Cultural Anthropology Course: Admissions 2024, Entrance Exams, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Job Profiles and Top Recruiters

Updated on Sep 4, 2024 04:59 IST

Cultural anthropology is a branch of anthropology that specialises in the study of human cultures, including their customs, beliefs, and social systems. It looks at how people live, organise themselves, makes meaning of their surroundings, and interact with one another in their cultural contexts to comprehend the diversity of human cultures throughout time and place.

Colleges and universities usually offer courses related to Anthropology at the undergraduate and graduate levels. A wide range of subjects about the study of human cultures and societies are covered in these courses. The graduates of cultural anthropology can complete the course at fees ranging between INR 50000 to INR 2 lakh. 

Individuals can pursue a range of career pathways in academics, research, social services, international development, cultural heritage management, journalism, and more after finishing a course in cultural anthropology.  The graduates can get an average annual salary of INR 3 lakh to INR 8 lakh after joining the industry. Students can keep reading to learn more about Cultural Anthropology course details.

Table of Contents
  1. Cultural Anthropology Course Highlights
  2. Why Pursue Cultural Anthropology Courses?
  3. Cultural Anthropology Courses Eligibility Criteria
  4. Cultural Anthropology Best Colleges
    • 4.1 Popular Private Colleges Offering Cultural Anthropology
    • 4.2 Popular Government Colleges Offering Cultural Anthropology
  5. Cultural Anthropology Course Syllabus
    • 5.1 Cultural Anthropology Specialisations
  6. Cultural Anthropology Entrance Exams 2024
  7. Cultural Anthropology Career Scope: Job Profiles, Average Salary and Top Recruiters
    • 7.1 Cultural Anthropology Course Top Recruiters
  8. Cultural Anthropology FAQs: 2024

Cultural Anthropology Course Highlights

Cultural Anthropology is a course that will continue to grow and expand in response to the demand for Anthropologists. In addition to offering insightful perspectives on the human condition, cultural anthropology plays a crucial role in raising cultural awareness, developing empathy, and respecting cultural diversity.

Students can see the below table to learn more details about Cultural Anthropology course:

  Details
Course Name Cultural Anthropology
Course Levels Undergraduate (UG), Postgraduate (PG)
Duration

UG-3 years

PG-2 Years

Eligibility

UG- Candidate should have passed class 12th with 45 per cent marks

PG-Candidate should have passed BA with 50 per cent marks

PhD-Candidate should have passed MA with 60 per cent marks

Entrance Exams

YCMOU, SAT, JMI Entrance Exam, PUB DET, JNUEE, etc.

Fees INR 50000-INR 2.5 lakh
Average Salary INR 3 LPA-INR 4 LPA
Job Profiles Conservation Officer, Economic Anthropologist, Anthropologist, Historic Buildings Inspector, Archaeological Field Technician
Areas of Employment WHO, UNESCO, UNICEF, Educational Institutes, Archeological Sites

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Quick Links About Cultural Anthropology Course:

Top 10 Arts and Humanities Colleges in India

Top Delhi University Colleges 2023: NIRF Ranks, Score

Q:   What is Cultural Anthropology?

A:

Cultural Anthropology is a subfield of Anthropology that is concerned with the social and humanitarian aspects of the domain. In Cultural Anthropology, you will learn about Human societies, kinship, marriage, family, rituals, political systems, race, ethnicity etc. 

A Cultural Anthropology coursework includes theoritical subjects, internship and fieldwork.

Q:   How is Cultural Anthropology different from Physical Anthropology?

A:

Cultural Anthropology and Physical Anthropology are two major subfileds of Anthropology. Both these fields involve the comprehensive study of human beings. They differ from each other because of their areas of focus. Cultural Anthropology is concerned with the social and cultural aspects of human beings whereas Physical Anthropology is concerned with the biological aspects of humans. Cultural Anthropology is similar to topics covered in Sociology whereas Physical Anthropology is related to biology. Both these try to comprehend the qualities and characteristics of human beings in order to get a holistic understanding.

Why Pursue Cultural Anthropology Courses?

