Students enrolled on the Master [120] in Anthropology course are working towards becoming professional anthropologists with the ability to robustly and expertly analyse societies and cultures, understand global and local contemporary changes and issues and their consequences, and act on them legitimately and effectively. UCL therefore seeks to produce anthropologists who are advocates of prospective anthropology, a direction that provides diagnostic instruments, is favourable to joint action practices and offers evaluation and intervention methods.
Students taking this course have previously demonstrated (e.g. via a SOCA or HUSO Bachelor degree, bridging course or by applying for accreditation of prior learning [VAE]) knowledge of the key concepts, fundamental theories and methodologies specific to anthropology, which they will use and develop as part of the Master’s course.
On completion of their Master, graduate anthropologists will:
- have developed in-depth and critical knowledge of the fundamental principles and concepts of anthropology, culture and social life, in accordance with recent changes in contemporary societies;
- have specialised in one of the fields of anthropology (through their choice of focus);
- have developed an interdisciplinary foundation in anthropology with a view to collaboration with and openness to other disciplines;
- have incorporated anthropological “conversion” through the completion of a theoretical project based on the development of an anthropological viewpoint on a specific topic, including the construction of an original “debate” with a pertinent and logical dialogue between different authors and the development of a reasoned and well-argued personal position;
- be capable of designing and executing an anthropology field research project: designing and conducting an ethnographic field study using the participant observation method (dealing with the challenges and consequences arising from this, particularly with regard to the group being studied) by applying the relevant approaches and techniques (study, description, interpretation) and employing robust inductive scientific reasoning to prepare a research monograph;
- be able to use their knowledge, skills and a robust scientific approach to conduct a critical, multidisciplinary analysis of the issues of anthropology in the 21st century with ethical values in mind.
Through their choice of focus and the development of a research project (thesis), graduates undertake specialist training geared towards the following occupations:
- research, consultancy or high-level expertise in the field of ethnology and social and cultural anthropology (Research focus);
- the design, execution and evaluation of social, economic and cultural development projects in an intercultural context worldwide (Professional focus: social anthropology of interculturality and development);
- the design, execution and evaluation of projects concerning contemporary environmental issues and natural resource management in interaction with social and cultural issues (Professional focus: anthropology of nature, the environment and societies);
- teaching or training in the field of social sciences (Teaching focus).
Aware of the responsibility that goes with the role of anthropologist, graduates will have adopted a critical academic attitude, enabling them to make decisions completely independently, with civic and ethical values and public service being core concerns. They will have invested in a continuous development approach enabling them, as professionals, to demonstrate expertise, and the ability to adapt and evolve positively in their socio-professional environment.
On successful completion of this programme, each student is able to :
On completion of this programme and regardless of the choice of focus, graduates will be able to:
1. Master and apply an approach incorporating the interdisciplinary fundamentals of anthropology to demonstrate and apply a body of specialist anthropological knowledge, as well as a knowledge base involving various disciplines related to anthropology in order to provide a better understanding and expert analysis of human groups and social phenomena.
1.1. Demonstrate in-depth and critical knowledge of the fundamental principles and concepts of anthropology.
1.2. Demonstrate the acquisition of specialised anthropological knowledge and the development of their general knowledge.
1.3. Demonstrate the acquisition of a knowledge base in the disciplines related to anthropology (sociology, history, psychology, archaeology and biology) with a view to complementarity and openness (interdisciplinary foundation of anthropology).
1.4. Use and apply, in a pertinent manner, their anthropological knowledge in order to understand and expertly analyse human groups or social phenomena and their consequences, in line with recent changes in modern societies.
1.5. Demonstrate an ability to incorporate knowledge of other disciplines into the analysis of human groups or social phenomena and their consequences with a view to complementarity and openness (interdisciplinary foundation of anthropology).
2. Develop an anthropological “conversion” point of view on a specific subject through the development and completion of a theoretical epistemological project, including the construction of an original “debate”, with a pertinent and logical dialogue between different authors and the development of a reasoned and well-argued personal position;
2.1. Explain and define the study topic and define the concepts used as a basis for questioning the topic with reference to specific cases.
2.2. Create a bibliography: list the classical and/or contemporary theoretical works in the discipline, as well as standard papers and interpretations by various authors contributing to the study of this topic, while examining their validity and relevance.
2.3. Demonstrate an in-depth, thoughtful and critical reading of the original and/or contemporary theoretical works in the discipline, as well as standard papers contributing to the study of this topic.
