Department of Psychology | BSc Psychology and Anthropology

BSc Psychology & Anthropology at Durham University

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Explore humanity from both psychological and anthropological perspectives to understand our species at an individual and social level.

This British Psychological Society accredited degree explores what it means to be human, including our relationship to other species. You will be taught by staff who are leading researchers in their fields, including those with expertise in both subjects.

In Psychology, you will study Cognitive, Biological, Social and Developmental Perspectives. In Anthropology, you will use primarily Evolutionary and Biological Perspectives to inquire into the mind and behaviour of past and present human and primate populations. You will learn how Anthropology and Psychology provide both complementary and contrasting perspectives, plus the various quantitative and qualitative research methods used in both disciplines.

The interface of Anthropology and Psychology explicitly integrates intercultural, international and global issues. For example, both subjects address issues of cross-cultural diversity and representation in research.

In the first year, the core modules will give you a broad introduction to key methods, knowledge and theories in Anthropology and Psychology.

The second year continues to build on project design and research skills, broadens theory and topical knowledge (ensuring British Psychological Society accreditation), and explores the interface between Psychology and Anthropology.

The third year includes a dissertation that allows a deep exploration of a specific interdisciplinary research area, and the final Psychology module required for BPS Accreditation.

Your degree will equip you with the academic knowledge, analytical and problem-solving skills that are in demand across a wide range of professions.

We are committed to developing your skills and offer a range of support activities to help you find a career that’s right for you. From Year 1 you will have an academic advisor and you will be invited to graduate careers fairs where you can talk to recruiters. You can also attend the Psychology Employability Retreat.

Our undergraduate degrees are recognised by the British Psychological Society – the first step towards a career as a Psychologist.

Our graduates also progress to postgraduate courses and have qualified in areas such as teaching, law, and speech and language therapy.

With a degree in Anthropology, you will be equipped with a diverse and practical knowledge base, including highly transferable skills in research and communication. Employers worldwide value this skill set, particularly where creativity, curiosity and the ability to understand human diversity are at a premium.

Our graduates apply their knowledge directly in fields as diverse as health, community work, conservation, education, international development, culture, and heritage. Many progress into careers that require a broad understanding of human society and behaviour as well as the interpersonal, organisational, problem solving and independent thinking skills that come with the discipline. Such careers include advertising, publishing, journalism, teaching, human resource management, law, consultancy and marketing.

A significant number of graduates progress onto higher level study with many pursuing further research in Anthropology or other fields.

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