Here are some top reasons to study Cultural Anthropology courses:

  • Cultural anthropology fosters understanding of diverse cultures.
  • It hones cross-cultural communication skills.
  • Students develop critical thinking and analytical abilities.
  • Self-reflection promotes cultural awareness.
  • Graduates pursue varied career paths.
  • Anthropology contributes to social change.
  • It enriches personal growth and understanding.

Relevant Link About Cultural Anthropology:

Courses in Anthropology

Cultural Anthropology Courses Eligibility Criteria

Candidates interested in pursuing a Cultural Anthropology course need to check the eligibility criteria given below:

UG Course:  Candidate must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognised school/board.

PG Course: Candidate must have completed graduation in Arts stream with Anthropology(Arts), History, Psychology, Economics, Political Science, Geography, Sociology as subject with at least 45% marks from any recognised University/Institute.

Students are generally taught Cultural Anthropology as a specialisation and will have to learn about the various branches in Anthropology as they start their graduation.

Course

Duration

Eligibility Criteria

BA in Anthropology

3-Years

The student should be a Class 12 pass from a recognised board in any stream and should have secured a minimum of 45% aggregate.

MA in Anthropology

2-Years

The candidate should have done their BA in Anthropology or any similar field from a recognised University and should have secured a minimum of 50% aggregate.

BSc in Anthropology

3-Years

The student should be a Class 12 pass from a recognised board in the Science stream and should have secured a minimum of 45% aggregate.

MSc in Anthropology

2-Years

The candidate should have done their BSc in Anthropology or any similar field from a recognised University and should have secured a minimum of 50% aggregate.

Quick Links Related to Anthropology:

All About Sociology

All About Anthropology

Q:   Is there any age limit to pursue Cultural Anthropology courses?

A:

No, there is usually no minimum or maximum age limit that has to be fulfilled by candidates to pursue Cultural Anthropology courses. Neither colleges nor entrance exams conducting bodies prescribe any age limit for BA, BSc, MA, MSc or PhD. If you qualify for the entrance exam and satisfy other eligibility parameters then you need not to worry about age limit. However, if you wish to become a Junior Research Fellow then you should be less than 30 years of age to be eligible. This is as per the age limit prescribed by UGC for JRF General Category.

Cultural Anthropology Best Colleges

Students can enrol in a range of cultural anthropology programmes at universities around the nation. These universities work hard to give students access to the faculty, resources, and infrastructure they need to study the subjects thoroughly.

Popular Private Colleges Offering Cultural Anthropology

The list of private colleges from where students can pursue Cultural Anthropology courses are:

Name of College Average Fees (in INR)
 84,400
 ------
------ 

Popular Government Colleges Offering Cultural Anthropology

Given below in the table is the list of top government colleges offering Cultural Anthropology

Name of College Average Fees (in INR)
 72,00
 -----
4,600
 -----
 -----

Note: This information is sourced from official website of the institute.

7.2 K
4.95 LPA
1 Course
1 Course
16.8 K
4.85 LPA
1 Course
1 Course

Q:   Are there any colleges that offer Cultural Anthropology courses with low fee?

A:

Yes, there are several colleges that offer Cultural Anthropology courses with an affordable fee structure. There are not many colleges offering the course in India. These colleges may provide Cultural Anthropology courses of one or more course levels. You are advised to check if these colleges are approved by the UGC or not.
Some of these are as follows:

Cultural Anthropology Colleges

Average Fees (in INR)

West Bengal State University

7.2 K

Sambalpur University

16.8 K

The ICFAI University, Mizoram

84.48 K

Q:   Which colleges offer good placements for students of Cultural Anthropology courses?

A:

Cultural Anthropology is a field that has a wide range of applications in research and academia. Students who have pursued Cultural Anthropology courses can find most job opprtunities in the government sector. They can seek government jobs by qualifying for competitive exams. There are several jobs that one can pursue in the private sector that are related to their field of study. 
Given below are some colleges that offer good placement packages to students and graduates of Cultural Anthropology courses:

Cultural Anthropology Colleges

Average Salary (in INR)

West Bengal State University

4.95 LPA

Sambalpur University

4.85 LPA

Arignar Anna College

2.5 LPA

Popular Private Cultural Anthropology Colleges in India

7.2 K
4.95 LPA
1 Course
1 Course
16.8 K
4.85 LPA
1 Course
1 Course

Popular Cultural Anthropology UG Courses

Following are the most popular Cultural Anthropology UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Cultural Anthropology PG Courses

