A Master of Anthropology is a postgraduate degree focused on the systematic study of human societies, cultures, and lived experiences. Drawing on anthropology's signature ethnographic approach, the course equips students to understand how people across the globe live their lives — on their own terms — while engaging critically with key social, political, environmental, and health challenges. Students develop deep expertise in qualitative research methods, cross-cultural analysis, and theoretical frameworks spanning social and cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, applied anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. Coursework often intersects with fields such as development studies, Indigenous studies, public health, environmental humanities, and international relations, making the degree highly interdisciplinary and versatile.

The degree is designed for graduates from the humanities, social sciences, and related disciplines who want to deepen their analytical and research capabilities and apply them in professional or academic settings. It suits those with a passion for understanding human behaviour and cultural diversity — whether in the context of global development, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs, heritage management, public policy, health, or corporate research. Students are trained not only in theory but in the practice of ethnographic fieldwork, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based advocacy.

Graduates find employment across a wide range of sectors in Australia. Major employers include federal and state government departments (particularly those working on Native Title, multicultural affairs, immigration, social services, and environmental policy), Aboriginal Land Councils, non-government organisations, museums and cultural institutions, international development agencies, environmental and heritage consulting firms, mining and resources companies (for cultural heritage compliance), as well as universities and research institutes. The degree prepares students for roles that require sophisticated cross-cultural literacy, qualitative research skills, and a nuanced understanding of social systems.

Most Australian universities offering a Master of Anthropology require applicants to hold a completed bachelor degree or international equivalent in a relevant discipline. Cognate fields typically accepted include Anthropology, Cultural Heritage Studies, Development Studies, History, Human Ecology, Human Geography, Indigenous Studies, International Relations, Linguistics, Literary Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, and Sociology. Academic performance is a key criterion, with many programs setting a minimum GPA threshold — commonly around 5.0 on a 7-point scale for standard entry. Applicants with stronger academic backgrounds, such as a bachelor degree with Honours or a graduate diploma in a relevant field, may be eligible for advanced standing or credit towards the degree, potentially reducing the duration of study.

For international applicants, English language proficiency is mandatory. Institutions typically require an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall (with no band below 6.0), or equivalent scores in TOEFL or other accepted tests. Some programs have higher language requirements for components with significant research writing. Relevant professional work experience — for example in community development, government, international development, heritage, or human services — is not always compulsory but can strengthen an application and may be considered where academic performance is borderline. Applicants to advanced or research-focused variants of the degree (which include a thesis component) are generally required to identify and obtain written agreement from a potential supervisor prior to enrolment, and may need to achieve a minimum grade in foundational research methods coursework before commencing the thesis.