Anthropology - XM0002

Anthropology

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What is anthropology?

Anthropology compares different ways of life. Anthropologists provide ‘insider’ perspective on human behaviour by observing the lives of others, living with them, sharing their experiences and discussing their perspectives.

When you study anthropology at Monash, you’ll learn from renowned experts who are informing global conversations about some of the most pressing issues of our time. Our scholars have achieved international standing in the field of medical anthropology, which includes reproductive trade, and the movement of patients across borders to avoid legal regulations on services such as commercial surrogacy or sex selection.

Other areas where our research is making an impact include, masculinities in Indonesia and East Timor; and examining the social factors that contribute to challenges in dementia diagnosis, management and care.

Why choose anthropology?

Anthropologists specialise in analysing, documenting and creating social changes, and can assist in areas such as climate change, mining, social policy, Indigenous issues and development aid. If you’re looking to make change in this world, then Anthropology is for you.

What will you study?

Some of the topics you’ll study from an anthropological view are:

  • Magic and witchcraft in the contemporary world
  • Dispute-resolution and peace-building
  • Social policy
  • Indigenous issues and development aid
  • Gender and sexuality
  • Responses to climate change
  • Human mobility
  • Violence
  • Technology and the digital world

What careers will you be ready for?

Anthropology is the study of human cultural diversity, and the work of our anthropologists reflects that diversity.

Studying anthropology opens up career opportunities in:

  • International development
  • Health and education
  • Social research
  • Curating and collecting work
  • Indigenous affairs
  • Multicultural affairs
  • Conservation and heritage work

Global study

With Monash’s impressive international links, you’ll get the opportunity to venture into new and challenging contexts where you can apply your expertise. Recently our staff and students have travelled to environments in outback Australia, Indonesia, Iran and Timor-Leste – just to name a few.

Short term programs:

  • Field methods in anthropology and international development – Malaysia

Exchange programs include:

  • National University of Singapore – Singapore
  • University of Copenhagen – Denmark
  • Free University of Berlin – Germany
  • Hebrew University of Jerusalem – Israel.

Global Immersion Guarantee:

As a Bachelor of Arts student, you’ll have access to the Monash Global Immersion Guarantee – an opportunity to spend two weeks studying in one of a variety of locations, with airfares and accommodation covered as part of your degree.

Major Focus by location
Focus Locations
Major Note Clayton
Minor Note Clayton

Career options

  • International development
  • Social research
  • Curating and collecting work
  • Indigenous affairs
  • Multicultural affairs
  • Conservation and heritage work

Overseas opportunities

Anthropologists travel extensively as part of their work. Monash anthropologists have travelled to outback Australia, Indonesia, Iran, Timor-Leste and many other locations.