Following are the most popular Cultural Anthropology PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

Cultural Anthropology Course Syllabus

Students who enrol in a cultural anthropology course set out on an examination of the diverse range of human cultures, customs, and beliefs. Students can check out the below table to learn the a semester-wise syllabus outline for a Bachelor of Arts (BA) programme in Cultural Anthropology:

Semester-1

Introduction to Anthropology

Understanding Culture
Cultural Diversity and Globalization Methods in Cultural Anthropology
Semester-2

Classical Anthropological Theories

Evolution of Human Societies

Kinship and Family Structures

Rituals, Symbols, and Meaning

Semester-3

Ethnographic Field Methods

Participant Observation and Interview Techniques

Research Design and Proposal Writing

Ethical Considerations in Anthropological Research

Semester-4

Political Systems and Governance

Economic Anthropology

Religion, Magic, and Belief Systems

Gender and Sexuality

Semester-5

Colonialism, Postcolonialism, and Resistance

Race, Ethnicity, and Identity

Social Movements and Activism

Anthropology of Law and Justice

Semester-6

Urban Anthropology and Global Cities

Medical Anthropology and Health Systems

Environmental Anthropology and Sustainability

Technology and Digital Cultures

Semester-7

Applied Anthropology: Theory and Practice

Community Development and Participatory Approaches

Internship/Fieldwork Experience

---------
Semester-8

Senior Seminar in Cultural Anthropology

Capstone Project or Thesis

Special Topics in Cultural Anthropology

Anthropology Elective Course

Cultural Anthropology Specialisations

Cultural anthropology offers various specialisations that allow individuals to focus their studies on specific areas of interest within the field. With the help of these specialisations, cultural anthropologists can approach current societal concerns from a variety of angles, contribute to interdisciplinary discussions, and expand their knowledge in certain fields of study.

Some common specialisations include:

Specialised fields in Cultural Anthropology

Linguistic Anthropology

Medical Anthropology

Forensic Anthropology

Business Anthropology

Visual Anthropology

Environmental Anthropology

Museum Anthropology

Q:   What are some good books on Cultural Anthropology?

A:

Cultural Anthropology is a vast field with a wise range of applications and areas of focus. There are many good books written explaining the concepts and applications of Cultural Anthropology. Some of these are as follows:

Cultural Anthropology Books

Authors

Cultural Anthropology: A Toolkit for a Global Age

Kenneth J. Guest

Patterns of Culture

Ruth Benedict

The Interpretation of Cultures

Clifford Geertz

The Nuer: A Description of the Modes of Livelihood and Political Institutions of a Nilotic People

E. Evans-Pritchard

Culture and Truth: The Remaking of Social Analysis

Renato Rosaldo

Essentials of Cultural Anthropology

A. R. N. Srivastava

An Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

C. Nadia Seremetakis

The SAGE Handbook of Cultural Anthropology

Lene Pedersen

Cultural Anthropology

Serena Nanda, ‎Richard L. Warms

Perspectives in Cultural Anthropology

Herbert Applebaum

 

Q:   What is Kinship all about?

A:

Kinship refers to the relatedness between two people by blood, adoption or marriage that is a social and cultural construct. The people involved are usually family members and relatives. It includes the bonds that shape the social fabric. Kinship can be classified into different types based on the type of relation involved into Consanguineal Kinship, Affinal Kinship and Social Kinship. The Kinship can also be classified on the basis of closesness of the relatives into Primary, Secondary and Tertiery Kinship.

Cultural Anthropology Entrance Exams 2024

Students should look for universities or colleges that offer cultural anthropology courses. After that, they have to understand the approved entrance examinations and the admissions procedure. It is advisable to review the fees, available seats, and the qualifying requirements for the course before applying right away. For undergraduate programmes, some colleges and universities administer entrance tests, while others grant admission based on merit. 

Students seeking admission to Cultural Anthropology courses need to appear in the below-mentioned entrance exams for Cultural Anthropology.

