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The University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ, T +44 (0)1227 764000
MA in Anthropology and Conservation
Distinctive combination of knowledge and training in Social Anthropology and Environmental Conservation
This challenging and innovative MA programme provides a distinctive combination of knowledge and training in Social Anthropology and Environmental Conservation. It qualifies students to pursue careers and doctoral studies in either of the two disciplines—Anthropology or Conservation.
The course is offered in an academic environment that formally embraces both social anthropology and conservation science, the School of Anthropology and Conservation, which is, in its constellation of specialisations, unique in the world.
The integration of theoretical perspectives and methodologies from Anthropology and Conservation presents a distinctive set of skills that enable the practice and design of anthropologically informed conservation, the resolution of environmental conflict, and the study and revaluation of indigenous/local environmental knowledge.
The course encourages a critical perspective on the practice and epistemology of conservation and anthropology, paving the way for the integration of the two disciplines methodologically and theoretically. It pays particular attention to the interrelationships between local/indigenous populations and environmental groups, policy makers, legislators, and institutions concerned with the protection of the environment (e.g. Natural Protected Areas, green development projects). During the course of studies the students explore themes such as human-animal conflicts, environmental politics, debates over fragile environments, attitudes toward conservation among indigenous groups (and vice versa), and institutional and indigenous environmental knowledge and practices.
The Academic Programme
Qualifications in Social Anthropology are:
- MA in Anthropology and Conservation (nine month taught course plus three month dissertation)
The MA programme in Anthropology and Conservation at the University of Kent builds on the unique co-existence of the disciplines of Anthropology and Conservation within the same School. Drawing upon the specialist skills of individual members of staff in the two disciplines, the programme offers a distinctive and exciting mix of anthropological and conservation sub-topics and skills, but also, and more importantly, the opportunity to integrate the two disciplines at the MA level of study. This combination is achieved, for the very first time at the University of Kent, and reflects the specialization and research synergies realised in the School of Anthropology and Conservation.
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The programme is taken over one year full-time, two years part-time. In each academic year there are three terms. Teaching for coursework takes place in the first and second terms. During the third term and the summer period students prepare their dissertation on a topic that reflects their own individual interests and experience.
Students minimally enroll in three required or suggested modules in both the first and second terms term and have the option of also taking additional modules (non-assessed). From the start of the third term the students focus on their dissertation, which counts towards one third of the overall degree.
Note: Some modules run in alternate years and all modules are subject to change. Select the module code to access full details of each module.
The following list is indicative of the wide variety of courses available:
Required Modules
SE870 Anthropology and Conservation
SE801 Theory & Ethnography in Social Anthropology I
SE806 Research Methods in Social Anthropology II
EITHER SE802 Research Methods in Social Anthropology I
OR DI876 Research Methods for Social Science
SE899 Dissertation in Anthropology and Conservation: Dissertation of 15,000 words
(xxx indicates the module is subject to approval)
Recommended Modules
DI878 Social Science Perspectives on Conservatio
SE831 Environmental Anthropology
DI880 Conservation and Community Development
DI871 International Wildlife Trade
SE832 Ethnobiological Knowledge Systems
DI875 Principles and Practice of Ecotourism
DI886 Biodiversity Preservation in International Law and Policy
SE840 Contemporary Issues in Ethnobotany [pending name change to ‘Contemporary Issues in Environmental Anthropology]
DI882 Trade, Economics, Regulation and the Environment
SE845 Practical Methods in Conservation Social Sciences
DI841 Managing Protected Areas
Optional Modules
SE805 Theory & Ethnography in Social Anthropology II
SE853 Theory and Practice in Development Anthropology
SE802 Anthropological Research Methods I
DI883 Special Topics in Conservation
SE859 Visual Anthropology Theory
Entry Requirements
- A good honours degree or joint honours. This programme is open to applicants from all disciplines
Applications are made online; this facility will be available shortly.
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