Social Anthropology (Religion in the Contemporary World)
The Social Anthropology (Religion in the Contemporary World) MSc at LSE is a one-year, full-time program that focuses on the role of religion in modern society. Students will explore how religion influences social, political, and cultural dynamics in contemporary societies. The program looks at religion as a global force, examining its role in conflict, identity, migration, and social change.
This program offers a unique blend of anthropology, sociology, and religious studies, allowing students to critically engage with the role of religion in shaping the contemporary world. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, international development, policy analysis, and cultural institutions, where they can contribute to understanding the social implications of religious practices globally.
Key information
Key Facts
Program Title: Master of Science in Social Anthropology (Religion in the Contemporary World)
Degree Type: Master of Science (MSc)
Duration: 1 year
Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
Application Deadline: 12th June 2026
Location: University of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Field of Study: Anthropology
Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations of Social Anthropology and Religion
- Introduction to Social Anthropology
- Theories of Religion and Belief Systems
- Anthropology of Modernity and Globalization
- Methods and Approaches in Anthropological Research
Semester 2 – Advanced Social Anthropology and Religion
- Religion in the Contemporary World
- The Anthropology of Secularism and Spirituality
- Global Religious Movements and Social Change
- Research Methods in Social Anthropology of Religion
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program can pursue careers in academia, social research, cultural analysis, and religious studies. Potential roles include social anthropologist, religion and society consultant, policy advisor, ethnographer, and researcher in anthropology or religious studies. Graduates are well-equipped to work in universities, think tanks, NGOs, government cultural departments, international organizations, and research institutions focusing on religion, society, and social change. The program also provides a strong foundation for further academic study in anthropology, sociology, or religious studies.
Why Choose This Program
This program offers a focused study of religion within social anthropology, providing students with the tools to explore the role of religion in the contemporary world and its relationship with social, political, and cultural processes. By combining anthropological theory with practical research, students will gain critical insights into how religious beliefs and practices influence societies globally. LSE’s emphasis on interdisciplinary research ensures that graduates are equipped to engage with complex issues related to religion, secularism, and social transformation, making them well-prepared to work in diverse cultural and policy contexts.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +44 (0)20 7405 7686
Email: admissions@lse.ac.uk
Address: London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE, United Kingdom
