A UK Honours degree (or overseas equivalent) at 2:1 level in anthropology, sociology, or related social science or humanities subject.
When assessing your academic record we take into account your grades, your academic references, and the standing of the institution where you studied.
We also welcome:
Applicants with an academic or professional background in media production, such as in film-making, photography and sound-art as well as those coming from an art-making background.
Applicants with professional experience in journalism, social and development work.
There is so much to gain from this course.
Before I started I had never even picked up a film camera, now my final film has gone on to win several awards. It's opened my eyes to the different ways research can be done.
I had access to high quality professional equipment, an editing suit room and a projection room.
I studied alongside an international community of lawyers, biologists, musicians and visual artists like myself and became part of a community of peers and tutors that were genuinely interested in each other, and empathetic, offering support and critical views to each other in respectful and sensitive ways The programme encouraged us to develop projects collaboratively and learning to assume different roles, negotiating and learning how to overcome obstacles as an individual and as a team. As an alumni I am still able to request access to these facilities and equipment.
The MAVA programme gave me the perspective to re-examine what I had seen, heard, and experienced through the lens of social anthropology.
It encouraged me to question the very foundations of my own values and worldview. Beyond the technical aspects of filmmaking and sound recording, MAVA taught me how to work collaboratively with participants and explore ways to situate our creative process within anthropological significance. Through this, I learned that reconsidering my values while creating something together with others is a skill that contributes to living more meaningfully with people. Above all, what I value the most from the programme is the time spent with world-class professors and fellow students from across the globe. I am now working as a director at NHK, Japan's public broadcaster, drawing on all that I learned at MAVA.
In a world in desperate need of deeper human connection across borders, visual media has never been more powerful. Filmmaking isn’t just how we capture attention. It’s how we spark understanding, shift perspectives, and shape the future.
Our MA Visual Anthropology will empower you to examine the differences and similarities between human behaviours, beliefs, and societies, so we can better understand the essence of what makes us human.
You will study classic and contemporary anthropological debates, and as one of the largest anthropology departments in the UK, there’s no shortage of topics you could cover.
On this course, you’ll learn about cutting-edge ethnographic techniques using film, photography, sound, art and a range of other media, drawing on a bank of fascinating projects produced at the Granada Centre for Visual Anthropology . You work will go beyond the classroom, and our graduates have produced more than 500 ethnographic films seen around the world.
Regardless of prior experience, you’ll develop the technical skills you need to produce your own ethnographic media. Hence, our course is the UK’s only Visual Anthropology master’s that is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council and the Arts and Humanities Research Council as a professional preparation master’s.
Throughout your studies you will benefit from personalised support, allowing you to develop transferable skills in research, critical enquiry and creative thinking. You’ll also develop real people skills by engaging directly with your subjects, allowing them to express themselves with unmatched authenticity in their own verbal and physical language. You’ll graduate with the skills and experience you need for a successful career in a variety of sectors.
A prestigious department
Manchester is one of the world’s best institutions for the study and practice of social anthropology. Our staff conduct research all over the world – from Everest to the Arctic and from Rio de Janeiro to Manchester – and teach from their specialist knowledge.
Real-world impact
We put theory into practice. Our students and academics are making a difference on the global stage across multiple sectors. For example, our research provided crucial insight at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, to British Nuclear Fuels on the decommissioning of nuclear power plants, and to anti-racist organisations and artists in Latin America.
A powerhouse of creativity
Manchester is a creative, dynamic and cosmopolitan city noted for being home to the MediaCity, the UK’s leading hub for media, creativity and innovation. We have unparalleled links to industry in Manchester and beyond, allowing you to follow your own career ambitions.
Launch your future research career
Set yourself up for a successful career in research (or other routes) on this Economic and Social Research Council and Arts and Humanities Research Council-recognised professional preparation master’s course.
| QS 综合 | 院校 | 学制 | 学费 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 第 701 位 | 伦敦大学金史密斯学院Goldsmiths, University of London | 1年 | 27500英镑/年 |