MSc in Anthropology is a 2-year post-graduate degree course that deals with the study of human societies, their cultures, evolutions, contribution of the social reformers and more. Some of the most important subjects taught to the students in this course are Cultural/ Social Anthropology, Biological Anthropology, Archaeological Anthropology and Linguistic Anthropology etc.
Candidates who are willing to pursue MSc in Anthropology must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology/Sociology/ History/ Zoology from any recognized university. They need to secure at least 60% marks in graduation level for being eligible for this course study.
Admission to this course is done either on the basis of marks obtained by the candidates in their Bachelor’s degree course or on the basis of entrance exam performance. The course fee may vary from one college to another. The Govt colleges ask for much lower course fees than private institutes. The average tuition fee of MSc Anthropology course in Indian Colleges/ Universities ranges between INR 25,000 and 1,50,000.
After completing this course successfully, students may acquire prestigious job positions in Museums, Educational Institutes, TV and Production Houses, Cultural Organizations, Govt. Social Organization and so on.
Check MSc Anthropology Jobs here.
The postgraduates are hired as a Museum Professional, Anthropologist, Assistant Professor, Programme Assistant, Archivist, Cultural Resource Manager etc. Depending upon their skills and experience in this field, the average starting salary of a MSc Anthropology degree holder ranges between INR 1,50,000 and 8,00,000 per annum.
After completion of MSc Anthropology course, one can opt to enroll in PhD in Anthropology, MPhil Anthropology, etc.
Also check top MPhil Anthropology Colleges in India.
MSc Anthropology: Course Highlights
| Course Level | Post Graduate |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Eligibility Criteria | B.A/B.Sc. in Anthropology/ Sociology/ History/ Zoology from any recognized university with 60% marks |
| Admission Procedure | Merit Based/ Entrance Based |
| Examination Type | Semester Based |
| Recruiting Areas | Educational Institutions, Museums, Govt. Social Organization, TV channels, Production Houses, Cultural Agencies, Business Organizations etc. |
| Job Profile | Anthropologist, Assistant Professor, Museum Professional, Programme Assistant, Archivist, Cultural Resource Manager etc. |
| Top Recruiting Companies | National Museum, UNESCO India, Anthropological Survey of India |
| Average Course Fees | INR 25,000 - 1,50,000 |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 1,50,000 - 8,00,000 |
Information and details about the MSc Anthropology course are as follows.
- MSc Anthropology is a post-graduate course that imparts study on the origins of humanities, natural as well as social sciences.
- This course is basically dealing with the different patterns of social, biological and cultural anthropology.
- This course focuses on the contribution of well-known Indian Anthropologists in the social activities.
- Through this course study, the students can gather knowledge on various social movements that took place from time to time.
- The course deals with the study of cultural ethics and diversity and their importance.
- Besides these, the course offers in-depth knowledge on different religions, their importance on human society and religious figures contributed their theories in the field.
Why Study MSc Anthropology?
MSc Anthropology is one of the most sought after courses in India in terms of personal growth and career growth opportunities. The course has so many benefits attached to it. Some of the benefits and perks of pursuing this course are given below:
- MSc Anthropology courses offer in-depth knowledge on various social activities and help the students to develop new strategies so that they can bring social reforms. Students can go for further higher studies in their respective field, like PhD or MPhil and conduct research programs in the field of interest.
- This course offers prospective career options. The candidates are hired in various sectors like educational institutes, business firms, museums, art galleries, TV channels, production houses, cultural agencies and many more.
- The students may have potential job options such as Anthropologist, Museum Professional, Archivist. Cultural resource manager, programme assistant, assistant professor and much more.
- The postgraduates may also work as a researcher, sales executive, curator, managerial personnel, business development manager and more. Depending upon their experience and expertise in the field, they can easily earn up to INR 1,50,000 – 8,00,000 per year.
- Apart from these, the postgraduates can also have major career opportunities in various international organizations, like UNICEF, UNESCO, WHO as an anthropologist to carry out different research works in the field of study.
What is the MSc Anthropology Admission Process?
The most popular engineering entrance exams in the country are DUET and AUCET, which are required for admission into primarily public universities. Private institutes also conduct their own examinations or rely on the national/ state level entrance exams. The guide to apply for entrance exam based admission is as follows.
Merit-based selection
- Submit the application to the colleges or universities you are interested in for admission.
- Perform well in the undergraduate examinations as the scores obtained in these form the basis of the entire admission process.
- In due course of time, colleges release their cutoff lists. Check if you are eligible for admission into the desired course.
- If eligible, visit the college and submit all the required documents.
Entrance-Based Selection
The guide to apply for entrance exam based admission is as follows.
