Application deadline 14th March 2014, Oxford, United Kingdom
starts in winter semester 2014

This one-year course at the University of Oxford offers a coordinated learning programme in both biological and social anthropological approaches to health and illness. It provides the necessary basis for future anthropological research and an excellent cross-cultural grounding for those aiming to pursue a career in global health, clinical medicine or other health-related fields.

The course is open to university graduates in any field who can demonstrate motivation and purpose for incorporating medical anthropology into their longer-term career goals. Applicants from any country are welcome, provided that their English is proficient (e.g., they have passed the IELTS or TOEFL test).

The M.Sc. course consists of four Papers (examined in June) and a 10,000 word dissertation (submitted in late August). The three core Papers, taught across Michaelmas and Hilary Terms, each comprise 16 lectures, 3 tutorials, and 1 debate. Students also select an Option Paper, which may have a topical or regional focus, based on their own interests.

Further information about the three core Papers and Option Papers can be found here.

Paper 1: Introduction to Medical Anthropology

Paper 2: The Anthropology of Disease

Paper 3.1: Anthropology of the Body and Gender

Paper 3.2: Nutritional Anthropology

Option: The Phenomenology of Healing

Option: Science and Technology Studies

M.Sc. students should also attend lectures in ‘Theory and Approaches in Social Anthropology’ (Michaelmas Term, Tuesdays at 3pm) and ‘Fieldwork: theory and methods’ (Hilary Term, Fridays at 10am).

There are two core seminar series in medical anthropology, to be attended by both M.Sc. and second year M.Phil. students: Fertility and Reproduction Seminars in Michaelmas Term, and the Medical Anthropology Research Seminars.

The dissertation is an independent piece of work written after the June examinations. Dissertation classes are held at the beginning of Trinity Term (2 hours per week, weeks 1-4), during which they present ideas for their dissertation project to colleagues and staff and a maximum of two individual supervisions.

Tip: More up to date educational events dealing with “Cultural Anthropology” can be found online on the Education Database »medicine & health«.