Faculty of Arts
Undergraduate study
In Anthropology you can study topics ranging from human evolution and the development of human culture to aspects of modern society.
Archaeology examines the development of human culture from its earliest beginnings to the present. You can study the archaeology of New Zealand, the Pacific and other regions, and archaeological methods.
Biological Anthropology concerns our species, Homo sapiens, from a biological point of view. You can study primates, human growth, genetics and fossil materials.
Ethnomusicology considers music in the context of human cultural life. Ethnomusicology is also a separate subject in its own right - see the webpages for Ethnomusicology.
In Social Anthropology we examine different cultures and ways of life, ranging from African tribal communities to contemporary Polynesia and modern New Zealand and Europe. Social anthropologists use many different perspectives to consider human social life, the environment and culture.
You can study Anthropology as:
- a BA major or minor subject
- elective courses in the BA
- a subject within the Certificate in Arts.
Find out more about these undergraduate programmes.
Requirements for a BA major and minor
For a single major you must pass at least 135 points, including at least 60 points above Stage II.
For a double major you must pass at least 120 points in each of two majors, including at least 45 points above Stage II in each major.
For a BA minor you must pass at least 90 points, including at least 60 points above Stage I.
University regulations for the Bachelor of Arts.
Requirements for a major or minor in Anthropology
You must choose your courses from those listed in the BA schedule for Anthropology. You must also meet any specific requirements indicated in the schedule.
2012 BA schedule for Anthropology
For help with degree planning
Try to choose your Stage I courses with some idea of which sub-discipline of Anthropology you may want to pursue in later years. For example, if you are interested in Biological Anthropology, take ANTHRO 102 Introduction to Biological Anthropology plus one other Stage I Anthropology course.
If you plan to major in Anthropology, you must take at least one of the Stage II core courses to allow you to progress to Stage III in your sub-discipline.
At Stage III your choice of courses should be guided by your chosen specialisation.
