Study information

Programme Specification for the 2021/2 academic year

BA (Hons) Anthropology with Study Abroad

1. Programme Details

Programme nameBA (Hons) Anthropology with Study Abroad Programme codeUFA4HPSHPS40
Study mode(s)Full Time
 Academic year2021/2
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
 NQF Level of the Final Award6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

By studying Anthropology you can fully explore how relevant this discipline is for the study of our globalised world. Anthropology offers a distinctive comparative outlook on human social and cultural life. The discipline has traditionally focused on the study of small-scale and pre-industrial societies, and at Exeter you will have opportunities to learn about anthropological discoveries in this area. However, Anthropologists have increasingly applied their distinctive insights to modern living, and today are as interested in the practices of multinational companies and the impact of natural resource exploitation on local communities as in the rituals and ceremonies of native Amazonians.

At Exeter, you will be introduced to a range of core topics in current anthropological discussion and debate, and will also have the opportunity to take a variety of modules exploring topics such as human-animal interactions, global health, postcolonial politics, development, cultures of race and ethnicity, consumerism and the anthropology of music and sound.

Studying Anthropology will equip students with a full range of critical analytical perspectives as well as research methods to start their own exploration of the nature and complexity of human social life. 

You will spend the 3rd year of your studies in a partner University on an Erasmus/Socrates exchange or other approved programme of study.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

  • Provide an excellent Honours-level education in Anthropology, which meets the criteria for Honours level awards as set out in the FHEQ and the University’s statement of Levels and Awards, and which meets the standards set in the national Subject Benchmarking statements for the subject area.
  • Facilitate graduates to become useful, productive and questioning members of society.
  • Provide a stimulating and supportive environment for students that is informed by research where deemed appropriate.
  • Work in partnership with students to produce graduates who are grounded in the main themes of Social Anthropology through a combination of modules which develop a deep understanding of human diversity from a socio-cultural perspective, and to think comparatively and analytically about key questions and problems in studying the worlds of other people and our own.
  • Offer a structured framework of study which ensures that within the time span of the programme every student follows a balanced and complementary range of modules, whilst allowing sufficient choice to ensure that students are able to follow individual areas of learning.
  • Work in partnership with students to produce graduates who understand the various methods which Anthropologists use to study human societies, and who can analyse the organisation and development of societies and gain competence in dealing with the various types of evidence and the methodological problems associated with studying historical and contemporary cultures.
  • Develop students’ competence in the subject-specific skills required in Anthropology through practical engagement with primary and empirical data.
  • Expose students to different teaching and assessment methods within an appropriate learning environment, supported by feedback, monitoring and pastoral care.
  • Provide a range of academic and personal skills which will prepare students from varied educational backgrounds for employment or further study, which will foster mental agility and adaptability, and which will enable them to deploy their knowledge, abilities and skills in their entirety, displaying balance and judgement in a variety of circumstances.

4. Programme Structure

The programme is studied over four years full-time. Study is undertaken in four stages, with each stage comprising 120 credits made up of either 15 or 30-credit modules, which contribute towards the degree. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload and one credit is nominally equivalent to ten hours of work. The ‘level’ of a module (designated by the first number in the module code) indicates its position in the progressive development of academic abilities and/or practical skills

This degree programme contains compulsory and optional modules and as part of the degree programme students may take up to 30 credits a year in another discipline outside their main degree subject, after they have met the compulsory requirements of their main subject (specified below)

In Anthropology, students must study the specified core modules and the specified optional modules. The full list of modules currently offered for Anthropology (ANT) is available at

http://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/sociology/undergraduate/modules/

There are modules from other departments that are recognised as Anthropology options. A full list of those is available at the Unit’s ELE page: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=3026 

In each year students will normally take modules worth 120 credits in Anthropology. Students may drop 30 credits from the programme with the exception of mandatory modules to take a maximum of 30 credits of modules that are not listed in the programme specification, including options in Anthropology, under the University’s modularity rule.

Modules and other study components can be taken only with the approval of the College (normally given by the student’s personal tutor); options are offered each year at the discretion of the Colleges and a module may be taken only if the necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, if the timetable allows, and if the module or an equivalent module has not been taken previously.

Assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. The award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit weighted average marks for stages 2, 3 and 4 weighted 4:2:8 respectively.

