1. Handbook
  2. Bachelor of Arts (Degree with Honours)
  3. Specialisation (Formal)
  4. Anthropology
  5. Print

Anthropology

Bachelor of Arts (Degree with Honours)Specialisation (formal)Year: 2026

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Overview

Please be advised that the Anthropology Specialisation does not accept applications for mid-year admission. Candidates can only commence in Semester 1.

The Honours program in Anthropology is an advanced course of study that allows students to focus on specific interests within the discipline, and requires a higher standard of performance than a pass degree. Students accepted into the program undertake an additional year of study, comprising fourth-year level subjects and a short research thesis.

The Anthropology Honours program is designed to augment students’ ability to apply innovative solutions to complex problems in Anthropology and related fields. It provides a strong foundation for the future direction of graduates, whether as a means of progressing into research higher degree at the Masters or PhD level, or improving the scope of employment options and professional advancement.

Through undertaking both coursework and a minor thesis, the Anthropology Honours program enhances students’ research and analytical skills and ability to develop original ideas. Students may specialise in the discipline of Anthropology (pure honours) or in two disciplines (combined honours) depending on specialisation.

The prerequisites for entry to the Anthropology Honours program are a completed major in Anthropology with an average of at least H2A (75%) or equivalent in second and third-year subjects within the major. Students must have satisfied the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts (or equivalent) within the last five years.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this specialisation, students should be able to:

  • Acquire a detailed understanding of current theoretical issues in anthropology
  • Acquire an understanding of the history and development of anthropology
  • Develop skills necessary for original research in anthropology
  • Acquire the formal qualifications necessary to proceed to higher degree research.

Last updated: 13 January 2026

Structure

100 credit points

Students undertaking pure Honours in Anthropology must complete:

  • 3 compulsory subjects (37.5 points) and
  • thesis subjects (50 points) and
  • elective subject (12.5 points)

Students undertaking combined Honours must complete one of the following options:

  • thesis in Anthropology (50 points) and
  • ANTH40001 Philosophy and Scope of Anthropology (12.5 points) and
  • coursework from the combining discipline (equivalent to 37.5 points)

Or

  • thesis in the combining discipline (50 points) and
  • coursework from the combining discipline (12.5 points) and
  • ANTH40001 Philosophy and Scope of Anthropology (12.5 points) and
  • ANTH40011 Critical Anthropological Theory (12.5 points) and
  • ANTH90009 Explanation and Understanding OR subject listed as electives for Anthropology Honours (12.5 points)

Total: 100 points

Please be advised that the Anthropology Specialisation does not accept applications for mid-year admission. Candidates can only commence in Semester 1.

Subject Options

Thesis subjects

Note: the thesis requires two consecutive semesters of enrolment.

Code Name Study period Credit Points
ANTH40009 Anthropology Thesis Part 1
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 25
ANTH40010 Anthropology Thesis Part 2
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 25

Compulsory subjects

Code Name Study period Credit Points
ANTH40001 Philosophy and Scope of Anthropology
March (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ANTH40011 Critical Anthropological Theory
July (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ANTH90009 Explanation and Understanding
March (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Elective subjects

Code Name Study period Credit Points
CRIM90042 Qualitative Research Methods
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
DEVT90078 Contested Development and Culture
March (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
GEND40003 Gender in Cross-Cultural Perspective No longer available
SOTH40001 Emotions in Society
July (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
GEND40009 Feminist Science and Technology Studies
July (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
DEVT90056 The Anthropology of Development Not available in 2026 12.5
SOCI40008 Reading Social Theory
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
DEVT90084 Rethinking Rights and Global Development
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Links

http://ssps.unimelb.edu.au/students/honours

Last updated: 13 January 2026