2.4. Create an “original” debate, including a dialogue between different authors: construct a reasonable argument using original or contemporary theoretical works and strictly appropriate standard papers structured in a logical manner.
2.5. Develop an anthropological point of view and a line of questioning that is part of the discipline (make the “conversion”): take a detached, engaged and involved view, appropriate to the role of an anthropologist.
2.6. Construct and defend a reasoned and well-argued personal viewpoint on the topic and issues studied.
2.7. Write a coherent essay on the topic studied that satisfies the writing standards for a scientific review article (introduction/conclusion, definition of the topic and the conceptual approaches chosen, linking the different sections, quality of writing and argument, bibliography).
2.8. Defend the theoretical work before a panel in the form of a reasoned, well-argued, inquiring and well-supported discussion and constructive exchange.
3. Devise and execute an anthropology field research project: devise and conduct an ethnographic field study using the participant observation method together with additional methods and combined with theoretical knowledge, implementing robust scientific inquiry using inductive reasoning in order to write a research monograph (thesis).
3.1. Provide an overall definition of the research project: the research subject, the initial questions and the ethnographic area.
3.2. Prepare as complete a bibliography as possible (encyclopaedia, bibliographical references, specialist reviews, library catalogues, unpublished sources), while questioning the validity and relevance of the sources with regard to the research subject.
3.3. Determine the methods, in addition to participant observation, planned for this research: archives, interviews, real-life accounts, census, questionnaires, etc.
3.4. Using the bibliography, prepare a “ status report” on the research subject.
3.5. On the basis of the status report, accurately define the research subject and its various elements in order to reveal a previously unseen aspect of the research and provide it with an effective launch pad within the practical field project:
- specify the location of the ethnographic area;
- specify the boundaries in terms of time and space;
- specify the ethnographic goal and the issues studied and make the initial working hypotheses more complex;
- specify an initial conceptual framework (lines of enquiry).
3.6. Independently implement and manage an anthropological field research project, its challenges and consequences, particularly for the group being studied (restitution, joint construction);
3.7. Manage, in a professional manner, the collection and management of information during research (ethnographic survey) through the use of bibliographic, documentary and ethnographic files, audiovisual equipment and the creation of a field notebook (observations, interviews, impressions, descriptions, etc.).
3.8. Devise and implement a robust methodology so as to respond to the issues studied using, in a critical manner, the pertinent methods and techniques for gathering and analysing original data, taking care to include a variety of viewpoints (surveys, comprehensive observations, personal experience, real-life accounts, questionnaires, archives; description; interpretation).
3.9. On the basis of the ethnographic study, write a research monograph that satisfies the following criteria:
- containing an account of field-level experience based on a participatory observation project;
- containing a report of the experiences of a particular human group, in a given context, using anthropological work prior to this research project;
- using an ethnographic writing style that incorporates descriptive accuracy;
- containing an account of the collection of original high-quality data structured around one or more lines of enquiry and making pertinent comparisons;
- demonstrating a hypothetico-inductive epistemological approach in which the field data are central to building the interpretation;
- demonstrating precision in the use of concepts, as well as clarity and robustness in the presentation of theses, arguments and ideas;
- demonstrating the ability to be concise and formulate conclusions.
3.10. Demonstrate a critical and ethical perspective in the research process, including compliance with ethical rules recognised by the discipline and in professional practice.
4. Communicate in French and English in a professional manner, both verbally and in writing, while adapting to the target audience and context, as well as interacting and collaborating respectfully and constructively with the different players involved in a given situation.
4.1. Communicate verbally and in writing on complex subjects in the field of anthropology (information, readings, observations, conclusions and the underlying knowledge and principles) in a correct, structured and logical manner and in accordance with the communication standards specific to the context, adapting the communication (content and form) to the target group and to the intended purposes.
4.2. Communicate articulately in English, verbally and in writing, in a clear, coherent and well-argued manner on general topics or issues relating to the field of anthropology. (Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference).
4.3. Develop the communication skills required in the appropriate language (according to the location of the work placement) in order to be able to carry out the field work placement in a professional manner (ethnographic survey).
4.4. Converse and interact respectfully and constructively with the different parties involved (from a socio-cultural perspective and based on their position, field of activity and area of expertise), demonstrating an ability to listen, open-mindedness, detachment and assertiveness.
4.5. Integrate and work effectively within a team and with different stakeholders in networks involved in a given situation (in multicultural learning and professional contexts (work placement), nationally or internationally.
