Master of Arts or Science in Anthropology M.A./M.Sc.

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience and adventure alongside world-class researchers. In Anthropology at Trent, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake fascinating fieldwork around the world, and advance our understanding of the human past and present.  

Digging deep into the area of study that interests you as either a full- or part-time M.A. or M.Sc. student you will prepare yourself for a future in higher education, field and lab research, museums, cultural-heritage tourism, or heritage management.  

At Trent, your experience will be based on the Anthropology graduate program’s more than 40-year track record of educational excellence, and inspired by real-life learning. Three full-year courses and the research required for the completion of a thesis will see you explore the complexities of human biology and culture. Consider topics of societal importance through archaeological, biological, ethnographic, or linguistic research. Faculty members and students before you have undertaken fieldwork across Canada, in the U.S. southwest, in Mesoamerica, the Mediterranean, South and Southeast Asia, and Papua New Guinea. Their investigations have focused on mortuary practices, forensics, settlement patterns, civilization collapse, art, religion, and much more.

• Benefit from Trent’s top-notch facilities and an emphasis on individual instruction.
• Study at the intersection of physical sciences, social sciences, and the humanities.
• See the world and while doing original research on a topic that you love.
• Gain the skills employers of today want – adaptability, resourcefulness, and versatility.

Anthropology M.A./M.Sc. website

Program Options

• M.A. or M.Sc.
• Full- or part-time studies
• Thesis-based program
• 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time to complete
• September intake only

​Admission Requirements 

• B.A. or B.Sc. honours degree (a four year undergraduate bachelor's degree) in Anthropology or a related field, or equivalent
• Minimum B+ (77%) or equivalent in the work of the last four semesters or the last two undergraduate years (last ten full credits)
• A foundation in appropriate research methodology

  A GRE test score is not required for admission into this program 

Required Documents

Transcripts

Post-secondary transcripts and graduation certificates (where applicable) of all previous undergraduate and graduate work are required.  This includes transcripts for courses taken on a Letter of Permission, for transfer credit, or on an exchange program.   Transcripts must show all course work completed and grades received.   If applicable, evidence of degree completion is required.  Transcripts must include a grading scale or legend.

Please note: Transcripts are not required to be official and final when applying to the School of Graduate Studies.   Official transcripts are only required to be submitted if an applicant receives an offer of admission.

Previous or current Trent University students do not need to submit a transcript for degree and course work completed at Trent University.   Transcripts must be submitted for any course work completed at another institution – i.e.) study abroad, letter of permission, transfer credit.

Two Letters of Reference

Academic references are required. Links for your referees to submit an online reference will be sent directly to the referees you have provided on your application. We recommend you contact your referees prior to submitting an application to confirm their availability and contact information. If your referee does not receive the link, you can suggest that your referee check their junk email folder and email setting.  The email may have unintentionally been blocked by their email server.

Proof of English Language Proficiency

Proficiency in English usage, both written and oral, is essential to pursue graduate studies at Trent University. It Is required for applicants to demonstrate an adequate level of English proficiency, regardless of their citizenship status or country of origin. Applicants who completed two or more years of post-secondary education at a university in Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the USA are exempt from this requirement. If you have completed two or more years of post-secondary education at a university where the primary language of instruction is English, the School of Graduate Studies is prepared to consider alternate proof of English language proficiency.

For detailed information about English Language Proficiency requirements, see International Applications. 

Plan of Study          template

Typically 1-2 pages, outlining applicant's objectives in a graduate program. Any specific research interests (if known), relevant experiences, and/or career aspirations can be included. The potential supervisor should be identified in your plan of study. 

A Writing Sample

Submit a sample of your writing of about 20 pages or less. Writing samples preferred format is PDF. Hard copies will not be accepted. Good choices for writing samples include:  an undergraduate essay, lab report, research report, journal article, a chapter from a masters thesis, or a published article. 

Additional information: 

Proof of Citizenship (ie. copy of passport or birth certificate) will be requested, only if an offer of admission is made.

Program contact information:

For any program specific inquiries or current application status, please contact the program directly: 

Email: anthrograd@trentu.ca

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