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Master (Advanced) of Anthropology and Planetary Futures

Masters.
Australian National University

73

in world overall ranking*

4

in local overall ranking*
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About the course

This advanced masters program uses anthropological approaches to examine intersecting social, ecological, political, economic and health challenges shaping planetary futures. It integrates cultural and biological anthropology and emphasises ethnographic, grounded perspectives to understand global crises and community responses. The degree includes substantial research training and an independent thesis, supporting students to develop critical analysis and evidence for public debate and advocacy in contemporary anthropology.

What you might learn

Students develop advanced understanding of anthropological theory and methods to analyse planetary-scale emergencies and their cultural histories. You build skills in ethnography, research ethics, research design and critical social analysis, and learn to interpret how social and political systems frame risk, inequality and environmental change. The program also develops capability to undertake an independent, supervised research thesis and communicate evidence for engagement, policy and advocacy.

Career outcome

Graduates may work in research, policy and applied roles addressing environmental and social challenges across government, NGOs and international agencies. Potential pathways include social research and evaluation, community and Indigenous engagement, humanitarian and development work, public policy analysis, sustainability and risk programs, and cultural heritage or health-related social research. The advanced thesis component also prepares graduates for further research study and specialist roles in anthropology.

Entry requirements

Applicants need either a cognate Bachelor degree (or equivalent) with a minimum GPA of 6/7, or a Bachelor degree plus a Graduate Certificate/Diploma in a cognate discipline with a minimum GPA of 5/7. Applicants must also meet ANU English language admission requirements. Entry is competitive and meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an offer; applicants may be ranked using GPA calculations and, if needed, higher English proficiency.


Living Costs in Canberra**


living costs restaurant icon
Restaurant
(Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant)
A$ 17 - 23
living costs house icon
Rent per Month
(1 bedroom in City Centre)
A$ 1,584 - 2,095
living costs house icon
Rent per Month
(1 bedroom Outside of Centre)
A$ 1,253 - 1,657
living costs transportation icon
Transportation
(Daily)
A$ 4 - 10
living costs utilities icon
Utilities per Month
(Electricity, Mobile & Internet)
A$ 264 - 348

Average Salary***


Salary Chart
*Source: QS World University Subjects Rankings (2026)
**Source: numbeo.com
***Source: PayScale.com (2026)

Costs

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Contact us for more details

Information

tick icon Duration

1.5 years

tick icon Course Code

VAPF

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+61 3 9663 5333

email icon Email

australia@augstudy.com

Scholarships

tick iconANU GLOBAL DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP

A$18,750

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