Master's Degree Anthropology Full Time

Master of Anthropology (Advanced)

at Australian National University · Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

CRICOS course code

082266F

CRICOS provider code

00120C

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

2 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$107,650 total

Per year

A$53,825/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Master of Anthropology (Advanced) at Australian National University in Canberra offers graduates the opportunity to engage deeply with the diverse field of anthropology. Over two years of full-time study, students undertake advanced coursework and an intensive research component, enabling critical analysis of cultures, societies and global processes. The programme investigates contemporary anthropological theory and method, with students exploring cross-cultural topics such as ethnicity, kinship, ritual, indigenous rights and development in the Australian and Asia-Pacific context.

This master's degree is structured around units of study, with students required to complete a specific number of credit points. Most units are delivered in semester-based periods, and the 'advanced' stream includes a significant research thesis or capstone project, fostering independent inquiry and enhancing research skills. Throughout their studies, students may have the option to participate in fieldwork, which is a hallmark of anthropology as a discipline, and benefit from ANU’s longstanding links with leading Australian and international research institutes.

Graduates develop skills highly valued across multiple sectors, including qualitative and quantitative research, ethnographic methods, critical thinking, cross-cultural communication, and project management. This course suits graduates seeking specialised knowledge in anthropology, mid-career professionals in government or NGOs, and those intending to progress to a PhD or research-focused career.

International students can confirm their eligibility via accepted English tests such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge C1 Advanced. While studying in Australia, students may work up to 48 hours per fortnight, and after graduation, may be eligible for post-study employment through the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). Please refer to the official page for full entry requirements and course details.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Cultural and social policy analyst in government
Development programme officer in NGOs and international agencies
Researcher or consultant for community organisations
Academic research assistant or PhD candidate
Museum and heritage sector specialist
Corporate social responsibility adviser in the private sector
Roles within Australian and Asia-Pacific research institutes and think tanks

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Master of Anthropology (Advanced) at Australian National University?

It typically takes 2 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$107,650 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Cultural and social policy analyst in governmentDevelopment programme officer in NGOs and international agenciesResearcher or consultant for community organisationsAcademic research assistant or PhD candidateMuseum and heritage sector specialistCorporate social responsibility adv...

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