MPhil & PhD in Visual Anthropology
Full-time or part-time. Please see Starting your research studies.
You will need to demonstrate a proficiency in visual techniques (video or photography), either from a previous degree course, or from practical experience. If converting from another discipline, you should first study for the MA in Social Anthropology, or the MA in Visual Anthropology, or you should do a Conversion Qualifying Year normally involving three courses from the MA.
ESRC
Our PhD students have taken up academic posts in anthropology as well as related fields all over the world; some have joined NGOs or GOs and taken employment as researchers, teachers and in broadcasting.
Please see Tuition fees.
Please see Staff research interests.
Anthropology
We offer supervision in a wide range of areas at MPhil and PhD level, in relation to our staff interests. You should consider the factors that differentiate a PhD in Visual Anthropology from one in Social Anthropology when you apply. These are in two main strands: firstly, research projects that centre on the study of visual cultures, such as various forms of media representation or art; and secondly, the use of specific visual methodologies as a central feature of the research project itself. The focus is on the visual as a vital and defining factor in the research project as a whole.
Additional practical training can be provided, alongside some access to department audio-visual equipment and facilities, but we generally expect MPhil/PhD candidates to have an appropriate level of practical visual production skills and to be largely self-sufficient in this area. The emphasis of the visual anthropology training in the first year is on key themes and issues within the sub-field, particularly in relation to your own work. You develop your own research project over the year through the production of several small-scale visual projects. Guidance and feedback on visual and academic work will be provided in the weekly visual practice seminars and through supervision meetings. Please see information about Starting your research, upgrading to PhD registration, and submitting your thesis.
You can view examples of our students’ films from the MA in Visual Anthropology. PhD students are currently carrying out visual projects in Mexico, India, Argentina, Lebanon, Israel, and the UK.
See also specific information on the application process, funding information for research postgraduates and information on the structure of the research degree.
Assessment
Thesis (including film or photographic portfolio) and viva voce.
Application enquiries
Please see how to apply for information on applying to this programme.