Entrance Exam Registration Dates Exam Dates
CUET Feb-Mar 2024 CUET Exam Schedule
PUBDET Jan' 2024 PUBDET Exam Schedule
AAT Jan' 2024 AAT Exam Schedule
BHU UET Closed BHU UET Exam Schedule
TISSNET To be notified TISSNET Exam Schedule

Note: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

21 Sep ' 24

Second Phase of Counselling Begins

20 Sep ' 24

Reporting to Respective Colleges

13 Feb ' 24 - 14 Mar ' 24

YCMOU March 2024 Exam

9 Apr ' 23 - 13 Apr ' 23

YCMOU June application form 2023 submission with ...

18 Oct ' 24

SAT Registration Deadline for November Test

22 Oct ' 24

SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a...

Q:   What is CUET UG exam?

A:

Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG is an entrance examination conducted for admission to undergraduation programs offered by various central, state, private and deemed universities. Candidates willing to take admission to undergraduation programme in streams like Science, Humanities, Commerce, Law and Management must appear for the CUET UG exam when conducted. The entrance examination assesses candidates at various levels: Language, domain knowledge and general aptitude. CUET UG is conducted annually in computer based mode. CUET UG scores are accepted by more than 300 universities across India. 

Q:   How to prepare for CUET?

A:

Go through the entire CUET syllabus thoroughly. Understand and analyze the exam pattern and prepare accordingly. Keeping the exam pattern in mind, prepare well for all sections of the exam. Do take a look at previous years' cutoff lists to help you aim for a score. Refer to this link for preparation of CUET: https://www.shiksha.com/science/cuet-exam

Cultural Anthropology Career Scope: Job Profiles, Average Salary and Top Recruiters

Graduates in cultural anthropology have a wide range of professional options in numerous domains and industries. Cultural anthropologists are highly qualified for positions in academics, research, social services, international development, cultural heritage management, human resources, media, public policy, market research, and other fields because of their profound awareness of human cultures, social dynamics, and global concerns.

Candidates can check the below-given table to know about the job profiles and average salary for Cultural Anthropology graduates.

Job Profiles Average Annual Salary (INR)
University Professor INR 6 LPA-INR 12 LPA
Researcher INR 4 LPA-INR 8 LPA
Social Worker INR 3 LPA-INR 6 LPA
Development Consultant INR 4.5 LPA-INR 9 LPA
Museum Curator INR 3.5 LPA-INR 7 LPA
Human Resources Specialist INR 5 LPA-INR 8 LPA
Journalist INR 3 LPA-INR 6 LPA
Policy Analyst INR 5 LPA-INR 10 LPA
Market Research Analyst INR 3.6 LPA-INR 7 LPA
NGO Program Coordinator INR 3.5 LPA-INR 7 LPA

Note: This information is sourced from multiple sources on the web. Hence, is subject to vary. 

Cultural Anthropology Course Top Recruiters

Given below are the list companies that hire Cultural Anthropology graduates:

Top Recruiters for Cultural Anthropology

WHO

UNICEF UNESCO
CRY Goonj Help Age
Nanhi Kali Child Rights & You Arcaeological Survey of India
Learn For Leave 

Kalyani Laboratories Pvt Ltd 

Hindustan Unilever

Relevant Links Related to Anthropology:

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State universities Vs deemed universities: Which is better?

Q:   How do I become a registered social worker?

A:

To become a registered Social Worker you have to get a relevant degree, such as a BSW or related field. Gain supervised experience through internships or entry-level positions. Consider pursuing an MSW for advanced training (optional). Research and meet specific licensure requirements in your region. Pass the required licensing exams, often administered by the ASWB. Submit an application for social work licensure to the appropriate regulatory body.

Q:   How to become a journalist?

A:

A journalist must be curious about all things. He/she must always be questioning the world in which he/she lives in. There is no room in a journalist for manipulation or lie. The journalist must look for the truth. A good journalist is the one who is fearless. He/she should not afraid to take a risk. A journalist should loyal towards his work, no matter what time, place or situation. A journalist always chooses his work first. Before becoming a journalist, you should know that you have these characteristics or not. Journalist eligibility: He/she should hold the area of work and to get some kind of acknowledgement of one's work. 1) Pass in senior secondary examination (10+2) or equivalent recognised examination in any stream. 2) Graduation in any stream is the most preferred qualification for joining courses to be a journalist. Top colleges in India for becoming an aspiring journalist: 1) Asian College of Journalism, Chennai 2) Mudra Institute of Communication, Ahmedabad 3) Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media, Bangalore 4) Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication, Pune 5) Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi While you are in college, try to do as many internships as you can in electronics or print media. That way, you would have lots of experience before getting an actual job. Hope this will help you.

