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.

Why study 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.

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

Examples of elective units:

(subject to availability)

• Contesting laws: Heritage, culture and land
• Magic, science and religion
• Gender, theory and society communication
• Field methods in anthropology and international development
• Health, culture and society

Global study

With Monash’s impressive international links, you’ll get the opportunity to venture into 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
• University of Copenhagen – Denmark
• Free University of Berlin – Germany
• Hebrew University of Jerusalem – Israel.

GIG: Global Immersion Guarantee

The Monash Arts Global Immersion Guarantee (GIG) is an award-winning initiative that will enable you to explore first-hand the relationships between society, technology and the environment. It’s a two-week, funded study trip for all eligible first-year Monash Arts, single or double degree students to one of six destinations – China, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia or the Pacific Islands.

Making an impact

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. For example, 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.

What kind of work are our anthropologists involved in?

Anthropology is the study of human cultural diversity, and the work of our anthropologists reflects that diversity. For example, research on sandy cays in the Torres Straits will provide important insights for communities around the world searching for ways to build more resilient communities against climate change.

Other areas where our research is making an impact is in tuberculosis care and prevention, global mental health and biobank ethics. Our anthropologists are passionate about their work and the contribution they can make to help bring communities and societies together.

What careers will you be ready for?

Studying anthropology opens up career opportunities in:

• International development
• Health and education
• Social research
• Museum/gallery curation
• Indigenous affairs
• Multicultural affairs.