School: College of Arts and Law, School of History and Cultures, Department of African Studies and Anthropology (jointly run with the Department of Political Science and International Studies - POLSIS). This interdisciplinary joint honours degree allows you to understand the complexities of human societies and political systems across the globe. You will explore how communities shape politics and gain an appreciation of diverse lived experiences worldwide. The program combines the critical and globally comparative perspective of social anthropology with the rigorous analysis of political theory, comparative politics, and international relations. You will examine contemporary issues such as migration, gender inequality, and how political leaders make decisions, all from both an anthropological and political viewpoint. The curriculum equips students with a unique blend of critical thinking, advanced research, analytical, and communication skills, preparing them for a broad range of career opportunities.

Graduates develop strong analytical, research, cross-cultural understanding, and communication skills, preparing them for diverse careers in a globalized world. Potential career paths include: Civil Service Fast Streamer, International Development and NGOs, Policy Officer, Political Risk Analyst, Human Resources, Marketing and PR, Market Research, Management Consultancy, Social Research, Journalism, Media, Education, Local Government, Public Affairs, Diplomacy, Lobbying, and roles in diverse commercial sectors. Many graduates also pursue further postgraduate study (MA, PhD) in Anthropology, Politics, International Relations, or related fields. The University of Birmingham is consistently among the most targeted universities by top UK employers, and the program offers work-based placements and employability-focused modules.

The University of Birmingham is a member of the UK's prestigious Russell Group, known for its world-leading research and excellent teaching. It is a highly ranked red brick university in the heart of England, offering a strong academic reputation. Birmingham is the UK's second-largest city and is very multicultural, providing a dynamic and diverse environment for studying social anthropology and politics. The Department of African Studies and Anthropology and the Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS) are both highly rated for their research (POLSIS enjoys a consistently high place in the Guardian league tables). Students benefit from exceptional learning resources, including the main University Library, ethnographic collections (Eton Myers and Danford Collections of African art and artefacts), and dedicated study areas. The university offers a supportive environment with personalized academic support and significant work-based placements and study abroad opportunities.