Cultural Anthropology FAQs: 2024

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions related to Cultural Anthropology:

Q:   How do I get admission to Cultural Anthropology courses?

A:

Students can see the below points to get admission to cultural anthropology courses:

Choose University/College: The first step is to search for colleges or universities which are offering courses in Anthropology. Check the fees, the seats offered, and the eligibility criteria which are set for the course.

Apply for Course: Proceed to apply for admission after getting to know the university offering the programme. Fill up the details as required and pay the application fee. The application forms are available for a limited period so the candidate is advised to know the details way in advance.

Mode of Admission: Universities and Colleges will either conduct entrance exams for admission or offer admission through merit. For postgraduate courses, the candidate will have to appear for an entrance exam.

Results: Selected and qualified candidates make the merit list. The student has to get the desired rank and percentage, to be eligible for admission.

Counselling: The candidate will have to appear for the counselling session conducted at the university to book their seat, submit their documents and pay the fees to seal admission.

Q:   What skills are required to study Cultural Anthropology?

A:

Cultural Anthropology is a discipline that requires professionals with knowledge and skills. If you wish to become a Cultural Anthropologist, then you may have to cultivate these skills in order to be successful in the field. Apart from the academic qualifications, candidates are required to possess below-mentioned skills to make a good career in the Cultural Anthropology field:

Skillsets Required for Students and Graduates of Cultural Anthropology

Observant

Passionate

Reader

Dedicated

Committed

Interpreter

Sharp

Confident

Leader

Critique

Critical Thinking

Understanding

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Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered a month ago

Yes, there are several colleges that offer Cultural Anthropology courses with an affordable fee structure. There are not many colleges offering the course in India. These colleges may provide Cultural Anthropology courses of one or more course levels. You are advised to check if these colleges are a

...more

K

Keerthana Sundara Vadivel

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Cultural Anthropology is a vast field with a wise range of applications and areas of focus. There are many good books written explaining the concepts and applications of Cultural Anthropology. Some of these are as follows:

Cultural Anthropology Books

Authors

Cultural Anthropology: A Toolkit for a Global Age

Kenneth J. Guest

Patterns of Culture

Ruth Benedict

The Interpretation of Cultures

Clifford Geertz

The Nuer: A Description of the Modes of Livelihood and Political Institutions of a Nilotic People

E. Evans-Pritchard

Culture and Truth: The Remaking of Social Analysis

Renato Rosaldo

Essentials of Cultural Anthropology

A. R. N. Srivastava

An Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

C. Nadia Seremetakis

The SAGE Handbook of Cultural Anthropology

Lene Pedersen

Cultural Anthropology

Serena Nanda, ‎Richard L. Warms

Perspectives in Cultural Anthropology

Herbert Applebaum

 

K

Keerthana Sundara Vadivel

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Cultural Anthropology is a discipline that requires professionals with knowledge and skills. If you wish to become a Cultural Anthropologist, then you may have to cultivate these skills in order to be successful in the field. Apart from the academic qualifications, candidates are required to possess

...more

K

Keerthana Sundara Vadivel

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Students can see the below points to get admission to cultural anthropology courses:

Choose University/College: The first step is to search for colleges or universities which are offering courses in Anthropology. Check the fees, the seats offered, and the eligibility criteria which are set for the co

...more

K

Keerthana Sundara Vadivel

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The scope of Anthropology is wide in India. After completing the course, cultural anthropologists can work in different sectors including private sector and government sector. They can work in colleges, universities, NGOs, international organisations and many other oraganisations.

Some of the positio

...more

K

Keerthana Sundara Vadivel

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The demand for cultural anthropology graduates is increasing in India. Their demand is in fields like medicine, teaching, journalism, social work, etc.

  • The study of cultural anthropology promotes awareness and respect for the variety of human civilizations.
  • It encourages tolerance and empathy for cult

...more

K

Keerthana Sundara Vadivel

Contributor-Level 10