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More about Anthropology

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Research-Led Teaching

Anthropology at Queen's University Belfast is an internationally renowned teaching and research unit comprising both Anthropology and Ethnomusicology with integral research links to the Institute of Irish Studies and the Institute of Cognition and Culture. A complementary teaching programme across the four areas offers a unique range of courses. 

The 2008 RAE results have confirmed Queen’s University’s reputation as a world leading centre for research in Anthropology. The exercise shows that 35% of research in Anthropology is world leading (4*). Only two other Anthropology departments in the UK performed at this top level. For more detail see our News Section. 

The research strengths of staff focus on five key themes: 

  • Emotions and Environmental Anthropology
  • Peformance and Expressive Cultures
  • Borders, Migration and Identity
  • Human Nature and Morality
  • Public Policy Research

Research and research-led teaching conducted on these themes explores questions such as how do humans engage emotionally with their environments; how do rituals shape social histories; how do artefacts embody emotive artistry; to what extent are there cognitive specialisations that are unique to humans; how are state interests in borders influenced by local perceptions of movement, migration and emplacement; and how can symbols mediate conflicts over public and civic space?

The research foci of staff from the four units include Ireland, Pakistan, Japan, Europe, the Caribbean, South America, Malaysia, Australia and Melanesia. Our thematic and regional interests are also reflected in the work of our postgraduate research students. Postgraduate research topics include conservation and marine management in Queensland; asylum seekers in Britain; Polish migrants in Belfast; medical programmes for HIV in Africa; grief and martyrdom in Palestine; and Hmong Settlers in Australia.

John Blacking Competition for Lower VI Students

Three prizes will be awarded annually, a first prize of £500 and two additional prizes of £250 each for the best entry on an anthropological or ethnomusicological subject by a student in the lower sixth year of their studies (Year 13) at a school or college in Northern Ireland. 

Facilities

The School has a dedicated Performance Room with sound and media equipment for the following:

  • Seminars
  • Dance Classes
  • Music Workshops
  • Gamelan Sessions
  • Drumming Circles