5. As an anthropologist and academic, act as a critical and responsible player, having already developed the skills appropriate for initial practical professional experience and being committed to continuous development.
5.1. Build and embark on professional practice using a well-founded academic approach (from a theoretical and methodological perspective) characterised by critical objectivity.
5.2. Demonstrate an ability to detach themselves from their own views, prejudices and cultural values.
5.3. Work, make decisions and act independently and responsibly with regard to the framework, work context and others while respecting ethical values.
5.4. Demonstrate the ability to adapt to varied and complex situations related to the functioning of any human group.
5.5. Demonstrate awareness of their resources and professional skills in order to develop them independently (continuous development approach) and use these in the service of research or professional careers that require the application of multiple skills.
In addition to these skills common to all Masters of Anthropology, graduates will have demonstrated a high level of professional skill in the field of the chosen focus.
If they chose the Research focus, they will be able to: demonstrate that they have developed and acquired the skills of a generalist specialising in ethnological research and social and cultural anthropology and start a doctoral project or move towards careers in research or consultancy
AA-F-R.1. Demonstrate their cross-functional knowledge of different in-depth theoretical studies in ethnology and social & cultural anthropology.
AA-F-R.2. Demonstrate their knowledge of a field of sociology and link it to anthropological knowledge.
AA-F-R.3. Demonstrate their ability to use at least two methods related to ethnographic methods.
AA-F-R.4. Demonstrate their ability to manage and exploit field data using a computer.
AA-F-R.5. Demonstrate the ability to analyse, construct, produce and exploit an audiovisual documentary within the context of anthropological research.
AA-F-R.6. Devise and implement a detailed ethnographic field study.
AA-F-R.7. Recognise the need and acquire the theoretical and methodological resources to expertly, pertinently and substantively analyse anthropology and its contemporary impact.
If they pursued the Teaching focus, they will be able to: apply the skills required to embark on a career as an upper-secondary level social sciences teacher and to develop in that position.
- AA-F-E.1. Work in a school environment, in partnership with various actors.
- AA-F-E.2. Teach in authentic and varied situations.
- More specifically, for teaching in the field of social sciences, graduates will be able to:
- demonstrate the ability to read a programme of social science classes at secondary level in a critical manner, identifying the key elements and, on that basis, devise a practical programme for a one-year course;
- demonstrate the ability to implement an interdisciplinary approach to social sciences classes.
- AA-F-E.3. Adopt an enquiring attitude and be committed to continuous development.
For more details, consult "Upper-secondary" teaching qualifications (sociology, political science, anthropology).
If they pursued the Professional focus “Social anthropology of interculturality and development”, graduates will be able to: demonstrate that they have developed and acquired the skills of a generalist specialising in anthropology of development and interculturality.
AA-F-SAID.1. Demonstrate knowledge of specific socio-political and socio-cultural contexts.
AA-F-SAID.2. Demonstrate knowledge and critical assessment of the global theories of development and interculturality.
AA-F-SAID.3. Demonstrate the ability to analyse, in a critical and in-depth manner, an intercultural dynamic or a development problem.
AA-F-SAID.4. Demonstrate that they recognise the need and have acquired the theoretical and methodological resources to look analytically, pertinently and substantively at interculturality and development and their contemporary impact.
AA-F-SAID.5. Build up their profile as cross-functional and multi-skilled experts in development and interculturality, able to grasp the complexities of several fields.
AA-F-SAID.6. Prepare to embark on a specific career path as experts in the anthropology of development and interculturality.
If they pursued the Professional focus “Anthropology of nature, the environment and societies”, students will be able to demonstrate that they have developed and acquired the skills of a generalist specialising in anthropology of the environment and natural resource management.
AA-F-ANES.1. Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary issues related to the environment and natural resource management and how they interact with social and cultural issues.
AA-F-ANES.2. Demonstrate knowledge and critical assessment of the theories of nature and the environment.
AA-F-ANES.3. Demonstrate the ability to analyse, in a critical and in-depth manner, socio-environmental dynamics or an issue related to natural resource management.
AA-F-ANES.4. Demonstrate that they recognise the need and have acquired the theoretical and methodological resources to look analytically, pertinently and substantively at the environment and natural resource management.
AA-F-ANES.5. Build up their profile as cross-functional and multi-skilled experts in the environment and natural resource management and understand the complexities of several fields.
AA-F-ANES.6. Prepare to embark on a specific career path as experts in anthropology of nature, the environment and natural resource management, adopting a multidisciplinary approach combining anthropology and the natural sciences.
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