A Levels for Anthropology

It’s important to pick A-Levels that align with university entry requirements and prepare you for the academic challenges ahead. Here’s some guidance on selecting the right subjects for an Anthropology degree.

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What A Levels do you need for Anthropology Degree?

When considering an Anthropology degree at a UK university, students should choose A-Level subjects that provide a broad understanding of human cultures, societies, and biological development. While specific A-Level subjects are not always mandatory, certain subjects can better prepare students for the interdisciplinary nature of Anthropology, which spans the social sciences, humanities, and biological sciences.

A-Level Subjects for an Anthropology Degree

Category	Subjects
Required Subjects	– None: Most UK universities do not require specific A-Level subjects for Anthropology.
Recommended Subjects	– Biology: Helps in understanding the biological and evolutionary aspects of Anthropology, such as human evolution and genetics.
	– Geography: Provides knowledge of human-environment interactions, cultures, and global development.
	– Sociology: Offers insight into social structures, cultural practices, and human societies, which are core to social anthropology.
	– History: Develops an understanding of human societies, cultures, and historical development.
Useful (Not Necessary)	– English Literature/Language: Improves essay-writing and communication skills, useful for articulating anthropological arguments.
	– Psychology: Provides understanding of human behavior, cognition, and social interactions, relevant in cultural and social anthropology.
	– Religious Studies: Helps explore human belief systems, cultures, and traditions, key areas in anthropology.
	– Politics: Offers insights into governance, social systems, and global political structures, complementing studies in anthropology.
	– Philosophy: Encourages critical thinking and analysis of human thought, culture, and ethics.

 

What A Level Grades for Anthropology  at the Top 5 Universities in UK?

When applying for an Anthropology degree at top UK universities, students generally need strong A-Level grades. The specific requirements can vary depending on the university, but most will look for high grades in subjects that demonstrate critical thinking, analysis, and written communication skills. Here’s a breakdown of the typical A-Level grades and entry requirements for Anthropology degrees at the top 5 UK universities.

Top 5 UK Universities for Anthropology and Their A-Level Entry Requirements

University	Typical A-Level Grades	Specific A-Level Subjects Required	Additional Requirements
University of Cambridge	A*AA	No specific subjects required, but subjects like Biology, History, or Sociology are recommended.	Written test and interview required.
University of Oxford	AAA	No specific subjects required, but History, Geography, or Biology are recommended.	Written test (TSA or other), interview required.
London School of Economics (LSE)	AAB to AAA	No specific subjects required, but Social Sciences or Humanities subjects are recommended.	Strong personal statement and references, no admissions test.
University College London (UCL)	AAB to AAA	No specific subjects required, but a mix of Humanities and Science subjects is recommended.	Strong personal statement; interview may be required.
Durham University	AAB	No specific subjects required, but Geography, Sociology, or History are recommended.	No admissions test, personal statement and references required.

 

Why are the Required A Levels important for an Anthropology Degree?

In the UK, while most universities do not mandate specific A-Level subjects for a degree in Anthropology, certain subjects are recommended because they provide essential skills and foundational knowledge that are crucial for success in the interdisciplinary nature of Anthropology. The following A-Level subjects—Biology, Geography, Sociology, and History—are especially important, each bringing distinct but complementary perspectives to an Anthropology degree.

1. Biology

• Understanding Human Evolution and Genetics:
  Anthropology often involves the study of human origins, biological evolution, and genetics, particularly in branches like physical or biological anthropology. A-Level Biology provides students with a solid grounding in topics such as genetics, human anatomy, and evolutionary theory, which are essential for understanding how humans have evolved biologically over time.
• Insight into Biological Anthropology:
  Biological anthropology requires an understanding of the biological processes that shape human populations. By studying biology at A-Level, students gain key insights into topics such as adaptation, primatology, and human physiology, all of which are critical when exploring the biological aspects of anthropology.

2. Geography

• Human-Environment Interactions:
  Geography focuses on the relationship between humans and their environments. This is highly relevant for Anthropology, particularly for fields like cultural and environmental anthropology. Geography helps students understand how societies adapt to their environments, how resources are distributed, and how migration and climate influence human cultures.
• Global Perspectives:
  Many Anthropology programs place a strong emphasis on understanding global cultures and development. Geography helps students analyze human societies within the context of global ecosystems, sustainability, and spatial dynamics, which is key to understanding how different cultures have evolved and function today.

3. Sociology

• Understanding Social Structures and Cultures:
  Sociology is directly related to the social aspects of Anthropology. It explores human societies, social behaviour, institutions, and cultures—key areas of study in social anthropology. By studying sociology at A-Level, students develop a strong grasp of concepts such as social stratification, roles, norms, and cultural practices, all of which are central to the anthropological study of human societies.
• Research Methods and Theories:
  A-Level Sociology introduces students to qualitative and quantitative research methods, such as interviews, surveys, and ethnographies, which are also used extensively in anthropological fieldwork. These research skills help students analyze societies and cultures, which are fundamental to an Anthropology degree.

4. History

• Cultural and Social Evolution:
  Anthropology frequently involves studying the historical development of human societies and cultures. A-Level History offers essential context for understanding the social and cultural shifts that have shaped societies over time, providing a deeper insight into cultural anthropology, which explores how human cultures develop and change.
• Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills:
  Studying History at A-Level trains students to think critically about sources, evidence, and multiple perspectives—skills that are vital for the analysis of anthropological data. The ability to evaluate historical events and cultural developments is key when studying human societies in the context of Anthropology.