Students will spend the 3rd year of their studies in a partner University on an Erasmus/Socrates exchange or other approved programme of study. The year abroad comprises 120 credits and assessment is based on the credits gained at the partner institution abroad.

In exceptional circumstances you may exit this award with a Cert HE Anthropology where you have achieved 120 credits at Stage 1 or a Dip HE Anthropology where you have achieved 240 credits across Stages 1 and 2, with at least 90 of these from Stage 2.  

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

The Anthropology degree programme is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.

Depending on your programme you can take up to 30 credits each year in another subject, for instance a language or business module, to develop career-related skills or just widen your intellectual horizons.

The third year is spent studying abroad at a partner institution.

Please note that modules offered are subject to change, depending on staff availability, timetabling, and demand.

Stage 1

The first year gives you a foundational knowledge of anthropological theory and concepts, and how to think critically about the key challenges of studying diverse human societies. You will also be introduced to the fundamentals of the archaeological study of human society in the past, and gain important analytical techniques that will be useful across a range of subjects and research tasks.

90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
ANT1003 Imagining Social Worlds: Texts 15No
ANT1004 Introduction to Social Anthropology-Theorising the Everyday World 15No
ANT1005 Introduction to Social Anthropology: Exploring Cultural Diversity 15No
ANT1011 Imagining Social Worlds: Qualitative Research 15No
ANT1009 Theories and Approaches in Anthropology 15No
ARC1010 Themes in World Archaeology 15No

Optional Modules

Sociology Anthropology and Philosophy

View option modules here

Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability.

Stage 2

In the second year you will advance your grasp of anthropological knowledge and methods through a set of compulsory modules. You will learn about the current issues and problems that attract anthropologists’ attention, and acquire the research methods that anthropologists use in their studies; you will even develop your own small research project where you can put these skills to the test. Optional modules enable you to develop specialist knowledge on a range of topics.

60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
ANT2002 Ethnography Now 15No
ANT2003 Current Debates in Anthropology 15No
ANT2004 Into the Field 15No
ANT2005 Current Debates in Anthropology: Practice 15No

Optional Modules

Sociology Anthropology and Philosophy

View option modules here

Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability.

Stage 3

Students spend this stage in a partner University on an Erasmus/Socrates exchange or other approved programme of study.

The year abroad comprises 120 credits. Assessment is based on the credits gained at the partner institution abroad. 

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
SSI3999 Year Abroad 120No

Stage 4

The centre-point of the final year is the dissertation. This provides you with the opportunity to explore an area of interest and to demonstrate what you have learned over the previous years of your degree. You will also take up to three other specialist modules to create a programme of work fully reflecting your interests.

Students will take a compulsory 30 credit Dissertation module and 90 credits of optional modules.

Compulsory Modules

 

 

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
ANT3040 Anthropology Dissertation 30No

Optional Modules

Sociology Anthropology and Philosophy

 View option modules here

 

Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability.

 

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Understand the extent and nature of human diversity and commonality as seen, in particular, from a social and cultural perspective
2. Explain how human beings shape and are shaped by social and cultural contexts
3. Appreciate the relationship between local social and cultural forms in relation to broader global and historical processes
4. Describe, explain and critically discuss the social organisation, economy and cosmology of a range of societies
5. Use the repertoire of key concepts, theories and methods of anthropological analysis
6. Question cultural assumptions
7. Recognise some of the ways in which anthropological knowledge and insight can be applied in a variety of contexts
8. Assess the ethical implications of anthropological enquiry and qualitative research more generally
9. Conduct research, within supportive guidelines, drawing on primary and secondary sources
10. Present work in the format expected of social scientists, including footnoting and bibliographical references.

ILOs 1-3. These skills are developed in all anthropology modules, and are a core aim of the anthropology side of the programme, especially in ANT1004, ANT1005, and ANT2003.

ILOs 4-6. These skills are developed through lectures, and coursework in the 1st year (ANT1004, ANT1005, ANT1003,) and further advanced in subsequent modules (ANT2002, ANT2003, SOC2004).

