African Studies BA

Please note: You will take 120 credits of modules in each year of study. The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2020. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Compulsory modules

• Studying Societies (African Studies and Anthropology) (10 credits)
• Africa and the Disciplines (10 credits)
• Introduction to African Culture (20 credits)
• Introduction to African Politics and History (20 credits)
• Introduction to African Geography (10 credits)
• Introduction to African Development (10 credits)
• Thinking Anthropologically (20 credits)
• Anthropology of Africa (20 credits)

Descriptions of first year modules

Compulsory modules

• Research in Practice (20 credits)

Optional modules

• 100 credits of Department of African Studies and Anthropology optional modules

Descriptions of second and third year modules

The option to study for a semester abroad

As an African Studies student in the Department of African Studies and Anthropology you can also apply to spend a semester abroad in your second year at one of our carefully selected partner universities, where we have close personal ties with academic staff. If your application is successful, during your time abroad you will be able to study modules in African Studies and related subjects, including topics specific to the place of study. It is possible to attend universities where all the modules offered will be taught in English. If students successfully apply for a Semester Abroad, they take a 60 credit Placement Module at an African University in one term and 60 credits of modules in the Department of African Studies and Anthropology at Birmingham in the other term.

Compulsory modules

• Dissertation (in african Studies) (40 credits)

Optional modules

• 80 credits of Department of African Studies and Anthropology optional modules

Descriptions of second and third year modules