Anthropology studies human culture and the many forms it takes in different societies, both past and present. It traces the evolution of culture beyond its primate origins, through more than 2 million years of prehistory, to historical and contemporary societies.

 

There are 2 broad areas of Anthropology at Otago: Archaeology and Social Anthropology. Students might also consider taking some Sociology (including Social Science) and Gender Studies papers as part of their degree.

 

This major is available for the Bachelor of Arts (BA).

 

What distinguishes Anthropology is that it has a strong interest in the origins of human beings and in the world-wide development of human society from the earliest evidence through to present times.

 

We are particularly interested in those things that make us human, like language, culture, social organisation, beliefs, values and economic achievements.

 

Because it is such a broad discipline, Anthropology is divided into several sub-disciplines, including Archaeology, Social Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology and Biological Anthropology.

 

Graduates become professional archaeologists, museum staff, journalists or social scientists and teach social studies in schools.

 

They also work as researchers and policy analysts for government departments such as the Ministries of Health, Social Development, Justice, Conservation and Foreign Affairs, or with welfare, social work and other non-government organisations.

 

Increasingly, too, anthropologists are being hired as consultants and researchers in the private sector.

 

Please visit our website:

 

For advice please contact a University Liaison Officer.

 

Email: anthropology@otago.ac.nz

 

Write to or visit:

Department of Anthropology, Gender & Sociology

2nd floor, Richardson Building

University of Otago

PO Box 56, Dunedin