- Registration: Candidates have to register themselves by providing their basic details like email-id, phone number, etc.
- Fill up details: Fill up the application form with all necessary details carefully.
- Uploading of documents: Scan and upload all required documents like mark sheets. Documents need to be uploaded in a specific format only, as specified by the institute’s application portal.
- Application fee: A minimal application fee is to be paid online during the submission of the application form. Payment can be done by all online payment modes.
- Download Admit Card: Admit cards are released once all applicants are judged for eligibility. The admit card must be downloaded and printed out to be used on the day of the examination.
- Examination: Prepare for the entrance exam as per the syllabus and past papers. Appear for the examination on the date announced.
- Results: Results are announced after a couple of weeks of the exam day. If a candidate is successful in qualifying the entrance examinations, they can move on to the next round.
- Group Discussion and Personal Interview: GD and PI rounds are conducted for students who have cleared the entrance examinations. The student can now take admission in the MSc Anthropology course.
What is the MSc Anthropology Eligibility Criteria?
The interested candidates who are willing to pursue MSc in Anthropology discipline must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
- The aspiring candidates need to pass BSc (Hons.) in Anthropology course with a minimum 50% aggregate marks from a recognized university.
- Candidates who have passed BA/BSc in Anthropology with 60% aggregate score from any recognized university are also eligible for this post-graduate degree program.
- Candidates who have obtained 60% aggregate marks in BSc (Hons.)/ BSc (General)/ BA (Hons.)/ BA (Pass) in Anthropology as one of the main subjects are also eligible for applying to this course.
- Besides these, candidates having BSc Hons. In Botany/ Zoology/ Geology or BA Hons In Sociology/ Psychology/ History or BSc Generals in both Botany and Zoology courses with at least 60% marks in aggregate from a recognized university are also eligible for this course application.
Which are the popular MSc Anthropology Entrance Exams?
There are many national and state-level entrance exams to appear for the admission into the MSc Anthropology program.
Some of the top entrance exams conducted in order to shortlist students for admission into this course are given below.
- DUET: Delhi University Entrance Exam conducted by the National Testing Agency in the month of June of every academic year. The entrance exam is applicable for those candidates seeking admission to UG, PG, M.Phil and Ph.D. courses offered by the university of Delhi.
Check DUET Practice Papers here.
- MUET: Manipur University conducts an entrance exam for selecting the right candidates for UG and PG course admission. The exam application form is available both online and offline from the month of May and June.
- AUCET: It is a state level entrance exam conducted by the Andhra University for getting admission to the post-graduation courses offered by the colleges affiliated with Andhra University and Dr BR Ambedkar University, Srikakulam. The dates of application and examination for the above-mentioned examinations are mentioned in the table below.
| Entrance Exams | Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| CUET PG | Check Here |
| BITSAT | Check Here |
| NEST | Check Here |
| IIT JAM | Check Here |
| DUET | Check Here |
| TISS NET | Check Here |
How to Prepare for MSc Anthropology Entrance Examinations?
To score well in the MSc Anthropology entrance exams, candidates must be well-prepared. Here are some most important tips that helps the candidates to prepare well for the examination:
- Before starting the preparation, the candidates need to have a clear knowledge of the exam syllabus. You can also download the entrance exam syllabus from the official website of the colleges or universities you are applying for and go through it carefully.
- The entrance exam question setup is done basically from the graduation level. So, the candidates have a good grasp on the topics covered in the Bachelor’s degree.
- The candidates appearing for the entrance exam need to be familiar enough with the basics of the Anthropology course.
- Prepare an effective study plan. This will help the candidates to finish the entire syllabus within a time period and there can be a sufficient time left for syllabus revision.
- Candidates need to practice previous years’ question papers or try to solve sample question sheets so that they can have an understanding on the question pattern, its type etc. Not only that, those mock tests can also increase a candidate's confidence level and help them to secure a better score in the entrance exams.
How to get Admission in a Good MSc Anthropology College?
While you are planning to get admission into one of the top most colleges offering MSc Anthropology in India, you need to follow the below-mentioned tips:
- Some MSc Anthropology colleges grant admission to the candidates on the basis of merit. So, the candidates need to have an excellent academic score in their graduation level.
- If the college or university conducts an entrance exam and personal interview round for selecting the most eligible candidates for this course admission, then the candidates must perform well in the test to get admission to the college successfully.
- Before applying to any college, the candidates need to have a clear idea about the course curriculum offered by the college.
- Check out the official website of the respective colleges or universities to gather detailed knowledge on the number of seats available for the particular course, last date of submission of the application form, date of examination, date of results, last date of admission and more.
- You can also check out the average placement package offered by the institute from the last few years.
