Medical Anthropology – (B.Sc.)

Why do people get sick? Are humans the only species that use medicine? How do medical systems evolve? What happens when folk medicine and professional biomedicine are used at the same time? What are the health effects of mass-produced food? What makes plants effective medicines?

Medical anthropology studies the causes and consequences of illness and disease. Medical anthropologists are interested in how the environment affects health, the diversity of human medical practices, the history of medicine, economics and current health care policy, emerging infectious diseases and access to primary health care facilities.

Kent is one of only two UK universities that offer a stand-alone Medical Anthropology degree to undergraduates. The School of Anthropology and Conservation is very highly rated in both teaching and research and there is a friendly atmosphere and strong relations between staff and students. The programme provides a unique opportunity to study a range of subjects that could lead to a variety of careers.

Teaching and assessment
In each module, you have lectures and take part in interactive seminars, and you also have the opportunity to conduct research on health and medicine in the local community. Most modules include study time using the Library and, where relevant, our laboratories and computer-based learning packages.

Module assessment ranges from 80:20 exam/coursework to 50:50. At Stage 2/3, most modules have an end-of-year examination that counts for 80% of the mark. The Project in Anthropological Science is assessed entirely on coursework. Both Stage 2 and 3 marks count towards your final degree class.