Anthropology and Sociology

Anthropology and sociology together provide one of the most comprehensive approaches available in the social sciences for understanding human social and cultural life. Anthropology began as the comparative study of human societies and cultures, traditionally through ethnographic fieldwork in communities very different from the researcher's own, and developed distinctive methods of close, long-term observation and interpretation. Sociology focuses primarily on modern societies, examining social structures, institutions, inequalities and collective behaviour through quantitative and qualitative research.

The two disciplines have grown closer over time as both have become more methodologically diverse and more alert to questions of power, inequality and difference.

At Brunel University London, this three-year programme equips you with a broad range of practical and analytical skills for understanding culture and society in a changing world, as the university describes it. You will study social theory, from classical sociology through to contemporary perspectives, alongside anthropological theory and ethnographic methods, engaging with questions of culture, identity, race, class, gender, globalisation and social change. Brunel's location in London provides an exceptionally rich social and cultural environment in which to study these questions, with access to communities, institutions and cultural organisations that span the full diversity of contemporary society.

The skills the degree develops, including qualitative and quantitative research methods, critical analysis, cultural sensitivity and the ability to engage seriously with diverse perspectives, are valuable across many professional contexts.

Graduates go on to careers in social and market research, international development, human resources, journalism, healthcare, community work, the civil service, education, arts and cultural organisations and non-governmental organisations. Further study in social anthropology, sociology, development studies or related disciplines is also a common route.