Course Description
The MA in Visual Anthropology course is tailored to meet the needs of different levels of anthropological and film-making experience, whether you have little or no background in formal anthropology, film-production, visual methods and photography, or if you have substantial experience in one or more of these areas.
For nearly 30 years, the University's Granada Centre for Visual Anthropology has been widely recognised as the world's leading centre for visual anthropology. Our graduates have produced more than 400 ethnographic films seen around the world and it is now at the forefront of the emergent dialogue between art and anthropology, including sensory ethnography and sound, experimental and practice-based methods, photographic and digital media, museum and gallery installations.
Our MA and MPhil courses combine anthropology with training in film-making and editing, visual methods, photography sensory ethnography and sound. You are provided with professional equipment and supported by internationally renowned staff comprising the largest visual anthropology faculty in Europe.
The Granada Centre's teaching and research continues to set the standard of excellence in the social sciences as well as arts. This was formally recognised by the ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council), and by the AHRC, awarding the master's course the status of a professional preparation masters, something awarded to no other visual anthropology course in the UK.
Course Content
Semester one involves:
- intensive practical training in film-making and ethnographic documentary;
- courses on visual and sensory perception;
- theories and history of anthropological and ethnographic films; and
- the anthropology of sound;
- students with little or no anthropological background will also take introductory courses in anthropology where necessary.
In semester two, you will engage in:
- alternative modes of ethnographic film-making;
- courses and workshops in photography, sensory ethnography and sound recording and other art based and experimental forms;
- anthropological and ethnographic methods in preparation of students' summer research projects.
Throughout the year, screenings and additional workshops are conducted by visiting professionals, including film-makers, photographers and sound recordists.
Over the summer, you will engage in an original piece of ethnographic and anthropological research. The potential for research projects is wide-ranging, both in terms of location and theme, and in any one year may focus on diverse subjects, such as:
- burlesque dancing in the UK;
- education in China;
- Balkan music;
- Brazilian favelas;
- Palestinian identity;
- US summer camps;
- gay cruising in Manchester;
- life in Latin American prisons;
- migration across the Sahara;
- Congolese fashion; and
- East African nomads.
We actively welcome Manchester based projects and recent projects include The Manchester Library, post-industrial ruins, and Manchester canals, female prisoners, green spaces and the Manchester music scene.
There are a number of formats in that students may make a 25-30 minute documentary or may choose to combine film with other forms of media and representation, such as photography, a gallery installation or sound and multimedia pieces. The high standard of the MA summer projects is attested to by the number of domestic and international prizes and awards they receive.
Entry Requirements
Academic entry qualification overview
A UK Honours degree (or overseas equivalent) at 2:1 level in anthropology, sociology, or related social science or humanities subject.
Applicants must also submit with their application, the following:
- personal statement;
- two academic references; and
- transcript of marks.
English language
- IELTS of 7 overall, 7 in writing with no score below 6.5 in any component
- TOEFL (IBT) 103 overall with 28 in writing and no score below 25 in each section
- TOEFL code for Manchester is 0757
- Pearson - overall 73 with 73 in writing and no further score below 66
If you have other English language qualifications and want to enquire about whether you meet our requirements, contact pg-soss@manchester.ac.uk
English language test validity
Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.
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MA Visual Anthropology
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