Postgraduate programs in Anthropology
Coursework degrees commencing 2008
SSEE offers access to undergraduate Anthropology subjects via the Graduate Certificate in Arts (Anthropology and Social Theory) and the Graduate Diploma in Arts (Anthropology and Social Theory). These programs aim to provide a general understanding of key concepts and issues in Anthropology and Social Theory. Anthropology also can be combined with Development Studies via the Graduate Certificate in Arts (Anthropology and Development) and the Graduate Diploma in Arts (Anthropology and Development).
Graduates from other institutions who have majored in Anthropology are eligible to apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Anthropology and Social Theory) which is equivalent to an Honours program and provides a pathway to higher degree research for students who have not completed a four year BA (Honours) with a research component in Anthropology.
The Faculty of Arts administers entry to postgraduate coursework programs. For more information and for links to courses, visit the Arts Future Students website.
Please consult links to the University Course and Subject Catalogue for official course descriptions:
Graduate Certificate in Arts (Anthropology and Development)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Anthropology and Development)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (Anthropology and Social Theory)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Anthropology and Social Theory)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Anthropology and Social Theory)
Research only degrees
Anthropology staff provide specialised supervision in socio-cultural anthropology. Strong emphasis is given to ethnographic research in contexts of anthropological problems arising in cross-cultural theory testing or in a particular field of ethnological study. Current teaching staff engage in research and consult on projects in diverse areas of interest. They are able to provide specialist ethnographic expertise of the Pacific region, Austronesia, Papua New Guinea, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Postgraduate education in the program is strongly moulded by the expectation that MA and PhD graduates will be experts in the ethnology of a particular society or region.
The program ensures that students are presented with an anthropological perspective on contemporary issues and problems relevant to future careers in both the public and private sectors. Some graduates pursue careers as professional anthropologists, either within an academic institution or employed in government or non-government bodies concerned with overseas aid and development. Others continually draw on their anthropological background as teachers, writers, journalists, administrators, and within the increasing array of professions and positions in both government and private enterprise that require an understanding of and sensitivity to cultural difference.
The Faculty of Arts administers the Master of Arts in Anthropology (thesis only). The Master of Arts degree is designed for students to develop advanced skills in carrying out independent and sustained research. Students produce a 30 000-word thesis dealing with an area of geography and demonstrating the ability to present a coherent hypothesis on an issue in geography, supported by research and analysis.
The School of Graduate Studies administers the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. This is the major research degree offered by the University of Melbourne and requires the completion of a thesis of about 80 000 words.
Supervision is currently available in the following areas:
Please consult the following websites for information about the research degrees and how to apply:
Faculty of Arts (Master of Arts information)
Faculty of Arts (PhD information)
School of Graduate Studies (PhD information)
University of Melbourne Postgraduate Studies Catalogue - Master of Arts (Anthropology)