MA in Visual Anthropology
The MA in Visual Anthropology is designed for those with a background in anthropology who want to continue their studies through a unique combination of theory and visual practice.
1 year full-time or 2 years part-time.
If you're applying for funding, you may be subject to an application deadline. Find out more about funding opportunities for home/EU applicants, or funding for international applicants.
See our tuition fees.
Contact Prof Stephen Nugent
Find out about how you can visit Goldsmiths at one of our open days or come on a campus tour.
It leaves the definition of visual anthropology wide open and considers various arguments about this sub-field, but also looks beyond immediate disciplinary concerns to enlarge the possibilities for a visual anthropology that's not only connected with the professional concerns of anthropologists, but also adequately presents anthropologically-informed representations to other audiences.
The programme is convened and taught by Professor Stephen Nugent. Core courses are also taught with contributions from Dr Ricardo Leizaola, Dr Mao Mollona, Dr Roger Sansi-Roca, Dr Emma Tarlo and Dr Chris Wright.
It's taught through lectures/seminars and hands-on training in the use of digital camcorders, sound recording equipment, and video editing, and your final project is a 20-minute video.
The central aim of the programme is the production of visual work within a critical and conceptual framework provided by anthropology.
Through compulsory core courses you are introduced to a range of topics which currently include: the anthropology of art; visual anthropology; ethnographic film and cinema studies; and a general anthropological consideration of representation.
Our dedicated production facilities include digital camcorders, a variety of sound recording equipment and Final Cut Pro editing stations, and you will produce a series of practical projects throughout the year.
What you study
You will study five core courses:
- Anthropology of Art I
- Anthropology of Art II
- Critique, Theory and Representation
- Ethnographic Film and Cinema Studies
- Video Production
Assessment
Essays/reports for theory courses and one two-week take-home paper. Practice elements are assessed on the basis of training projects; the final project (a video of no more than 20 minutes’ length) is accompanied by a written report.
Register your interest
If you register your interest in this programme we will keep you informed about open days and send you relevant further information. If you subsequently decide to apply for this programme you will be able to use the same login details to apply.
Applying and entrance requirements
You can apply directly to Goldsmiths via the website by clicking the ‘apply now’ button on the main programme page.
Before submitting your application you’ll need to have:
- Details of your education history, including the dates of all exams/assessments.
- The email address details of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively an electronic soft copy of your academic reference.
- A personal statement. This can either be uploaded as a Word Document or PDF, or completed online.
- If available, an electronic soft copy of your educational transcript (this is particularly important if you have studied outside of the UK, but isn’t mandatory).
You'll be able to save your progress at any point and return to your application by logging in using your username/email and password.
When to apply
We accept applications from October for students wanting to start the following September.
We encourage you to complete your application as early as possible, even if you haven't finished your current programme of study. It's very common to be offered a place that is conditional on you achieving a particular qualification.
If you're applying for funding you may be subject to an application deadline. Find out more about funding opportunities for UK/EU students and international students.
Late applications will only be considered if there are spaces available.
Selection Process
Admission to many programmes is by interview, unless you live outside the UK. Occasionally, we'll make candidates an offer of a place on the basis of their application and qualifications alone.
Entrance Requirements
You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least second class standard in a relevant/related subject.
You might also be considered for some programmes if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level.
We also accept a wide range of international equivalent qualifications, which can be found on our country-specific pages. If you'd like more information, please contact the Admissions Office.
English Language
If your first language isn't English, you need to demonstrate the required level of English language competence to enroll and study on our programmes.
Please check our English Language requirements for more information.
Find out more about applying
- Entrance requirements
- English Language requirements
- Returning your work
- Associate Graduate and Associate Research Students
- Fees and Funding
Contact us
Get in touch via our online form
UK/EU
+44 (0)20 7919 7766
course-info@gold.ac.uk
International (non-EU)
+44 (0)20 7919 7702
international-office@gold.ac.uk
David
MA in Visual Anthropology
"Goldsmiths has fulfilled my expectations as being an institution that does not rein in idiosyncrasy and freedom of expression. However, the syllabus is focussed and has clear direction within the various modules. Thus it has been possible to pursue my own interests, while benefiting from the specialised concerns of the teaching staff."
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Telephone: + 44 (0)20 7919 7171
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