Careers and employability

Social anthropology prepares graduates to meet the demands of new and unexpected situations. Employers are increasingly recognising the value of a degree that combines an understanding of culture and society with practical people skills.

Typical career paths

Whilst I don’t work as an anthropologist, my experience at Manchester opened my eyes to different perspectives, ways of life and world views. It enabled me to imagine more possibilities for my life. I would recommend it to anyone who is truly interested in people and in broadening their perspectives on life.

Kate Goad / Social Anthropology graduate

Our graduates are highly sought after and are able to use their skills and knowledge in a wide range of different areas.

Students have gone on to work in:

  • relief organisations;
  • development agencies;
  • the government; Others opt for
  • the media;
  • film-making and journalism;
  • education;
  • social services; or
  • business and personnel management.

According to the 2022 National Student Survey (NSS), 94% of our students go on to further study or employment within 15 months of graduation with an average starting salary of £22,500, which rises to £27,500 over the next five years.

Employers

As well as employment in higher education and academia, our graduates have gone on to work at organisations such as the BBC and The Department for Education, as well as various advertising agencies, NGOs and as project managers for international charities.

Find out more about jobs from alumni in our careers booklet 'Social Anthropology - What do you do next?'.

Further study

Anthropology can be studied at a postgraduate level both at Manchester, elsewhere in the UK and beyond. You might like to consider our own MA in Visual Anthropology course.

If you have graduated from The University of Manchester you may be eligible for a bursary, find out more from our postgraduate funding page.

Find out more about the School of Social Science alumni.

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