COURSE CURRICULUM

The BASS Social Anthropology and Philosophy program combines the study of human societies with philosophical analysis, providing students with a deep understanding of social structures, cultural practices, and moral reasoning. In the first year, students develop foundational skills in critical thinking, key anthropological concepts, ethnographic reading, and social research methods, while optional modules in criminology, criminal justice, psychology, and development studies allow for interdisciplinary exploration and practical insight into societal issues. The second year builds on this foundation with a focus on criminology and philosophy, including modules on policing, crime and deviance, punishment, criminological data analysis, and applied philosophical topics such as religion, ethics, formal logic, and race. These modules encourage students to critically evaluate societal and ethical questions while honing their analytical and research skills. In the third year, students apply their knowledge to real-world and comparative contexts through advanced modules covering drugs and society, youth crime, organised and white-collar crime, criminology and mass violence, and crime mapping using GIS and spatial analysis. Students also have the opportunity to explore topics such as journeys out of offending, victims, and criminal psychopathology. The program integrates theoretical study with practical experience, preparing students for careers in research, social and criminal justice, policy, and roles requiring strong analytical and ethical reasoning.