University of Oxford

MSc Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology

Arguably, Homo sapiens are the only animals capable of genuine language, culture, and religion. We are distinguished by our laughter, singing, rituals, and art, as well as our intelligence. What about our evolution and our resulting cognitive equipment make us human? What makes culture possible? The University of Oxford 's new Institute for Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology announces a new 12 month MSc degree to commence in October 2007.

This programme in “Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology” explores human thought, behaviour, and culture from the perspectives of the evolutionary and cognitive sciences. During their first term, candidates will follow a course in quantitative methods in the human sciences (including statistics and research design) and a course in primate behavioural and cognitive evolution. In their second term candidates will study the human evolution course, including biological, cognitive, and behavioural perspectives; and the mind and culture course, which examines how human conceptual structures inform and constrain cultural expression. Candidates are assessed by three three-hour written examinations in June and some coursework. The MSc concludes with a 15,000-word dissertation to be completed during the third term and over the summer months, and to be examined in mid September.

This degree serves as a research training degree for those wishing to go on to doctoral research, although it also functions as a terminal degree. Program staff includes Professor Robin Dunbar, Professor Harvey Whitehouse, and Dr. Justin Barrett.