Options with anthropology
Anthropology is a broad-based discipline that develops a wide range of skills, knowledge and understanding in its graduates. It has been described as the most scientific of the humanities and the most humanistic of the sciences.
As well as detailed subject knowledge, which varies according to the biological or social focus of your degree, your anthropology degree equips you with a set of analytical skills that may be applied to many different jobs. You are likely to gain the following general skills from your programme of study:
In addition, you may be able to offer subject-specific knowledge and skills according to the content of your degree programme, such as genetic and biological traits, globalisation and society, an understanding of how cultures function in a multicultural world, what they have in common and the importance of language and power.
There are many things you can do during your degree to enhance your prospects upon graduation. Involvement in a student society can help you develop relevant skills and experience in, for example, publicity, campaigning and public speaking. Try contacting local council offices or museums and galleries for information about project activities they are running throughout the year and ask if they need volunteers to help out with the organisation or running of events.
Gaining work experience, either paid or voluntary, is vital when starting out in most careers and shows commitment to a future employer. Try to take a proactive approach and find opportunities in which you can build up a desirable range of skills such as communication, planning and project management.
Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it’s not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here. Look at your degree... what next? for informed advice on career planning and graduate employment, or login/register with My Prospects to find out what jobs would suit you, a helpful starting point for self-analysis.
Explore types of jobs to find out more about the above options and related jobs.
A 2011 HESA survey of 2010 graduates indicates that six months after graduation just over 50% of anthropology graduates were in UK or overseas employment. Of these, around 20% found jobs in retail, catering, waiting and bar staff, and just over 11% work in clerical and secretarial occupations. Around 7% of those surveyed had entered into both the marketing, sales and advertising sector and the social and welfare sector, with a further 14% in other unspecified occupations.
Anthropology graduates work in a wide range of occupations, many unrelated to their course of study, as employers value the range of skills they possess.
Only a tiny proportion of graduates become anthropologists, as academics or researchers. The remainder enter a diverse range of careers due to their broad mix of skills and experience.
Some graduates choose careers which build directly on anthropology, including research, social policy and teaching, work for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and development/overseas agencies. Anthropology graduates also pursue roles in advertising, sales and marketing, positions in museums, conservation, and heritage management and careers in areas related to health and social work.
The analytical and critical skills, intellectual versatility, multicultural sensitivity and international outlook you develop are also sought-after by employers and anthropology graduates enter sectors that are open to any subject. These include roles in commerce, media, diplomacy and public relations, and for the commercially minded, roles in finance, business, accountancy and consulting.
A high proportion of graduates work in the public and not-for-profit sectors, all branches of the civil service, local government, charities, central government bodies, universities, international organisatons, museums and voluntary organisations.
Career possibilities exist for those with specialist anthropological knowledge in numerous government departments such as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) , Department for International Development (DFID) , in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as Action Aid , the British Red Cross and Oxfam , and in international organisations such as The World Bank or the United Nations (UN) .
Other opportunities exist within local government, typically in departments such as housing, environment and education.
Roles in advertising, sales and marketing are also popular.
For an insight into employment areas see:
See industry insights for further information on possibilities in other employment areas.
Statistics are collected every year to show what HE students do immediately after graduation. These can be a useful guide but, in reality, because the data is collected within six months of graduation, many graduates are travelling, waiting to start a course, paying off debts, getting work experience or still deciding what they want to do. For further information about some of the areas of employment commonly entered by graduates of any degree discipline, check out What Do Graduates Do? and your degree...what next?
In 2010, nearly one in five anthropology graduates went on to further study, with the majority of those studying for a higher degree and the rest undertaking a teaching qualification or other study or training. Over 7% chose to undertake study and work at the same time.
Courses chosen by recent graduates include law, industrial relations, teaching, development studies, environmental anthropology, journalism, criminology, youth and community work, public health, and marketing.
Some students go on to Masters degrees and specialise in an anthropological area such as visual or medical anthropology, while others pursue related disciplines such as community health, sociology, social research methods, politics, human geography and economics.
Vocational courses such as museum enthnography, counselling, health and social work are also taken up by anthropology graduates. Some anthropology graduates study part-time for professional qualifications while working, for example, in personnel management.
These trends show only what previous graduates in your subject did immediately upon graduating. Over the course of their career - the first few years in particular - many others will opt for some form of further study, either part time or full time. If further study interests you, start by thinking about postgrad study and search courses and research to identify your options.
Look at funding my further study for details relating to finance and the application process.
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