MSc Anthroengineering

A completely new academic course, MSC Anthroengineering, which for the first time brings together engineering (science of technology) and anthropology (science of humanity) has been approved to start teaching in September 2022, by London South Bank University (LSBU).

The course will be run with the Natural History Museum, London, giving students the opportunity to access world-renowned anthropological collections and work with Museum scientists specialising in anthropology, zoology and evolutionary biology.

LSBU’s MSC Anthroengineering course will be taught to up to 30 students who will be able to use the world’s first Anthroengineering lab which opens in September 2022 to support their high level research and study of the new subject.

One example of the type of work which the Anthroengineering lab will enable is motion capture (the process of recording the movement of objects or people) to discover new solutions to improve people’s quality of life.

About this degree

Are you intrigued to learn how cultures influence the design of products? This masters in Anthroengineering, which is one of the world’s first course of its kind, addresses generational challenges and demands of our daily lives which requires both technology and an understanding of humanity.

Anthroengineering combines two specialist fields, engineering and the application of science in technology, and anthropology, the science of understanding humanity by studying, among other things, its biology and culture.

Run in collaboration with the Museum, you will have a unique learning experience with industry guest speakers in our seminar series. Through this, you will be introduced to real-world applications of anthroengineering, pointing you towards potential career paths after the completion of your masters’ degree.

You will learn both individually and in groups. Each module is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical workshops, etc. all of which amounts to directed teaching (classroom contact).

There is a variance in the makeup of the number of hours dedicated to lectures, workshops, etc. but the total number of study hours attached to each module is dependent on the module weighting in credits.

Typically, a 20-credit module is attached to 200 hours of learning which constitutes both directed learning and independent learning (1 credit is equal to 10 hours). This is split between contact time and independent learning.

Generally, this equates to a maximum of 78 hours of contact time per module, and a minimum of 122 hours of independent learning time.

Modules

Modules are informed by applied research from within the department and from close links within industry and enterprise organisations.

There are two pathways being offered. Those with a background in engineering (or a similar field) take the Engineering Pathways. Those with a background in anthropology (or a similar field) are encouraged to take the Anthropology Pathway.

Engineering pathway

• Introduction to Anthropology and Biology
• Mechanical Modelling of Biological Systems I: Physical to Digital World
• Hard Tissue Biology and Mechanics
• Technical Research and Professional Skills
• Seminar Series
• Muscoskeletal Evolutionary Biomechanics
• Mechancial Modelling of Biological Systems II: Digital Models, Validation, and Interpretation
• Design Anthropology
• Project in Engineering

Anthropology pathway

• Solid Mechanics and Materials
• Mechanical Modelling of Biological Systems I: Physical to Digital World
• Hard Tissue Biology and Mechanics
• Technical Research and Professional Skills
• Seminar Series
• Muscoskeletal Evolutionary Biomechanics
• Mechancial Modelling of Biological Systems II: Digital Models, Validation, and Interpretation
• Design Anthropology
• Project in Engineering

Employability

During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to LSBU’s Employability Service, which includes:

• An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• A Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.