Anthropology

at UBC's

Vancouver Campus

Examine processes of social and cultural life in human societies past and present, near and far. Anthropology will prepare you for a diverse range of careers, including medical researcher, consultant to governmental and community organizations, teacher, archaeologist, environmental researcher, and much else. 

This program is also offered at UBC's Okanagan Campus
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Program information

  • Campus: Vancouver
  • Faculty: Faculty of Arts
  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts
  • Length 4 yrs
  • Co-op Yes
    You can combine your studies with full-time, paid work at top local and international organizations.
  • Honours Yes
    You can study intense specialization in a single field.

Anthropology is a comparative study of the cultural and social lives of humans all over the world, from First Nations in Canada to the indigenous and non-indigenous peoples of Asia, the Pacific, and Latin America. You can take courses in Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, Cultural/Social Anthropology, Anthropological Linguistics, and Museum Studies.

Classes offer you a wide variety of topics covering major developments in human societies – from those of our earlier ancestors to contemporary cultures. You can select a Major, Minor, or Honours program in Anthropology.

Campus features

UBC’s Museum of Anthropology is one of the world’s premier institutions in the field, and the most advanced ethnological and archaeological research facility in Canada.

Your future

A UBC education will introduce you to people and ideas from around the world, open doors to new opportunities, and take you places you never imagined. You’ll graduate not only with expertise in your chosen field, but with the skills you need to continue growing, learning, and evolving with your career over time.

There are a number of exciting careers that your studies in Anthropology might open up for you. Find out what you can do with your Anthropology major.

UBC alumnus Sarah Youngblutt

UBC stories

"Each course that I took allowed me to expand and develop my capacities and eventually I became an expert in my field of research."

Sarah Youngblutt, Anthropology and Asian Area Studies Read the full story

Program requirements

English-language requirements

English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.

General admission requirements

IB Diploma Programme

  • Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.

IB Certificate Courses

  • IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
  • IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the UBC Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.

Degree-specific requirements: Arts

  • No specific courses required beyond those needed for general admission

Related courses

The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.

  • Language Arts
  • Mathematics and Computation
  • Second Languages
  • Social Studies
  • Visual and Performing Arts
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