- While filling up the application form, you need to be careful, any mistake in the form can cause immediate cancellation. Try to submit the duly filled application form before the deadline.
What are the Subjects Covered in MSc Anthropology Syllabus?
The MSc Anthropology syllabus may differ from one college to another, but the subjects may remain the same for the entire duration. The semester-wise course breakup is mentioned in the following:
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Social Anthropology | Political and Economic Anthropology |
| Evolutionary Theories and Primatology | Genetics and Human Variation |
| Prehistoric Archaeology | Anthropology of Complex Societies |
| Practical: Human Osteology | Practical: Anthropometry |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
| Research Methodology | Theoretical Principles in Social-Cultural Anthropology |
| General Anthropology (Linguistic Anthropology, Ecological Anthropology and Anthropology of Gender) | Peasant Society & Contributions of Some Important Scholars |
| Practical (Group B) | Practical |
| Thesis | Perspectives in Paleoanthropology |
| Development Anthropology | - |
| Advance Human Genetics | - |
| Applied Anthropology | - |
| Medical Anthropology | - |
Which Books are Recommended for MSc Anthropology Course?
The most recommended books suitable for the students pursuing MSc in Anthropology course are listed below:
| Name of the Book | Author |
|---|---|
| Blueprint: The Evolutionary Origins of Good Society | Nicholas A. Christakis |
| Introduction to Human Communication: Understanding and Sharing | Judy C Pearson and P Nelson |
| Social Anthropology of Complex Societies | Michael Banton |
| Our Origins: Discovering Physical Anthropology | Clark Spencer Larsen |
| Cultural Anthropology: Asking Questions About Humanity | Robert L. Welsch, Luis A. Vivanco |
Which are the Top MSc Anthropology Colleges?
The table below shows the best MSc Anthropology colleges and universities that offer the course in a full-time mode.
| Name of the College | Admission Process | Average Course Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Miranda House, New Delhi | Entrance-Based | INR 16,170 |
| Hansraj College, New Delhi | Entrance-Based | INR 16,554 |
| University of Calcutta, Kolkata | Merit-Based followed by Interview | INR 2,314 |
| Panjab University, Chandigarh | Merit-Based followed by Interview | INR 11,825 |
| University of Mysore, Mysore | Merit-Based followed by Interview | INR 33,680 |
| Gujarat University, Ahmedabad | Merit-Based followed by Interview | INR 1,10,000 |
| Amity University, Noida | Merit-Based followed by Interview | INR 48,000 |
| SVU, Tirupati | Entrance-Based | INR 12,760 |
| Utkal University, Bhubaneswar | Entrance-Based | INR 4,632 |
| Sambalpur University, Sambalpur | Entrance-Based | INR 9,107 |
MSc Anthropology College Comparison
The tabulation below depicts the comparison made among the three top MSc Anthropology colleges in India.
| Parameter | Miranda House, New Delhi | Hansraj College, New Delhi | University of Calcutta, Kolkata |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | New Delhi | New Delhi | Kolkata |
| NIRF Rank | 1 | 9 | 11 |
| Overview | Miranda House offers a wide variety of programs in the fields of Arts and Science. | The Hansraj College was established in 1948 and is one of the top 10 colleges for Science, Commerce, and Arts in India. HRC offers UG, PG, and Certification courses across the streams of Arts, Science and Commerce. | The University of Calcutta is a public state university located in Kolkata, West Bengal. This deemed university offers a large number of courses at the UG and PG level. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Hold a Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university | Hold a Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university | Hold a Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university |
| Admission Process | Entrance-Based | Entrance-Based | Merit-Based |
| Average Annual Fees | INR 16,170 | INR 16,554 | INR 2,314 |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 5,00,000 | INR 5,58,000 | INR 3,35,000 |
MSc Anthropology vs MSc Geology
MSc Anthropology and MSc in Geology are almost similar courses except for a few differences. Some of the key similarities and differences between these two have been tabulated below. Also check out the top MSc Geology Colleges in India.