ILOs 7. This skill will be developed in the foundational modules (ANT1004, ANT1005, ANT2002, ANT2003, SOC2004) and expanded on in optional modules such as ANT3005, SOC3085 and others

ILOs 8-10. These skills will be practised through coursework and examination and seminar work in all modules, and consolidated specifically in modules at 2nd year and 3rd year level (ANT2002, SOC2004, ANT3040)

Exams (ILOs 1-7,11-14, 16-20, 22-24)

Essays (ILOs 1-7, 10-20, 22-24)

Other coursework (e.g. written analytical reflections, posters, research proposals) (ILOs 1-7, 9, 11-19, 22-24)

Presentations (ILOs 1-7, 9, 11-18, 21-24)

Dissertation (ILOs 1-20, 22-24)

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

11. Draw thematic comparisons between material from different sources.
12. Show awareness of contrasting approaches to research
13. Understand and demonstrate the different types and uses of ethnographic data and evaluate their relative advantages and disadvantages.
14. Specify some of the basic philosophical questions arising from academic research.
15. Use library and the world-wide web to find appropriate and relevant information.
16. Develop and deploy argument, grounded in theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence.
17. Identify problems of reliability and bias in, and more generally evaluate, empirical evidence
18. Collate data from a range of sources
19. Produce accurate reference to sources in written work.
20. Answer questions concisely and persuasively in written work.
21. Present work and answer questions orally.
22. Deploy complex terminology in a comprehensible manner
23. Analyse texts, visual material and other artefacts taking into account their cultural, historical and generic contexts
24. Demonstrate a critical appreciation of ideas of cultural difference and cross-cultural variation as well as the specificity of one’s own cultural perspective

These skills are developed throughout the degree programme, but the emphasis becomes more complex as students move from stage to stage. They are developed through lectures and seminars, written work (including essays, reports, research outlines, dissertation), and oral work (both presentation and class discussion). 

Exams (ILOs 11-14, 16-18, 20, 22)

Essays and other written assignments (ILOs 11- 20, 22, 24)

Presentations (ILOs 21, 25, 27, 30-35)

Dissertation (ILOs 20, 22, 34-36)

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

25. Undertake independent study and work to deadlines.
26. Use a word processor and the world-wide web to a high standard.
27. Digest, select and organise material for written work and oral presentations, and write to varying word lengths.
28. Evaluate own work.
29. Sit timed, unseen examinations of a challenging nature.
30. Participate in oral discussions; present and evaluate complex arguments and ideas orally; digest, select and organise material for oral presentations.
31. Work with others as part of a team on challenging material.
32. Interact effectively with peers and staff.
33. Communicate and argue effectively, both orally and in writing.
34. Undertake group work, including the presentation and discussion of material in groups.
35. Express and defend opinions on a wide range of current and abstract issues.
36. Plan the execution of demanding work over a very long time scale

ILO25: This skill is an essential part of the successful completion of the programme and will be developed through regular assignments such as essays and presentations towards vigorously monitored and enforced deadlines.
ILO26: This skill is developed through the requirement that all written work be word-processed, and through the requirement on students to use the WWW for bibliographical searches.
ILO27: This skill is developed through essay and presentation work throughout the programme.
ILO28: This skill is encouraged and developed throughout, and is aided by the student Self-Appraisal system which takes place in the inter-semester week of Spring Term.
ILO29: This skill is developed through practice: at all stages, students are partly assessed by timed, unseen examinations.
ILO30: This skill is developed through seminars, which form the whole or part basis of all modules.
ILOs 31-35: These skills are developed to some extent in all modules, through interaction in seminars and in discussion with tutors about essay work, and in response to criticism both collective and individual.
ILO36: This skill is developed through the through the Dissertation, which has a single end of year deadline.

Exams (ILOs 29, 34, 35)

Essays (ILOs 25-27, 34-36)

Team Reports (ILOs 27, 28, 30-34).  

Individual Presentations (ILOs 25, 27, 30, 34, 35)

Group Presentations (ILOs 25, 27, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)

Dissertation (ILOs 25-27, 32, 34-36) 

7. Programme Regulations

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/admin/staff/qualityassuranceandmonitoring/tqamanual/fullcontents/)

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

The University and its constituent Colleges review the quality and standard of teaching and learning in all taught programmes against a range of criteria through the procedures outlined in the Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA) Manual Quality Review Framework.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

0

18. Final Award

BA (Hons) Anthropology with Study Abroad

19. UCAS Code

L603

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits ECTS credits

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

[Honours] Anthropology

23. Dates

Origin Date

01/05/2012

 Date of last revision

18/07/2013