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Welcome to Anthropology at Durham

We are one of the largest Anthropology Departments in the UK and one of only a few to span Social Anthropology, Evolutionary Anthropology and Anthropology of Health. Our graduates have the opportunity to explore the full breadth of Anthropology or specialise in one of our sub-disciplinary areas. We are the only UK department to offer a residential field course (UK and international destinations) to all our undergraduate students.

Find out more about us
45% of our research was rated as world-leading (REF 2021)
6th for Anthropology The Guardian University Guide 2024
8th
8th The Complete University Guide 2024
23rd QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

Take a closer look at Durham Anthropology by watching the video below! 

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Department News!

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 

We have been ranked 23rd in the in the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject in 2023. 

The rankings, announced in March 2023 assessed over 18,300 subjects from 1,597 institutions across the world, based on academic and employer reputation, citations per academic paper, impact and quality of research and international research collaboration factors.   

This is up from 29th in 2022!

Recent research carried out by colleagues in our department includes Traded species have distinctive life histories with extended reproductive lifecycles, New equality, diversity and inclusion scheme for energy researchers and Research into tobacco use and addiction.

Durham is a world-leading university. Our academic excellence and impact is reflected in our global rankings and this is a true credit to the outstanding teaching and research carried out at our University.  

Durham is consistently ranked as one of the world’s leading universities. It is ranked 92nd in the QS World University Rankings 2023, 6th in the Guardian University Guide 2023 and Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023, and The Complete University Guide 2022. Durham is also regularly ranked in the top ten universities in the UK. 

  

Study with us

  • Undergraduate study

    Our undergraduate courses introduce you to the comparative and evolutionary study of humans and draw on a range of social, cultural and biological approaches.

    Students chatting during a seminar
  • Postgraduate study

    Our taught Masters offer you the opportunity to pursue advanced specialist courses and ‘conversion’ from other degrees. If you’re a PhD applicant, the sheer number of staff here means you are likely to find someone who can supervise and nurture your research interests.

    Two people using a camera

Undergraduate study

Our undergraduate courses introduce you to the comparative and evolutionary study of humans and draw on a range of social, cultural and biological approaches.

Students chatting during a seminar

Postgraduate study

Our taught Masters offer you the opportunity to pursue advanced specialist courses and ‘conversion’ from other degrees. If you’re a PhD applicant, the sheer number of staff here means you are likely to find someone who can supervise and nurture your research interests.

Two people using a camera

Our research

We are opening up new areas of enquiry in the fields of social, evolutionary and health anthropology. We have world-leading expertise in a range of topics such as energy use, temporality, aesthetics, the evolution of brain and cognition, primatology, global health, and infant sleep.

Find out more

What's new?

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Slow and steady wins the race with primate release

Meet Brek, Kiki de Mpacka, Vue de Loin and Kento – four rescued mandrills who were released back into the wild as part of a project led by our anthropologists.
A montage image of four mandrills

Strengthened connections with the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras

We are delighted to announce the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras).
A group of people standing in front of a sign that says Indian Institute of Technology Madras

Durham strengthening ties with India

We are proud to be a global university, with research collaborations, partnerships and student, alumni and employer connections all over the world. As part of this global outlook, we’re very pleased be strengthening our ties with India.
India visit 2023

How do people care for themselves and others in the face of chronic illness? A study of care relationships among diabetes patients in India

Dr Emilija Zabiliute from our Department of Anthropology shares insights from her research into support and care for diabetes patients in Delhi.
Diabetes TL

Research inspires podcast drama about tobacco addiction

Research by our Anthropology department has provided the inspiration for a podcast drama looking at the history of smoking and tobacco addiction.
A man smoking a cigarette

Traded species have distinctive life histories with extended reproductive lifecycles

A new study has revealed that vertebrate species involved in the live wildlife trade have distinctive life history traits that determine the frequency and timing of reproduction.
Chameleon

Changing African landscape may have influenced early human communication

The shift from dense forests to open plains in Africa may have caused our ancient ancestors to change their vocal calls, research involving our anthropologists has found.
A picture of an orangutan

Infant sleep expert calls for a multi-agency approach to help reduce sudden unexpected death in infancy

Leading infant sleep expert Professor Helen Ball, from Durham’s Infancy and Sleep Centre, has published a report and new research calling for a multi-agency approach for the prevention of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI).
Image of a baby sleeping

Fairy Tales 'Explained': Prof. Jamie Tehrani features in Netflix series

Prof. Jamie Tehrani from our Anthropology department features in the Netflix series 'Explained'.
Screenshot from Netflix Explained season 3 episode 14

Congratulations to our summer 2021 Anthropology graduates!

The Anthropology Department would like to congratulate each and every one of our 2021 graduates on their degree results.
Students at graduation

Student updates and Social Media

Hear from our students in the Department of Anthropology and follow us on social media.

Highlights

So… You’re thinking of studying Anthropology

Find out what it's like studying Anthropology at Durham.
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My First-Generation University Experience

Anthropology graduate Caitlin tells us about her experience at Durham University.
Students personal desk space covered in books and notes.

Get in touch

Contact us to find out more about undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities in our Department.

Department of Anthropology

Durham University
Dawson Building
South Road
Durham, DH1 3LE

Questions about studying here?

Check out our list of FAQs or submit an enquiry form.

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