| Parameter | MSc Anthropology | MSc Geology |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | The course provides in-depth knowledge of human societies, its culture, evolution and contribution of social reformers. | The course offers scientific study of the designs and the workings of earth and its different layers. |
| Duration | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| Eligibility Criteria | B.A/B.Sc. in Anthropology/ Sociology/ Geology/ History/Zoology/ Botany with 60% marks from a recognized university | Bachelor’s degree in Geology with 60% aggregate marks from any recognized university |
| Admission Procedure | Merit Based/Entrance Based | Merit Based/Entrance Based |
| Top Colleges | Delhi University, Calcutta University, Andhra University, Amity Institute of Anthropology and more | BHU Varanasi, MGU Kottayam, Presidency College Kolkata, Banasthali Vidyapith Jaipur, Mumbai University etc. |
| Job Roles | Anthropologist, Museum Professional, Archivist, Curator, Cultural Resource Manager, Programme Assistant, Assistant Professor etc. | Geologist, Hydrologist, Mining and Geological Engineer, Environmental Officer, Geophysicist etc. |
| Top Recruiting Fields | Educational Institutions, Museums, Cultural Agencies, Govt. Social Organization, TV channels, Production Houses, business firms and more | Mining Industry, Oil and gas industry, Petroleum industry, Gems industry etc. |
| Average Fees | INR 25,000 - 1,50,000 | INR 25,000 - 1,08,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 1,50,000 - 8,00,000 | INR 2,00,000 -10,00,000 |
MSc Anthropology and MSc in Geology are almost similar courses except for a few differences. Some of the key similarities and differences between these two have been tabulated below. Also check out the top MSc Geology Colleges in India.
What are Job Prospects and Career Options after MSc Anthropology?
- On successful completion of MSc Anthropology course, the postgraduates can have plenty of prospective job opportunities in major fields, like Educational Institutes, Museums, Social Organizations, Cultural Department, TV channels, Production Houses, Media Houses, Tour Companies, large private organizations etc.
- The students are hired as an Anthropologist, Assistant Professor, Museum Professional, Programme Assistant, Archivist, Cultural Resource Manager and more.
- Depending upon their experience and expertise in the field of study, the graduates can easily earn up to INR 1,00,000 to 8,00,000 per year.
Some of the major job profiles offered to the MSc Anthropology degree holders are listed below along with job description and average salary:
| Job Role | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Anthropologist | Their responsibility is to carry out research on the related field of study by using their knowledge on the topic and solving issues related to humanity and human society. | INR 7,56,000 |
| Museum Professional | They are responsible to supervise the museum’s galleries, its presentations, checking out the authenticity of the artefacts and more. Apart from these, they also have to attend the visitors and entertain them by providing accurate knowledge on the artefacts. | INR 4,00,000 |
| Programme Assistant | Their responsibility is to carry out different researches by collecting, analyzing and verifying the qualitative and quantitative data from the resources and make reports and presentations on its basis. | INR 5,00,000 |
| Assistant Professor | Their responsibility is to teach, guide and supervise the students in the relevant field of study. They have to participate in various departmental meetings and need to provide academic support to other junior professors. | INR 6,39,000 |
What are the Future Scope of MSc Anthropology?
After completing MSc Anthropology course successfully, students can avail plenty of job opportunities and prospective career choices. Students who are willing to pursue further higher studies in the relevant field of study can opt for the following degree programs:
-
Ph.D.: If the post-graduates are willing to continue higher studies in the same field of study, they can opt for PhD Anthropology course. It is a 2-6 years long doctorate course and the eligibility criteria of this course is having a Master’s degree in the relevant field of study with 50% aggregate marks.
Check top PhD Anthropology Colleges in India here.
-
MPhil: The MSc Anthropology post-graduates can also opt for MPhil in Anthropology. It is a 2-year pre-doctorate degree program and the minimum eligibility for this course is having a Master’s degree in Anthropology from any recognized university.
Check top MPhil Anthropology Colleges in India here.
MSc Anthropology FAQs
Some of the most frequently asked questions pertaining to the MSc Anthropology program are as follows:
Ques: How long will it take to complete my MSc in Anthropology?
Ques: What is the eligibility criteria to seek admission to MSc Anthropology course ?
Ques: What are the most popular MSc Anthropology entrance exams?
Ques: What is the average tuition fee for pursuing an MSc in Anthropology from Indian Colleges/ Universities?
Ques: WWhat is the admission process for MSc Anthropology course in Indian Colleges/ Universities?
Ques: Which are the popular MSc Anthropology Colleges in India?
Ques: What is the average CTC that a student gets after completion of an MSc Anthropology course?
![Panjab University - [PU]](https://images.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/appImage/25423_PU_New.jpg?h=150&w=320&mode=stretch)
![Panjab University - [PU]](https://images.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/15040653671413791580PunjabUniversityChandigarhPU.jpg?h=30&w=30&mode=stretch)
![Hansraj College - [HRC]](https://images.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/appImage/1521444819cvrimge.png?h=150&w=320&mode=stretch)
![Hansraj College - [HRC]](https://images.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1491982583logo..png?h=30&w=30&mode=stretch)
![Delhi University - [DU]](https://images.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/appImage/25473_DU_New.jpg?h=150&w=320&mode=stretch)
![Delhi University - [DU]](https://images.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1491817267UniversityofDelhi.png?h=30&w=30&mode=stretch)
Comments