Overview
- You will acquire a broad, general knowledge of the current debates within both sociology and anthropology and also develop specialist knowledge within health and wellbeing
- You will be equipped with the traditional and cutting-edge research tools used for studying the relationship between culture, society and everyday life
- You will examine the complex ways in which health and well-being are entwined with society and culture
- You will develop a wide range of key transferrable skills that are highly valued by employers within a range of professions
Ranked 9th in the UK in the latest Research Excellence Framework 2014
Top 10 in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020
Top 10 in the Guardian League Table 2020
Entry requirements
We are looking for graduates with a 2:1 or above in sociology, anthropology, statistics, data or maths. While we normally only accept applicants who meet this criterion, if your first degree is in a different discipline, you have a high 2:2 or equivalent, are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience, we would welcome your application.
All applicants should provide a personal statement explaining their interest in the programme and how it fits with their earlier studies.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
Please visit our entry requirements section for equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements.
Course content
Building on an interdisciplinary perspective distinctive to our approach to sociology and anthropology at Exeter, this degree will allow you to explore contemporary societies by focusing on health well-being in a cross-cultural perspective.
You will examine the complex ways in which health and well-being are entwined with society and culture. Our core module in social theory will introduce you to a range of central themes and issues that both classical and contemporary social theorists have addressed in their work equipping you with a broad range of conceptual tools with which to understand and research the social world.
You’ll also chose from a range of optional modules covering fields such as research methods; gender at work; food, body and society; data visualisation; and philosophy of science.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Teaching and research
Teaching takes place over the first two terms, leaving the third for your dissertation. Research-centred teaching is at the heart of the programme. Teaching is done in small seminar groups to allow students the best possible interaction with academic staff, through individual presentations and round table discussions of common readings.
Students have the opportunity to engage in a serious piece of research into a topic of their choosing through the dissertation module. You will be assessed through coursework which will vary depending on the modules you choose and the completion of a dissertation.
Dr Christopher Thorpe
Programme Director
Professor Mike Michael
Head of Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology (SPA)
Professor Harry G West
Professor of Anthropology
Dr Christopher Thorpe
Programme Director
Christopher’s work explores issues and debates situated at the historical cultural sociology/ sociology of culture interface. He is particularly interested in the subjects of cultural representation, appropriation and the 'autonomy of culture' debate. His work draws on historical forms of 'data' spanning comparative English literature, social and cultural history, travel studies and other disciplines as they relate to the subject of discursive representations of Italy and appropriations of Italian culture, in England and later Britain during the period spanning approximately the English Renaissance to the present day.
Professor Mike Michael
Head of Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology (SPA)
Mike is a sociologist of science and technology. He joined SPA in 2017, having previously worked at Lancaster University, Goldsmiths, University of London, and the University of Sydney. His research interests have included: the relation of everyday life to technoscience; biotechnological and biomedical innovation and culture; the public understanding of/engagement with science; and process methodology. His teaching has covered such areas as social theory, microsociology, environmental sociology, science and society, animals and society, sociologies of everyday life, and qualitative methodology.
Professor Harry G West
Professor of Anthropology
Harry teaches on the core module Social Theory. He is a socio-cultural anthropologist with expertise in political anthropology and the anthropology of food, farming and agrarian society. He has conducted research in Africa, as well as in Europe and North America. He is currently working on food, heritage and memory, with a focus on artisan cheesemaking.
He is Co-Director of the Centre for Rural Policy Research, and Coordinator of the Food Studies Network.
Careers
Employer-valued skills
In addition to the specialist knowledge you will gain during your programme, you will also develop transferrable skills valued by employers such as:
- researching, analysing and assessing sources of information
- written and verbal communication skills
- managing and interpreting information
- developing ideas and arguments
Career support
The College's Employability Officer works with our central Career Zone team to give you access to a wealth of business contacts, support and training, as well as the opportunity to meet potential employers at our regular Careers Fairs.
