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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
28th QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

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

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Department News!

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 

We have been ranked 28th in the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. 

The rankings, announced in March 2024 assessed over 19,100 subjects from almost 5,000 institutions across the world, based on academic and employer reputation, citations per academic paper, impact and quality of research and international research collaboration factors. 

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 and among the top ten in the UK. It is ranked 78th in the QS World University Rankings 2024, 7th in the Guardian University Guide 2024 and Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.  

  

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.

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What's new?

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Alumnus Jeremiah Thoronka makes Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list

Innovator and Founder of Optim Energy, Jeremiah Thoronka has been featured in Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 list for his success and impact in the Climate Change and Sustainability (Social Impact) sector.
A man smiling for the camera

Monitoring the UK’s at-risk hedgehogs

We’ve joined a pioneering new three-year pilot to monitor the UK’s hedgehogs and try to reverse the fall in their numbers.
A hedgehog on the grass facing the camera

New spy cameras reveal surprising behaviours of chacma baboons

An ingenious new camera collar has offered researchers from our Anthropology department an unprecedented glimpse into the secret lives of wild baboons in South Africa.
Chacma baboons with collar camera

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

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

Bigger animals don’t always have the biggest brains relative to body size – new research

Scientists have long believed that big animals will tend to have big brains, but a new study involving Professor Robert Barton, from our Department of Anthropology, has found that may not be the case.
Three brains at different angles

Durham research has a lasting global impact

We have launched a new Global Research Brochure where we shine a light on some of our incredible researchers who are making a difference in the world.
A globe with lines showing connections between different parts of the world.

Durham Anthropology Postgraduate Conference: Divided - Review

On 27th April 2022, students and staff participated in an exciting day of presentations and discussions at the Calman Learning Centre – the Postgraduate Conference, in what promised to be the department’s flagship event of the year.
Poster for the Anthropology postgraduate conference 2022

Climate change and the so-called Third Pole

Dr Ben Campbell from our Anthropology Department explores increasing concern about climate change and the melting of the Earth’s North and South Poles, but challenges us to consider the so-called Third Pole, the Himalaya-Karakoram mountains, and look beyond climate change as a matter of technical solutions to re-thinking our relationship with the planet.
A pictures of houses built into the Himalaya-Karakoram mountains

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

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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