Innovator and Founder of Optim Energy, Jeremiah Thoronka has been featured in Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 list for his success and impact in the Climate Change and Sustainability (Social Impact) sector.
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Durham Anthropology Postgraduate Conference: Divided - Review

On 27th April 2022, students and staff participated in an exciting day of presentations and discussions at the Calman Learning Centre – the Postgraduate Conference, in what promised to be the department’s flagship event of the year.
Poster for the Anthropology postgraduate conference 2022

Department of Anthropology rises in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026

The Department of Anthropology is pleased to announce that we have been ranked =25th in the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject.

Background. Two university students, one male and one female, observe skeletal remains in an Anthropology lab. Foreground, text stating, Joint 25th in the world, Anthropology, QS World University Rankings.

Professor Nayanika Mookherjee awarded top Anthropology honour

Political Anthropologist Professor Nayanika Mookherjee has been honoured with the 2025 Rivers Memorial Medal, one of the highest accolades in Anthropology. 
Professor Nayanika Mookherjee wearing a green top looking seriously at the camera

Medical humanities pioneer to oversee influential bioethics council

Professor Jane Macnaughton from our Institute for Medical Humanities and Department of Anthropology has been chosen as the next Chair of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics Governing Board.
Professor Jane Macnaughton looking directly to camera with a light coloured background
Lecturer doing a presentation to an audience

Taught Masters Degrees

We offer a range of postgraduate taught programmes offering the opportunity to pursue advance specialist courses across Social, Health and Evolutionary Anthropology.

Explore our Taught Masters Degrees
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Research Degrees

A vibrant postgraduate research community gives you one of the most diverse and exciting research environments in the UK. Together we carry out research on every inhabited continent including everything from primate behaviour to rhetoric culture and indigenous knowledge to internet technologies.

Explore our Research Degree options

Get in touch

Contact us to find out more about undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities in our Department.

Department of Anthropology

Durham University
Dawson Building
South Road
Durham, DH1 3LE

 

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