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Top Five Canada Universities for Anthropology

Last updated: 13 March 2023 Anthropology

Anthropology is an exciting discipline that delves into the comparative study of humankind, human societies, cultures, and their overall development at all levels. It is an interdisciplinary field of study that draws upon knowledge of biological and social sciences, and pursuing anthropology opens up many opportunities for students who can either take up higher education in fields that benefit from majors in anthropology, such as law, business, teaching, health care, journalism and much more.

Canada has many top-ranking universities that offer exciting courses for students who want to study anthropology. By earning an anthropology degree, students acquire a unique and valuable combination of cultural awareness and analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills that help in their study years and the professional world that has increasingly become global in today's times. Traditionally, four subject branches are studied while pursuing higher education: archaeology, socio-cultural anthropology, linguistics, and biological anthropology.

If you want to study anthropology at renowned Canadian universities, find the top ten for anthropology in Canada below (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Anthropology). To begin your application, book a free consultation with SI-Canada today.

study anthropology canada

Top Five Universities for Anthropology in Canada

1. University of British Columbia

University of British Columbia's Department of Anthropology offers undergraduate and graduate programs to develop knowledge and skills in anthropological theory, ethnographic work, and research methods. The department engages in teaching, research, community collaboration, and field-based inquiry to advance the study and constructive understanding of human diversity. The graduate program at UBC is competitive and accepts only 10-14 students each year, who are given access to outstanding faculty guidance and research resources at the Laboratory of Archaeology and the Museum of Anthropology.

2. University of Toronto

The overall top-ranked university in Canada, the University of Toronto, is known for imparting high-quality education in various disciplines, one of them being anthropology, ranked 16th in the world in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. The Department of Anthropology, a part of the Faculty of Arts and Science, offers undergraduate and graduate courses and covers various subject issues through its curriculum. Students can choose from General Anthropology, Evolutionary Anthropology, Archaeology, and Social, Cultural, and Linguistic Anthropology majors at the undergraduate level. The department offers MA, MSc, and PhD degrees at the graduate level and allows students to collaborate with other disciplines during the study years.

3. McGill University

The Department of Anthropology at McGill University was founded in 1966, and today, it is one of Canada's most dynamic academic and research communities dedicated to anthropological inquiry. The university offers minor, major, honours, and joint honours concentrations in the subject at the undergraduate level with attractive course options. Graduate degrees can be earned at the Master's and Doctoral levels, allowing students to get highly specialized knowledge on the subject and conduct research in a vibrant and nurturing environment. 

4. Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University (SFU), located in British Columbia, Canada, is renowned for its Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology program, offering students a comprehensive exploration of human societies and cultures. The university takes pride in its distinguished faculty, which is comprised of accomplished scholars and researchers who contribute significantly to the field. SFU's Anthropology program stands out for its emphasis on critical thinking, research skills, and cultural understanding.

Alumni from this program have made significant contributions in various fields, including academia, research, and artistic preservation. SFU's reputation for academic excellence and its location in a culturally diverse region make it an ideal institution for those seeking a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, offering a unique and enriching educational experience.

5. University of Alberta

The University of Alberta offers specialized reading, research, communication, writing, and critical thinking skills. Provided by the Department of Anthropology under the Liberal Arts and Professional Studies branch of the university, courses available at the university lead to certifications and undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students can also take placement courses that can help them prepare for a professional career in education, law, health, public policy, advocacy, corporations, and research.

Study Anthropology in Canada

Are you interested in applying to study an undergraduate or postgraduate anthropology course? Contact SI-Canada today for a free consultation on your future.

Universities featured in this article:

  • University of British Columbia
  • University of Toronto
  • McGill University
  • University of Alberta
  • Simon Fraser University
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