Why These Subjects Are Important for Anthropology

Anthropology is inherently interdisciplinary, blending aspects of the social sciences, humanities, and biological sciences to study humans in all their diversity. Here’s why the recommended A-Level subjects contribute to an Anthropology degree:

• Interdisciplinary Foundation:
  Subjects like Biology, Geography, Sociology, and History provide students with a diverse skill set that enables them to approach the study of human beings from multiple angles—biologically, socially, culturally, and historically. This interdisciplinary perspective is key to success in Anthropology.
• Development of Research Skills:
  Anthropology involves fieldwork, ethnographic research, and data analysis. Subjects like Sociology and Geography equip students with research techniques that are directly transferable to anthropological methods, such as conducting interviews, surveys, or ethnographic studies.
• Cultural Awareness and Analytical Ability:
  Subjects like History and Sociology foster a deep understanding of cultural and social patterns, which are at the heart of Anthropology. These subjects also develop critical thinking, allowing students to assess complex social phenomena and interpret cultural behaviours within different societal frameworks.

 

StudySmarter Revision Guide

Here’s a table of A-Level subjects that are important or beneficial for pursuing a degree in Anthropology at UK universities, along with links to relevant StudySmarter pages:

A-Level Subject	Why It’s Important for an Anthropology Degree	StudySmarter Link
Biology	Helps in understanding human evolution, genetics, and the biological aspects of anthropology.	Biology on StudySmarter
Geography	Provides insight into human-environment interactions, cultures, and global development.	Geography on StudySmarter
Sociology	Offers knowledge on social structures, cultural practices, and human societies, crucial for social anthropology.	Sociology on StudySmarter
History	Helps understand the historical context of human societies and cultural evolution.	History on StudySmarter
English Literature	Improves essay-writing and analytical skills, essential for constructing arguments in anthropology.	English on StudySmarter
Psychology	Provides insight into human behaviour and social interactions, useful in cultural and social anthropology.	Psychology on StudySmarter
Religious Studies	Explores human belief systems, traditions, and rituals, important for understanding cultural anthropology.	Religious Studies on StudySmarter

 

Top Tips for Choosing A Levels for Anthropology

Choosing the right A-Level subjects is crucial if you’re planning to pursue an Anthropology degree at a UK university. Anthropology is a diverse field, so selecting subjects that align with the requirements and the interdisciplinary nature of the course can give you a strong foundation for your future studies. Here’s how to make the best choice.

Reasons to Choose A-Level Subjects That Fit the Entry Requirements for an Anthropology Degree

1. Relevant Knowledge for University:
   • Biology provides essential insights into human evolution, genetics, and the biological aspects of anthropology, particularly for physical anthropology.
   • Geography offers an understanding of human-environment interactions and global cultures, essential for understanding cultural and environmental anthropology.
   • Sociology helps in understanding social structures, human behavior, and cultures, which are key to social anthropology.
   • History gives context to human societies, culture, and development over time, which is crucial for cultural anthropology and historical analysis.
2. Development of Critical Skills:
   • Research Skills: Subjects like Sociology and Geography develop qualitative and quantitative research skills that are central to fieldwork and analysis in anthropology.
   • Writing and Communication Skills: Anthropology involves writing detailed essays and reports. Subjects like English Literature or History help develop these essential skills, making it easier to articulate complex ideas in anthropology.
3. Interdisciplinary Learning:
   • Anthropology is an interdisciplinary field, so choosing a combination of sciences (Biology), social sciences (Sociology, Geography), and humanities (History, English) prepares you to tackle the broad scope of anthropology, from biological anthropology to social and cultural studies.

Reasons You Might Not Choose A-Level Subjects That Fit the Entry Requirements for an Anthropology Degree

1. Different Interests and Strengths:
   • If you’re not particularly interested in subjects like Biology or Geography, it might not make sense to choose them, even if they align with anthropology. Studying a subject you’re passionate about will help you achieve better grades and enjoy the learning process.
2. Exploring Alternative Career Paths:
   • If you’re unsure whether anthropology is the right degree for you, choosing more general subjects like English, History, or Politics might keep your options open for a wider range of university degrees. These subjects allow for flexibility in future career paths, like law, journalism, or public relations, if you decide against anthropology.
3. Non-Fieldwork Careers:
   • If you’re less interested in the biological or fieldwork aspects of anthropology (which might involve scientific research or data collection), you might prefer to focus on humanities subjects like History, English, or Sociology. These subjects can still provide a solid foundation for anthropology without requiring you to delve deeply into the more scientific elements.

Top 10 Jobs You Could Do with the Selected A-Levels and a Degree in Anthropology

Job Title	Description
Cultural Anthropologist	Studies different cultures and societies, often conducting fieldwork to understand traditions, beliefs, and social systems.
Archaeologist	Investigates historical human societies by excavating and analyzing artefacts, structures, and remains.
Forensic Anthropologist	Uses knowledge of human biology to assist in criminal investigations, particularly in identifying human remains.
Environmental Consultant	Advises organizations on the social and environmental impacts of their activities, often working in sustainability and conservation.
Museum Curator	Manages and interprets museum collections, focusing on anthropological and historical artefacts.
International Development Officer	Works on social and economic development projects, often in developing countries, to improve living conditions and policy.
Human Rights Advocate	Works for organizations focused on human rights, helping to protect indigenous peoples, minorities, and vulnerable communities.
Social Researcher	Conducts research into human behaviors and social trends, often for governmental organizations or non-profits.
Public Health Specialist	Works on health-related projects that consider cultural, social, and biological factors affecting public health.
Journalist/Writer	Specializes in writing about cultural, social, or global issues, often drawing on an anthropological understanding of people.

 

Conclusion: Choose StudySmarter for Your A-Level Journey

 

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