Human Sciences

Bachelor's degree

In Oxford

Price on request

Description

  • Type

    Bachelor's degree

  • Location

    Oxford

UCAS code BCL0 Duration 3 years (BA)
Entrance requirements AAA Subject requirements
Biology, Maths
Admissions test(s) ox.ac.uk/tsa Written work None
Admissions statistics*
Interviewed: 57%
Successful: 17%
Intake: 30
*3-year average 2017-19
Contact
+44 (0) 1865 274702
Email Human Sciences
Subject requirements: Essential Recommended Helpful – may be useful on course
Unistats information for this course can be found at the bottom of the page
Please note that there may be no data available if the number of course participants is very small.
Human Sciences is an interdisciplinary degree which enables students to study the biological, social and cultural aspects of human life, and provides an exciting alternative to some of the more traditional courses offered at Oxford.

">Video of Human Sciences at Oxford University

The school was founded in 1969 in recognition of the need for interdisciplinary understanding of fundamental issues and problems confronting contemporary societies. Central topics include the evolution of humans and their behaviour, molecular and population genetics, population growth and ageing, ethnic and cultural diversity and human interaction with the environment, including: conservation, disease and nutrition. The study of both biological and social disciplines, integrated within a framework of human diversity and sustainability, should enable the human scientist to develop professional competencies suited to address such multidimensional human problems.
The course draws on specialists from a number of different faculties in the University. Lectures introduce most of the material you will need and provide the core concepts and theories for each paper. Tutorials, given by specialists in different fields, allow you to consider particular topics in greater depth. They also allow students from different academic backgrounds to gain the necessary grounding across a range of subjects.

Facilities

Location

Start date

Oxford (Oxfordshire)
See map
Wellington Square, OX1 2JD

Start date

On request

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Subjects

  • Conservation
  • Public
  • University
  • Ecology
  • Teaching
  • Social Anthropology
  • Statistics
  • Social Policy
  • Options
  • Presentation
  • Cross Cultural
  • Psychology
  • Interpretation
  • Public Health
  • Sociology
  • Biology
  • Genetics
  • Demography
  • Environment
  • Culture
  • Society
  • Evolution
  • Sciences
  • Organisms
  • Quantitative

Course programme

A typical week

During Years 1 and 2 your work will be divided between lectures (about ten a week) and tutorials (one or two a week with more in the first year). In addition, some practical experience in genetics, physiology, demography or statistics will be offered in certain terms. Computers are used in the teaching of quantitative methods. In the third year the tutorial and class requirement is reduced to allow more time for option papers and research for your dissertation.

Tutorials are usually 2-4 students and a tutor. Class sizes may vary depending on the options you choose. There would usually be no more than around 20 students although the more popular classes may include up to 30 students. Most tutorials, classes, and lectures are delivered by staff who are tutors in their subject. Many are world-leading experts with years of experience in teaching and research. Some teaching may also be delivered by postgraduate students who are usually studying at doctorate level.

To find out more about how our teaching year is structured, visit our Academic Year page.

Academic YearYEAR 1

COURSES

Five compulsory courses are taken:
  • The biology of organisms including humans
  • Genetics and evolution
  • Society, culture and environment
  • Sociology and demography
  • Quantitative methods for the human sciences

ASSESSMENT

First University examinations: five written papers; satisfactory practical record YEAR 2

COURSES

Five courses are taken:
  • Behaviour and its evolution
  • Human genetics and evolution
  • Human ecology
  • Demography and population
  • Either Anthropological analysis and interpretation or Sociological theory

ASSESSMENT

The Human Ecology course is assessed by an extended essay written in the final term of the second year and a presentation given in the first term of Year 3.

YEAR 3

COURSES

  • Dissertation to be completed by the beginning of the final term
  • Option courses (two chosen) from a list which may vary slightly depending on teaching availability: Anthropology of a selected region (for example Africa, Japan, Lowland South America or South Asia); Biological conservation; Evolutionary medicine and public health; Gender and sexuality: cross-cultural perspectives; General linguistics; Health and disease; Language and social anthropology: An introduction to human skeletal remains; Quantitative methods; Social policy; South and southern Africa; plus a range of psychology options

ASSESSMENT

Final University examinations: currently six written papers and a dissertation; extended essay and presentation (see under Year 2)

The options listed above are illustrative and may change. More information about current options is available on the Human Sciences website.

YEAR 1

COURSES

Five compulsory courses are taken:
  • The biology of organisms including humans
  • Genetics and evolution
  • Society, culture and environment
  • Sociology and demography
  • Quantitative methods for the human sciences

ASSESSMENT

First University examinations: five written papers; satisfactory practical record YEAR 2

COURSES

Five courses are taken:
  • Behaviour and its evolution
  • Human genetics and evolution
  • Human ecology
  • Demography and population
  • Either Anthropological analysis and interpretation or Sociological theory

ASSESSMENT

The Human Ecology course is assessed by an extended essay written in the final term of the second year and a presentation given in the first term of Year 3.

YEAR 3

COURSES

  • Dissertation to be completed by the beginning of the final term
  • Option courses (two chosen) from a list which may vary slightly depending on teaching availability: Anthropology of a selected region (for example Africa, Japan, Lowland South America or South Asia); Biological conservation; Evolutionary medicine and public health; Gender and sexuality: cross-cultural perspectives; General linguistics; Health and disease; Language and social anthropology: An introduction to human skeletal remains; Quantitative methods; Social policy; South and southern Africa; plus a range of psychology options

ASSESSMENT

Final University examinations: currently six written papers and a dissertation; extended essay and presentation (see under Year 2)

The options listed above are illustrative and may change. More information about current options is available on the Human Sciences website.

