Anthropology

Master of Arts (MA)



Meet Alex Nelson, MA candidate in Anthropology

“The atmosphere of Western’s Anthropology department has drawn me in. The sense of support and connection is a key factor in determining my success.”

Supervisor: Bipasha Baruah

What is it about your grad program that enables you to thrive and be successful?
It is the community in the Anthropology program. If I’m stuck grappling with a tough problem, or even if I just need a coffee-run buddy, I can count on the people in my department to be there. There is an effort made to encourage and foster bonds and connections between students in different cohorts upon entering the department, which is extremely positive, and ensures that everyone feels as though they have a network of support.

Where’s your favourite place on campus?
I love the concrete beach, outside the University Community Centre, during the warmer months. During the rest of the year, you can usually find me at the Physics and Astronomy building. I’m incredibly envious of their vaulted ceilings and the amount of natural light in the foyer.

Do you serve on any Department, Faculty, or University committees?
I will serve as the Sociocultural co-president of Western Anthropology Graduate Society next year, and was a society member last year as well. WAGS is a great team to be a part of, and I’m happy to work closely with such amazing and interesting people!

What’s the best advice you could give to someone considering applying to your graduate program?
Grad school is tough, but it also provides an opportunity to learn more about yourself (and really interrogate and expand your ideas); the best way to do these things is to not just focus on your work, but also on keeping yourself happy and healthy. If you lose sight of one aspect, the other will also suffer.

Program Websites


Program Contact

Christine Wall (cwall4@uwo.ca)
Graduate Program Coordinator

Department of Anthropology

Western University
Social Science Centre Rm 3324
London, Ontario N6A 5C2

t. 519-661-2111 ext. 85080
f. 519-661-2157

Anthropology is dedicated to documenting and understanding human beings. It takes as its starting proposition the idea that we can only reach such an understanding by studying people wherever and whenever they have occurred and from both a cultural and biological perspective. As such, it is one of the most diverse academic disciplines and draws its inspirations from the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities.

Program Length

  • 6 Terms (Full-time in all fields)
  • 12 terms (Part-time in Applied Archaeology field)

Program Design

  • Full-time study or part-time study (Applied Archaeology field only)
  • Thesis-based

Funding Information

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships (if eligible):

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fee schedules (per term) are posted on the Office of the Registrar's website at http://www.registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/fees_refunds/fee_schedules.html

Graduate Student Affordability Calculator

Use this helpful tool to estimate how much money you will need to pay for your tuition, fees, housing, food, and other necessities for a 12-month (three term) academic year.

Admission Requirements

  • Four-year degree, honours or the equivalent, in anthropology, or an equivalent background in social sciences and/or the intended specialty.
  • At least a 78% or a B+ average for all available 3rd and 4th year courses.

Students who do not have a degree in anthropology may be required to take specific courses to fill in their background in preparation for admission to the graduate program. Please consult the Graduate Chair for clarification.

Additional Requirements

  • For admission to the applied archaeology stream, we also take into account professional experience gained since completion of undergraduate studies.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language:

Application Deadline

  • International applicants: December 15

  • Domestic applicants: January 15

    • Acceptance notification in mid-March.

Fields of Research

  • Applied Archaeology
  • Archaeology and Biological Anthropology
  • Sociocultural and Linguistic Anthropology