A degree in anthropology covers the cultural and biological diversity of humans. The broad discipline you’ll gain from studying both science and the humanities could lead to a variety of careers
Job options
Jobs directly related to your degree include:
- Charity officer
- Community development worker
- International aid/development worker
- Local government officer
- Market researcher
- Social researcher
Jobs where your degree would be useful include:
- Chaplain
- Equality, diversity and inclusion officer
- Higher education lecturer
- Human resources officer
- Museum/gallery curator
- Policy officer
- Public relations officer
- Social worker
- UX researcher
Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don’t restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.
Work experience
Gaining work experience is vital when starting out in most careers and shows commitment to a future employer. Take a proactive approach and find opportunities in which you can build up a desirable range of skills such as communication, planning, and project management.
Look for opportunities that are relevant to the area in which you wish to work. For example, if you want to get into charity or international aid roles, there are many opportunities for you to volunteer overseas in your summer break.
Involvement in a student society can help you develop relevant skills and experience in, for example, publicity, campaigning, and public speaking.
Try contacting local council offices or museums and galleries for information about project activities and ask if they need volunteers to help out with the organisation or running of events.
Search for placements and find out more about work experience and internships.
Typical employers
Only a tiny proportion of graduates become anthropologists, as academics or researchers. Some choose careers that build directly on anthropology, including social policy and teaching, development/overseas agencies and work for non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
A high proportion of anthropology graduates work in the public and not-for-profit sectors, all branches of the Civil Service, local government, charities, central government bodies, universities, international organisations, such as the United Nations (UN), museums and voluntary organisations.
Anthropology graduates also pursue roles in:
