The study of the human species, its culture, social relations, systems of knowledge and history - may cover language, physiology, art, ritual and belief
Crowds of people
You should graduate armed with the tools to observe and question the ways in which people and society act. Photograph: Clare Mcgregor for the Guardian

What will I learn?
Anthropology is academia's gift to those who enjoy people-watching and thinking about the things we all share in common as well as the differences between us. Remember, it's not being nosy; it's taking an interest in other people's lives - what they do, how they do it and why they bother.

Anthropology is a broad subject that explores how, when and where human life began, and examines human behaviour, cultures, history and social organisation. It even attempts to answer some of the big questions about what it is to be human.

Degree courses will usually dip into most of these areas before allowing students to specialise in social and cultural anthropology or biological anthropology. The first takes a more sociological route, examining societies, economies, religions and cultures around the world; while the latter looks at the science behind the ways that human beings evolved and how differences emerged between races, for example. So, you could find yourself examining the music of African pygmies one day and the corporate culture of the car industry the next.

Some courses will allow you to combine your anthropological studies with programmes in cultural studies, media, history, politics, economics, art and archaeology, ethnomusicology or foreign language training. Many will require you to do a spot of fieldwork, usually in the form of a group research project.

What skills will I gain?
You should graduate armed with the tools to observe, listen and question the ways in which people and society act, and the ways that cultures develop and change.

Anthropology incorporates a number of other disciplines, so you will have also acquired an understanding of sociology, history, linguistics, biological sciences and, possibly, development studies.

You should be able to formulate an argument and articulate your opinions, either through oral presentations or in essay forms, and you should have empathy for the way other cultures and societies live.

The fieldwork aspect of your course will teach you how to design a research programme, work in a team, and explore ideas and present them to a wider audience.

What job can I get?
Jobs in the public sector are popular among anthropology graduates. You might consider working as a charity fundraiser or as a community or overseas development workers. Journalist, documentary film-maker, museum assistant, librarian, human resources officer and marketing agent are other options, and if you want to do further study you could become a social researcher, lecturer or information scientist.

What will look good on my CV?
The ability to engage with cultures, populations and groups different from your own, and perhaps an interest in learning another language
The ability to recognise different forms of communication and ways of thinking about the world.

For the full range of skills you can develop through a degree in anthropology, click here (pdf).