YEAR 1YEAR 1YEAR 1

COURSES

Five compulsory courses are taken:
  • The biology of organisms including humans
  • Genetics and evolution
  • Society, culture and environment
  • Sociology and demography
  • Quantitative methods for the human sciences

ASSESSMENT

First University examinations: five written papers; satisfactory practical record

COURSES

Five compulsory courses are taken:
  • The biology of organisms including humans
  • Genetics and evolution
  • Society, culture and environment
  • Sociology and demography
  • Quantitative methods for the human sciences

COURSES

COURSES
  • The biology of organisms including humans
  • Genetics and evolution
  • Society, culture and environment
  • Sociology and demography
  • Quantitative methods for the human sciences
  • The biology of organisms including humans
  • Genetics and evolution
  • Society, culture and environment
  • Sociology and demography
  • Quantitative methods for the human sciences
  • ASSESSMENT

    First University examinations: five written papers; satisfactory practical record

    ASSESSMENT

    ASSESSMENTYEAR 2YEAR 2YEAR 2

    COURSES

    Five courses are taken:
    • Behaviour and its evolution
    • Human genetics and evolution
    • Human ecology
    • Demography and population
    • Either Anthropological analysis and interpretation or Sociological theory

    ASSESSMENT

    The Human Ecology course is assessed by an extended essay written in the final term of the second year and a presentation given in the first term of Year 3.

    COURSES

    Five courses are taken:
    • Behaviour and its evolution
    • Human genetics and evolution
    • Human ecology
    • Demography and population
    • Either Anthropological analysis and interpretation or Sociological theory

    COURSES

    COURSES
    • Behaviour and its evolution
    • Human genetics and evolution
    • Human ecology
    • Demography and population
    • Either Anthropological analysis and interpretation or Sociological theory
  • Behaviour and its evolution
  • Human genetics and evolution
  • Human ecology
  • Demography and population
  • Either Anthropological analysis and interpretation or Sociological theory
  • Eitheror

    ASSESSMENT

    The Human Ecology course is assessed by an extended essay written in the final term of the second year and a presentation given in the first term of Year 3.

    ASSESSMENT

    ASSESSMENT

    The Human Ecology course is assessed by an extended essay written in the final term of the second year and a presentation given in the first term of Year 3.

    YEAR 3YEAR 3YEAR 3

    COURSES

    • Dissertation to be completed by the beginning of the final term
    • Option courses (two chosen) from a list which may vary slightly depending on teaching availability: Anthropology of a selected region (for example Africa, Japan, Lowland South America or South Asia); Biological conservation; Evolutionary medicine and public health; Gender and sexuality: cross-cultural perspectives; General linguistics; Health and disease; Language and social anthropology: An introduction to human skeletal remains; Quantitative methods; Social policy; South and southern Africa; plus a range of psychology options

    ASSESSMENT

    Final University examinations: currently six written papers and a dissertation; extended essay and presentation (see under Year 2)

    COURSES

    • Dissertation to be completed by the beginning of the final term
    • Option courses (two chosen) from a list which may vary slightly depending on teaching availability: Anthropology of a selected region (for example Africa, Japan, Lowland South America or South Asia); Biological conservation; Evolutionary medicine and public health; Gender and sexuality: cross-cultural perspectives; General linguistics; Health and disease; Language and social anthropology: An introduction to human skeletal remains; Quantitative methods; Social policy; South and southern Africa; plus a range of psychology options

    COURSES

    COURSES
    • Dissertation to be completed by the beginning of the final term
    • Option courses (two chosen) from a list which may vary slightly depending on teaching availability: Anthropology of a selected region (for example Africa, Japan, Lowland South America or South Asia); Biological conservation; Evolutionary medicine and public health; Gender and sexuality: cross-cultural perspectives; General linguistics; Health and disease; Language and social anthropology: An introduction to human skeletal remains; Quantitative methods; Social policy; South and southern Africa; plus a range of psychology options
  • Dissertation to be completed by the beginning of the final term
  • Option courses (two chosen) from a list which may vary slightly depending on teaching availability: Anthropology of a selected region (for example Africa, Japan, Lowland South America or South Asia); Biological conservation; Evolutionary medicine and public health; Gender and sexuality: cross-cultural perspectives; General linguistics; Health and disease; Language and social anthropology: An introduction to human skeletal remains; Quantitative methods; Social policy; South and southern Africa; plus a range of psychology options
  • ASSESSMENT

    Final University examinations: currently six written papers and a dissertation; extended essay and presentation (see under Year 2)

    ASSESSMENT

    ASSESSMENT

    Final University examinations: currently six written papers and a dissertation; extended essay and presentation (see under Year 2)

    The options listed above are illustrative and may change. More information about current options is available on the Human Sciences website.

    The options listed above are illustrative and may change. More information about current options is available on the Human Sciences website.

    The options listed above are illustrative and may change. More information about current options is available on the Human Sciences website.

    The options listed above are illustrative and may change. More information about current options is available on the Human Sciences website.Human Sciences website

    The content and format of this course may change in some circumstances. Read further information about potential course changes.

    The content and format of this course may change in some circumstances. Read further information about potential course changes.

    The content and format of this course may change in some circumstances. Read further information about potential course changes.

    The content and format of this course may change in some circumstances. Read further information about potential course changes.

    potential course changes

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    Human Sciences

    Price on request